Cast Iron Keto
menu icon
subscribe
search icon
Ɨ

Keto Scalloped TurnipsĀ šŸ„—

Published: Ā· Updated: by Ā· 17 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Introducing our Keto Scalloped Turnips recipe! If you love the rich flavors of scalloped potatoes but need a low-carb option, this dish is for you. We've used turnips instead of potatoes to create a creamy, cheesy delight, keeping the taste you love while cutting back on the carbs. Let's start cooking this wonderful dish!

Keto Scalloped Turnips close up shot of bubbly cheese
Jump to:

Preparation and cooking overview

Making our keto scalloped turnips is simple and quick! First, sautƩ onions and thyme in butter, then microwave heavy cream and cream cheese to make a creamy sauce. Next, layer sliced turnips in a dish, add the onions and butter and pour the cream sauce on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake until golden. In just about 90 minutes, you'll enjoy a low-carb dish that's just as delicious as traditional scalloped potatoes.

Chef's note

If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, it's simple to do. Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free option like Miyoko's. Use a dairy-free cream cheese like Tofutti instead of regular cream cheese. For the heavy cream, unsweetened plain almond milk works great. These changes make the dish just as tasty without any dairy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 12 Servings

šŸ„— Ingredients for this keto scalloped turnips recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for these low carb scalloped turnips:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • Ā½ cup minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 8 ounces of cream cheese 
  • 1 cup heavy cream 
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Ā¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced turnips (about 6 small/medium turnips)

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Unsalted butter: Use ghee or coconut oil as a substitute.
  • Cream cheese: Opt for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative made from cashews or almonds.
  • Heavy cream: Replace it with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.

Additional ingredients

Want to add some extra flavor to your dish? Here's how:

  • Garlic: Mix in minced garlic to give a savory touch.
  • Cheddar cheese: Add shredded cheddar between layers or on top for a creamy, cheesy taste.
  • Crumbled bacon: Top with crispy, crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty flavor.
  • Fresh herbs: Try rosemary or parsley to bring in fresh and aromatic flavors.
  • Red pepper flakes: Add a sprinkle for a hint of spiciness.
  • raw sliced turnips topped with sautĆ©ed herbed onions and butter
  • raw sliced turnips topped with sautĆ©ed herbed onions and butter in a cast iron skillet

Cooking tools required

To make this scalloped turnips recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Skillet or sautĆ© pan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Cutting board and knife
  • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet

Tools substitute options

  • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, opt for an oven-safe baking dish or casserole dish of a similar size.

How to make Keto Scalloped Tunrips: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • SautĆ©ing
  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Measure and gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe.
  2. Chop or mince the onion and fresh thyme.
  3. Peel and thinly slice the turnips. Set aside for later use. 

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350Ā°F (180Ā°C).
  2. In a 10-inch or larger cast-iron skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and thyme. Stir them around for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to turn brown. Then, take them out of the pan and put them to the side.
  3. In a bowl that can go in the microwave, melt together the heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, and pepper until they're all mixed smoothly.
  4. In the same skillet, lay down one layer of turnips so they overlap just a bit. Add some of the onion and a few small cubes of butter on top. Do this two more times to make three layers in total.
  5. Pour the cream sauce you made over the top of everything.
  6. Cover the skillet with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake it for another 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Chef's pro tip

Spread the turnips, onion, and cream sauce evenly in the skillet. When adding the cream sauce, make sure to pour it slowly and evenly over the turnips and onion, so all parts of the dish get covered with the tasty sauce. Don't rush the layering process; taking a little extra time to arrange everything neatly ensures the dish cooks evenly and tastes delicious.

What to serve with keto scalloped turnips

Enjoy this keto turnip recipe as a stand-alone dish, or pair it with other side dishes for a complete meal. Here are some examples:

Keto Scalloped Turnips cooked in a cast iron skillet with a spoon laying on top

How to make it healthier

You can make this low-carb recipe even healthier by following these tips:

  • Reduce sodium: Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added butter and cream cheese, and cut down on the added salt.
  • Choose organic: Pick organic ingredients like unsalted butter, onions, thyme, and turnips.
  • Lower fat content: Use almond milk or mix almond milk with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
  • Add vegetables: Mix in low-carb veggies such as thinly sliced zucchini or spinach between the turnip layers for extra nutrition and fiber.
  • Use lighter cheese options: Try reduced-fat or part-skim cream cheese, and try using lower-fat cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-cut turnips: Buy pre-peeled and pre-sliced turnips from the grocery store.
  • Make double batches: When making this recipe, double the quantities and assemble two skillets at once. 

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Slice the turnips: Peel and thinly slice the turnips ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all the ingredients needed for this recipe ahead of time. Store them in a container or prep bowls for easy access while cooking.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Store the cooked scallop turnips in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Note: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the texture of the turnips may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place a portion of the scalloped turnips in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350Ā°F (180Ā°C). Transfer the desired amount of scalloped turnips to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed to your liking.
  • Stove: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the desired amount and gently stir until heated through.

Note: Pay attention to the texture and adjust the heating time as needed to avoid overcooking or drying out the dish.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

That's it for our Keto Scalloped Turnips recipe! With these instructions, you can turn turnips into a creamy and satisfying dish that's perfect for anyone following a low-carb diet. Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced chef, give this recipe a try. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you'll have a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional scalloped potatoes. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, turnips are considered a keto-friendly vegetable. They are low in carbohydrates and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a ketogenic diet.

If you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.

Absolutely! While cream cheese provides a creamy texture, you can experiment with other keto-friendly cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere for a different flavor profile.

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and unsweetened almond milk. To make it vegan, ensure all ingredients are plant-based, including cheeses and butter substitutes.

šŸ“– Recipe

Keto Scalloped Turnips close up shot of bubbly cheese

Keto Scalloped Turnips

This Keto Scalloped Turnips recipe transforms turnips into a creamy, low-carb dish. It's a delicious alternative to traditional scalloped potatoes.
4.79 from 19 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: holiday
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 187kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided, dairy-free if plant-based
  • Ā½ cup minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 8 ounces cream cheese dairy-free if plant-based
  • 1 cup heavy cream unsweetened plain almond milk for dairy-free
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Ā¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced turnips about 6 small/medium turnips
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350Ā° F.
  • In a 10-inch or larger cast-iron skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and thyme. Stir them around for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to turn brown. Then, take them out of the pan and put them to the side.
  • In a bowl that can go in the microwave, melt together the heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, and pepper until they're all mixed smoothly.
  • In the same skillet, lay down one layer of turnips so they overlap just a bit. Add some of the onion and a few small cubes of butter on top. Do this two more times to make three layers in total.
  • Pour the cream sauce you made over the top of everything.
  • Cover the skillet with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake it for another 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Scalloped Turnips
Amount Per Serving
Calories 187 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 58mg19%
Sodium 304mg13%
Potassium 171mg5%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 690IU14%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 55mg6%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
«
»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sonja says

    Hello! Made this last night for Thanksgiving and they were AWESOME! Tasted so creamy & deliciously rich, just like Scalloped Potatoes. However, I did add (1) IMPORTANT ingredient that was missing from your recipe. Gruyere Cheese! Julia Childā€™s Scalloped Potatoes has this and so I thought Iā€™d add it. Makes all the difference in the world. Give it a try! But otherwise they were the bomb. Wonā€™t miss potatoes anymore when I can make these. Thank you so much šŸ™‚

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      That's a great addition, gruyere is one of my favorite cheeses! Really glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

    • Terri Iverson says

      About how much Gruyere Cheese did you add?

      Reply

  2. Kathy says

    I added shredded chedder cheese and butter pieces in between layers of cream and turnips....too bad I couldn't add a photo to the comments...YUMMY!

    Reply

  3. Anu says

    Gorgeous! I eyeballed the ingredients (more cream cheese and onions, less cream, some garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, fresh parsley on top) but it still came out perfectly, tasted just like scalloped potatoes but better. Thank you so much šŸ™‚

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  4. Tamera Alexander says

    I just made these tonight to go with our Fillets and Ribeyes for our SuperBowl dinner. DELICIOUS! So creamy. Perfect texture. I just read the comment about adding Gruyere cheese and will definitely try that next time. Really appreciate your recipes and your site. My husband and I are both Keto and love this lifestyle. And cooking with cast iron! I'm planning to make your dinner rolls this week. Thanks again!

    Reply

  5. Jessica says

    This looks delicious! Do you think I could prepare this the night before to be baked the next day

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Yes, for sure!

      Reply

  6. Bigmista says

    This is definitely going on the recipe list!

    Reply

  7. s. johnson says

    These are amazing! I am so excited to have found a potato replacement! Thank you

    Reply

  8. Connie says

    Can this be made a day ahead???

    Reply

  9. Don says

    I changed out the time for Rosemary from my garden; added a bunch of minced Garlic and a mixture of cheeses like fontina, parmessean, etc.

    Not missing potatoes anymore! Thanks.

    Reply

  10. Summer says

    5 stars
    So good! I think we like this better than potatoes! Best side for low carb we have had in a while!

    Reply

  11. Terri Iverson says

    About how much Gruyere Cheese would you add?

    Reply

  12. Stacy says

    5 stars
    I almost did have the family fooled tonight with our Easter dinner. These were amazing and I don't normally care for turnips!

    Reply

  13. Teri says

    5 stars
    This recipe is hands down the best scalloped turnip recipe. I have made this several times for my non-keto family and have to say we never have leftovers

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating