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Today I’m sharing a simple recipe for the best vegetable side dish you’ve never heard of: roasted parsnips.
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Easy Roasted Parsnips
When baked in the oven, parsnips take on the texture of roasted potatoes with irresistibly golden brown exteriors and caramelized flavor. Who can say no to that? Paired with my all-purpose roasted vegetable seasoning and they are downright addictive. So if this will be your first time trying parsnips, this recipe, my friend, is the perfect introduction.
What do Roasted Parsnips Taste Like?
While parsnips aren’t exactly appealing raw, they acquire a nutty, caramelized taste and fork-tender texture when roasted. That’s because roasting brings out the natural sugars in vegetables, giving them a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved when steamed.
How to Cut Parsnips
Once the parsnips are washed and peeled, cut them into ½-inch thick rounds or strips. You want them to be the same shape and size, so they cook evenly, and all the pieces finish simultaneously.
You can also peel and slice parsnips a few nights before roasting, but they do brown when cut and exposed to air, so store them in an airtight container filled with water and 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice.
How to Roast Parsnips
This recipe is simple to make and goes quickly, so grab your sheet pan, roasted vegetable seasoning, parsnips, and let’s get to it!
- Season
Add the washed and cut parsnips to a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with vegetable seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine. - Roast
Spread the pieces in an even layer on the baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes at 400F, flipping halfway through, or until they have lightly browned edges and a fork is easily inserted into the center. Remove from the oven and serve with your choice of entreé.
Watch this video to see me do every step of this recipe for roasted parsnips:
Just like any roasted vegetable recipe, this is an excellent way to make it a sheet pan meal by adding your choice of protein such as chicken, smoked sausage, and pork. Just cut the protein into a similar size as the vegetables and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
What to Serve with Roasted Parsnips
If you’re looking for healthy side dish ideas to round out weeknight dinners or make any holiday meal complete, these roasted parsnips are an excellent option. They pair deliciously well with melt-in-your-mouth chicken, juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, and baked sausage & peppers.
Perfect Roasted Parsnips Recipe
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs parsnips, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick strips or rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons roasted vegetable seasoning, or your choice of seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season:
- Add the parsnips to the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with seasoning mix and salt. Toss the ingredients to combine.
Roast:
- Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes or until the parsnips are lightly browned and fork-tender.
Mary Elizabeth says
I’ve never actually had a parsnip, so I’m excited to try this new veggie! Your post made it so easy for me to feel like I can make these for the first time.