Cheesy Rutabaga Potato Mash Vegan Recipe Made Easy

If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy, and delightfully cheesy vegan side dish, look no further than this Cheesy Rutabaga Potato Mash. Combining the earthy sweetness of rutabaga with the classic creaminess of potatoes, this mash is elevated by a luscious vegan cheese sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

Perfect for cozy dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you want a nutritious take on traditional mashed potatoes, this recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy root vegetables with a cheesy twist — all without any dairy.

Rutabaga is often overlooked, but its subtly sweet and slightly peppery flavor complements potatoes beautifully, adding a unique dimension to this mash. Plus, this recipe is entirely plant-based and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it suitable for vegans and anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Rutabaga Potato Mash is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses rutabaga, a nutrient-dense root vegetable that’s full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

When paired with creamy potatoes, it creates a satisfying texture that’s both smooth and hearty.

Secondly, the vegan cheese sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast adds a rich, savory flavor without any dairy, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or anyone following a vegan lifestyle.

The recipe is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and equipment, meaning you can whip it up quickly on busy weeknights or for special occasions.

Lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different herbs, spices, or toppings to suit your taste, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes.

It’s a delicious way to sneak more veggies onto your plate while indulging in that classic comfort food feel.

Ingredients

• 2 medium rutabagas (about 2 pounds), peeled and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling vegetables
• Colander or strainer
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the rutabagas and potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
2. Boil the rutabagas and potatoes: Place the chopped rutabaga and potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
3. Drain and mash: Drain the cooked vegetables well in a colander. Return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the rutabagas and potatoes until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
4. Make the vegan cheese sauce: While the vegetables cook, drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with nutritional yeast, almond milk, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust the almond milk quantity to reach your desired sauce consistency.
5. Combine mash and sauce: Pour the vegan cheese sauce over the mashed rutabagas and potatoes. Stir well to combine until the mash is creamy and evenly coated with cheesy flavor.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to balance the flavors.
7. Serve: Transfer the cheesy rutabaga potato mash to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, toast the cashews lightly before soaking.

If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more plant-based milk a tablespoon at a time while blending.

Try adding roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

You can also add steamed kale or spinach to the mash for extra greens and nutrients. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the cheese sauce.

This mash pairs well with vegan sausages, lentil loaf, or your favorite plant-based protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Rutabaga Potato Mash is a fantastic side dish for any meal. It pairs beautifully with hearty vegan mains such as lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, or vegan meatballs.

For a holiday feast, serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce for a colorful, comforting plate.

For an extra special touch, drizzle a little truffle oil or sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top before serving. You can also add a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the mash.

Looking for more delicious vegetable-based recipes? Check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for another comforting veggie side, or try the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add tangy spice to your meals.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Rutabaga Potato Mash is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and subtly sweet flavors that bring new life to traditional mashed potatoes. Its vegan-friendly ingredients and simple preparation make it an excellent choice for both everyday dinners and festive occasions.

Not only does it offer a nutritious boost with rutabaga and wholesome cashews, but it also satisfies comfort food cravings without any dairy or animal products. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust seasonings and add your favorite herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Give this mash a try and discover how wonderfully rutabaga can complement potatoes in a luscious, cheesy mash. Don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes like our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a hearty main or indulge your sweet tooth with the creamy Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

Happy cooking!

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