Parsnip Puree

This parsnip puree is like the fluffiest mashed potatoes you can imagine. Thanks to the parsnips and roasted garlic, it's rich, nutty, and delicious.

Jeanine
Donofrio

Phoebe
Moore

Updated: Mar 12, 2025

This year, this parsnip puree is taking the place of the mashed potatoes at our Thanksgiving dinner. You might be thinking, “What?! That’s crazy!” You’re not alone. That’s what Jack thought too. He’s a big mashed potato purist. Last year’s cauliflower mashed potatoes were a stretch for him, so parsnip puree sans potatoes seemed pretty nuts. Well, good news! Both of us couldn’t stop eating the puree by the spoonful before it made it to the table. It’s rich and nutty, with an amazing light and fluffy texture. Mashed-potato-purist approved! Jack loved this recipe, and I think you will too.

Parsnip Puree Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this parsnip puree recipe:

• Parsnips! If you’ve never cooked with parsnips before, you’re in for a treat. They have a nutty, complex flavor that makes this puree really unique.
• Cauliflower – Many parsnip puree recipes call for cream or butter, but blended cauliflower supplies the same creamy, luscious texture. It’s so much healthier, too!
• Roasted garlic – It elevates the nutty flavor of the parsnips.
• Lemon juice – For brightness.
• Fresh rosemary – It adds earthy, cozy fall flavor.
• Olive oil – It adds enough richness to make this decidedly healthy dish taste the right amount of unhealthy. Yum!

Just add salt and pepper to make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Parsnip Puree

Another reason that I love this recipe as compared to mashed potatoes is that it’s so darn easy! You make it in the blender, so there’s no mashing (or worrying that your potatoes will be gummy or lumpy) involved. If you can, use a high-speed blender to get a really light, airy texture.

When you’re ready to cook, roast the garlic until it’s brown and tender. While it cooks, boil the parsnips and cauliflower until they’re both fork-tender.

When all the veggies are ready, add them to the blender along with the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and blend until the parsnip puree is totally smooth. Before you eat, stir in the minced rosemary and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!

Like all the best fall side dishes, this parsnip puree reheats perfectly. Just blend it, store it in the fridge, (give it a stir) and reheat it when you’re ready to serve! Make it up to two days in advance.

More Favorite Fall Side Dishes

If you love this parsnip puree, try one of these fall side dish recipes next:

• Oven Roasted Potatoes
• Perfect Baked Potato
• Baked Sweet Potato
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Roasted Acorn Squash
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

For more fall side dish recipes, check out this post!

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Parsnip Puree

rate this recipe:

4.97 from 55 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 40 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Serves 6 to 8 as a side

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This parsnip puree has a delicious nutty flavor and light, fluffy texture. We love it as a healthy holiday side dish.

Ingredients

• ▢ 5 medium parsnips (1 pound), peeled & chopped into 1-inch pieces
• ▢ 1 medium cauliflower (2 pounds), broken into pieces, including the cores
• ▢ 5 cloves Roasted Garlic
• ▢ 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
• ▢ ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ▢ ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ 1 heaping teaspoon minced rosemary
• ▢ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Tip: roast the garlic in advance and store any extra cloves in the freezer.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and boil the parsnips and cauliflower for 10 to 12 minutes or until fork tender. Transfer to a blender.
• Add the roasted garlic to the blender along with the olive oil, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Blend, using the blender baton to push down the contents, and blend to a smooth consistency. If necessary, add a bit of water or broth to get the blender moving, but do so sparingly so the puree doesn’t become too thin. Taste and add the additional ½ teaspoon of salt, if desired.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and stir in the rosemary while the mash is still warm. Add a drizzle of olive oil, more pepper, if desired, and serve hot.