Roasted Root Vegetables are an easy way to mix up your easy weeknight meals and add in some new flavors without any extra effort.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are a quick and easy way to make your normal weeknight meals taste like they’re special holiday meals.
We’re all used to roasted carrots as a side dish, or even a mix of say, Rainbow Roasted Vegetables but with an easy swap of roasted root vegetables you’ll be able to introduce new and more unique vegetables to your family meal with no extra effort. Plus, with their rich colors and earthy flavors, roasted root vegetables make a festive and delicious addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
So what vegetables am I talking about here?
Parsnips:
What are the differences between Parsnips and Carrots? Parsnips are the carrot’s blonder cousin but the flavor is SO MUCH better, less sweet and more filling. Parsnips vs. Carrots is an interesting conversation because parsnips taste more intense, have a more fibrous texture and are slightly spicier than carrots. Carrots on the other hand are softer, creamier and just 100% sweet when roasted.
Turnips:
What do turnips taste like? They’re peppery, like radishes, but when roasted they can have the flavor of roasted cauliflower or cabbage. Turnips that are boiled before roasting can also help remove some of the bite, but I love them roasted without boiling. Turnips are an unsung hero of the roasted vegetable game.

Carrots:
The classic roasted vegetable I love including carrots because they make the tray of roasted root vegetables much more approachable. They’re sweet so the more strongly flavored veggies will be mellowed out by the carrots.
Rutabagas:
What do Rutabagas taste like? I wanted to include these so badly because they are the best at mimicking potatoes when roasted but my whole neighborhood was out of them! They’re a delicious addition to a roasted root vegetable platter and you 100% should include them.
Fibrous vegetables like these root vegetables are going to be a great healthy addition to your meal, they’re higher in fiber and have great nutritional value.

Looking for more roasted side dishes?
Tools Used in the Making of these Oven Roasted Root Vegetables:
Sheet Pan: A good quality sheet pan, I keep a stack of these in my kitchen. And they don’t need to be expensive. Just make sure you keep the food from touching each other/in a single layer for optimal roasting.
My Favorite Knife: This is a funny one to mention but I will because there is so much chopping here. I have almost everything you’d imagine Williams-Sonoma would sell including a super expensive Shun Knife Set. Instead of using that, I use this knife every single time I cook. I bought it in 2005 and the whole set was 20$ The knife I love is the rock ‘n chop one with the ball on top and the curved blade. Never been sharpened and I can cut anything with it. Total knife love. Also, 1200 reviews on Amazon can’t be wrong. This knife is amazing.
Vegetable Peeler: On that note, this peeler has been in my kitchen since 2010 and is as sharp as ever. The peels are also super thin so you don’t trash a lot of your vegetables when peeling them.


Ingredients
- 3 medium turnips about softball sized
- 5 carrots
- 4 parsnips
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash and peel the vegetables and cut them into 1 – 1 ½ inch chunks.
- In one large bowl add 2 tablespoons of oil, salt and pepper and gently toss the vegetables in it.
- Arrange the vegetables in a single layer onto your cookie sheet.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes or until they’re just starting to brown and they are fork tender.
Video
Nutrition

Photo used in a previous version of this post.

Sabrina, your roasted root veggies are identical to my wifes, and are delicious! We found adding ground nutmeg makes them even better. Give it a try ! Thanks for your post !
David & Linda Smith, Toano Va.
I made this last night and it was a huge hit. We’ll definitely be having it often!
I love root vegetables! Turnips are my favorite. I even put a large turnip in my vegetable soup. So good. I will try this trio, if I can find parsnips and add a rutabaga if I can find it. thanks for sharing, Sabrina.
I subscribed to Dinner Then Dessert because I like seeing new recipes and ideas for dinner. You have great recipes but unfortunately I feel overwhelmed with pop-up ads. I know this is how you earn money but it has gotten ridiculous. There are too many ads and for that reason I want to unsubscribe.
Could you throw in some daikons?
Sure 🙂
I love my veggies done up like this!
Thanks Allyson!
Sounds like a great side dish for the upcoming holiday.
Thanks, Jacque!
I love root vegetables, and these are just perfect!
Thanks Amanda!
This is the perfect side dish for winter — so comforting, too!
I just love the flavor that roasting brings out! Bring on those veggies!
I am going to have to try this out! It looks good!
Thanks, I hope you enjoy it!