Turnip and Apple Casserole

This is the best turnip and apple casserole recipe. This dish was inspired by the Turnips 'N' Apples Casserole from the Best of Bridge Cookbook. Made with turnips, apples, coconut sugar, cinnamon and almond flour this is a healthy version of that classic side dish. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any fall occasion.

Why you will love this recipe:

• This classic turnip casserole tastes amazing! It could pass for dessert it tastes so good. The combination of apples, the almond flour crumble crust and turnips blends perfectly together to create the perfect side dish.
•  It's perfect for any holiday meal, including Thanksgiving or Christmas but is also great to serve any time of the year.
• This turnip and apple bake can be made ahead of time and stores well in the fridge so it's great for meal prep.
• The whole family will love this healthy comfort food. 
• This turnip apple casserole is a healthy alternative to the classic Turnips 'N' Apples Casserole recipe from The Best of Bridge Cookbook and this version is paleo, dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free and vegan!
• This apple casserole is made without apple sauce and without maple syrup.
• If you love apple recipes you will also love healthy apple crumble.

Key ingredients and substitutions:

• Turnips - this beautifully versatile root vegetable takes on the most delicious and sweet flavour when paired with the apples.
• Red Apples - there are so many apples to choose from but I think red apples like gala, ambrosia or honeycrisp are best for this recipe.
• Coconut sugar - a healthier alternative to brown sugar, coconut sugar helps add the perfect sweet flavour to this dish. If you don't have coconut sugar you can use brown sugar instead.
• Cinnamon - cinnamon, sugar and apples has to be one of the best combinations ever! It gives this casserole that perfect fall flavour. 
• Almond Flour - to make the perfectly crispy crust on top while keeping this recipe gluten free. Just be sure to use almond flour, and not almond meal.

How to make this recipe:

Step one:

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step two:

Next, bring a large pot of water to boil on the stovetop.

Step three:

While you wait for the water to boil, peel and chop the turnips.

Step four:

Once the water is boiling, add the chopped turnips to the pot and turn the heat down to medium. Boil the turnips until they are soft. This should take about 20 minutes.

Step five:

While the turnips are boiling, peel and cut the apples into slices approximately 3-4mm thick.

Step six:

Add the slices apples to a large bowl with the cinnamon and coconut sugar. Give the apples a toss so they get coated in the cinnamon and sugar and then set the bowl aside.

Step seven:

Once the turnips are soft, pour the water out of the pot and add the coconut oil and salt. Mash the turnips until they are nice and smooth.

Step eight:

In a casserole dish, layer the mashed turnips and apples. You should have enough for 2 layers of each.

Step nine:

Place the crust ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a pastry blender or fork.

Step ten:

Transfer the crust ingredients to the top of the casserole and spread it out evenly. Cover the casserole dish with the lid and bake the dish for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and then serve and enjoy!

Tips and variations:

• Instead of coconut oil you could use butter, ghee or a vegan butter.
• Use an immersion blender to quickly and easily mash your turnips. 

How to serve:

This healthy side dish is best served warm. It is the perfect recipe to serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner but it could also be eaten anytime. It pairs really well with roasted turkey or cooked ham.

To prepare ahead of time:

To prepare this vegetable casserole ahead of time, assemble the casserole and keep it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to cook, bake it for 60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How to store:

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Frequently asked questions:

Other recipes you will love:

• Apple pie bars
• Kale and apple salad
• Pumpkin and sweet potato soup
• Healthy pumpkin risotto
• Creamy cauliflower soup

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