25 Best Parsnip Recipes From Side Dishes to Main Courses

Swap out your usual go-to veggie dishes for these fabulous parsnip recipes.

Parsnips are hearty, slightly sweet, and incredibly nutritious. These veggies are a bit like a cross between a carrot and a potato.

And they’re packed full of potassium and vitamin C, so you’ll glow from the inside out!

Parsnips are also so much more versatile than you’d think. From honey roasted parsnips to baked parsnip fries, there’s plenty to get excited about.

So, grab your veg baskets and head down to the farmer’s market, because you need to try these delicious parsnip recipes. 

1. Garlic Butter Roasted Parsnips

Let’s kick this list off with a classic, roasted parsnips. 

As the title suggests, these roasted parsnips are coated in a lush garlic butter sauce.

They’re great little flavor-carrying vessels, and they’re the perfect side dish for a comforting winter meal.

Trust me, on cold, rainy winter nights, nothing beats these roasted goodies. 

2. Simple Parsnip with Oil and Herbs

In a hurry? Sometimes I need to whip up something quick and easy, and these roasted parsnips are as easy as can be.

Like I said before, roasting your parsnips is a great way to highlight all kinds of flavors.

This method of cooking brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes their sugars.

Simply toss them with oil, herbs, and salt, and pop them in the oven for 25 minutes, and you’re done!

3. Honey Roasted Parsnips

Calling all sweet tooths, did you know that veggies can be sweet too? No? Well, then you have to try these honey roasted parsnips!

The honey really brings out the parsnips’ natural sweetness. Fork-tender and lightly caramelized.

These roasted parsnips make a great snack or tasty side dish.

Did I mention they’re sweet?

4. Root Vegetable Tarte Tatin

If you love all things sweet, then you must love dessert. Give this wonderful veggie-centric take on a French classic a try.

A tarte Tatin is a French, caramelized apple based upside-down dessert. This recipe swaps out the apples for hearty parsnips.

And let me tell you, you won’t miss the apples one bit!

Candied root vegetables laid atop a buttery, flaky puff pastry crust, c’est magnifique!

5. Crockpot Rosemary Carrot Parsnip Mash {Paleo}

The colder months bring two of my favorite things: the holidays and winter warmers.

I love getting together with family and sharing a hot meal.

This Crockpot and parsnip mash is a healthy gluten-free and paleo side dish. Everyone loves it!

Best of all, it’s no stress and no mess. Simply throw your ingredients into a Crockpot and boom! The only hard part is the waiting.

6. Parsnip Puree

Mashed potatoes are everyone’s favorite side. That is, until you try this creamy parsnip puree.

Roasted garlic gives this dish a flavorful oomph. It’s rich, it’s fluffy, and it’s oh-so delicious.

This dish is bound to turn mashed potato fiends into parsnip fanatics!

Using only a handful of ingredients, you can have this light, fluffy miracle on the table in a breeze. 

7. Roasted Parsnip Spinach Salad

Looking for a way to jazz up your lunchtime salads?

This is a great way to use up leftovers. Wild rice, baby spinach, and roasted parsnips make up this magic meal.

But as always, feel free to use any kind of rice and veggies you like.

Great for meal prep or for when you’re on the go, this salad is super handy for busy bees. 

8. Slow Cooker Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup

On those cold winter days, this parsnip soup will warm you up from the inside out.

The secret to this soup is the cumin, which goes so well with root vegetables. A couple teaspoons adds a nice, curried flavor to this winter warmer. 

I love the sweet and earthy flavors of the parsnip and apple. This is lick-the-bowl-clean delish!

9. Parsnip Gratin with Gruyere and Thyme

Okay, now this cheesy goodness is the ultimate vegetarian side dish. Layers of gruyere cheese make this deliciously decadent. 

You won’t be able to get enough of the rich, creamy sauce. I’m drooling just thinking about it!

Packed full of parsnips and onions, you can guarantee maximum flavor (and clean plates).   

10. Parsnip and Orange Spiced Cake

It’s impossible to say no to a hearty slice of cake. Packed full of parsnips, this cake makes for a slightly healthier afternoon treat. 

You’ve heard of carrot cake. But, parsnip cake? Trust me, I know this sounds a little out there, but it doesn’t disappoint! 

Parsnips are a great alternative to carrots. They add a similar sweetness with a whole lot more fragrance.

11. Parsnip Loaf

You can never have enough cake. So here’s another yummy cake to add to your dessert table. 

The best part about parsnip cakes is their subtly nutty sweetness.

This fuss-free recipe only takes one bowl and is a great way to use up leftover parsnips.

It’s moist, dense, and only takes simple ingredients. 

12. Carrot Parsnip Soup

As soon as there’s a light chill in the air, I’m cranking out the soups. And recipe one is one of my all-time favorites. 

A creamy gem, this hearty soup is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and completely vegan. Perfect for when you’re looking for a healthy lunch. 

Be sure to make a lot, because you’ll want seconds! 

13. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip and Potato Mash

If you’re anything like me, you love a comfort meal. And the creamy potato mash and savory filling of a shepherd’s pie hits the spot!

Traditional shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb. But this vegan recipe swaps in lentils, which make the pie hearty and filling. 

Sautéed mushrooms also give the lentils in this recipe an extra boost of umami. This hearty meal will easily keep you full all day long. 

14. Italian-Style Pot Roast with Root Vegetables

Being a one-pot dish, pot roast is a dream to make and a dream to eat. This Italian-style pot roast with parsnips isn’t any different.

This is hard-core comfort food. Juicy, savory, and fall-apart tender, this pot roast is as easy to make as it is to eat.

All you have to do is throw chopped veggies and a boneless chuck roast into your Crockpot.

Pour in a jar of pasta sauce and leave it to cook. It really is that easy.

15. Roast Butternut Squash & Parsnip Soup

My idea of the perfect winter evening includes cozy blankets, a hot fire, and a big bowl of warm soup. 

After rushing home on a cold rainy night, you’re surely craving a hot meal.

And this roast butternut squash and parsnip soup will warm every inch of your soul. 

Topped with crispy chorizo, spiced chickpeas, and a crumbling of feta, this is one glorious bowl.  

16. Raw Parsnip Salad with Dates and Sage Vinaigrette

Who said salads had to be boring? In my opinion, a tasty salad can steal the show at any mealtime. 

And this elegant date and parsnip salad does exactly that.

This combo of shaved parsnips, sliced dates, and a simple sage vinaigrette will make a veggie lover out of anyone. 

17. Oven Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

It’s truly impressive how tasty every tray bake comes out. They’re a great way to really bring out the flavor of root veggies. 

This easy-to-cook carrot and parsnip tray bake is so quick and easy.

Simply spread the veggies out in a single layer and roast them in the oven. They’ll come out tender and superbly caramelized. How easy is that?

18. Root Vegetable Soup with Poblano Oil & Pomegranate Seeds

Okay, now this soup is seriously good. It’s light and flavorful with a slight hint of spice and sweetness.

This tasty recipe uses root veggies like parsnip, onion, and celery root for depth of flavor. They’re cooked until tender and blitzed until smooth and creamy.

For the topping, use poblano pepper, parsnips simmered in olive oil, and pomegranate seeds to add a wonderful crunch.

Finish the soup off with a zesty hit of lime and enjoy!

19. Spiced Parsnip & Carrot Soup

Homemade soup always tastes way better than the store-bought kind. That’s a no-brainer. 

And this spiced parsnip and carrot soup proves that. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so warming.

Curry powder adds a subtle depth of flavor that isn’t too spicy for those of you who don’t like heat. 

That said, if you’re a spicy fan add a sprinkling of chili flakes to this soup for an extra kick!

20. Root Vegetable Soup

This root vegetable soup is nutrient-rich, low-calorie, and absolutely delicious.

The pearl barley adds fiber, protein, and body that will have you begging for a second bowl.

Serve this soup with homemade croutons or warm crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Better yet, add a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Yum!

21. Roasted Parsnip and Garlic Soup with Mushrooms

One spoonful of this delectable soup and you’ll wish you’d have discovered it sooner.

As you might have noticed from this list, I can’t get enough of good soup. And this soup is really something special.

The parsnips add a lovely subtle sweetness. The mushrooms add a little earthiness and give it a cream of mushroom-type texture. 

I’ll be dreaming of this soup all day. It’s can’t-stop-eating levels of good. 

22. Roasted Garlic and Parsnip Soup

How about one last soup for the road?

This creamy, nutty, and sweet roasted garlic and parsnip soup is beyond heavenly.

The secret to the expert balance of savory sweetness is those caramelized onions. 

And great news! It’s super simple and only takes a few ingredients. 

23. Baked Parsnip Fries

In my household, we can’t get enough french fries. And some days, it’s nice to have a healthier alternative. 

These fries have a great crunch and are irresistibly sweet and salty. They make a great healthier backup to french fries.

So, swap out the potatoes for parsnips to make these healthy baked parsnip fries.

No one wants to give up their favorite fries. Luckily, parsnip fries are just as good!

24. Instant Pot Chicken Soup with Parsnips

Chicken soup is always a hit. It’s comforting, warming, and super nutritious. 

This is a great recipe for when you feel under the weather. You can think of it as a chicken noodle soup with the added goodness of parsnips. 

Don’t have noodles? Feel free to swap them out for rice or barley. Delish!

25. Spiralized Root Vegetable Salad

This is a salad you’re going to want to eat all year long. Love zoodles?

This spiralized parsnip recipe is just as refreshing for when you want a change of taste. 

Prepare it by tossing crisp spirals of parsnips (and any other root veggies you like) with herbs in a lemon vinaigrette.

Add a dollop of seasoned yogurt, hummus, and chopped nuts and seeds. 

It’s fresh, zesty, and good to the last bite!