Recipes

Roasted Garlic Turnip Mash with Herbed Chicken

Posted by Niel Neethling on 17 August 2025

Difficulty: Moderate

Prep Time: 45 min

Cooking Time: 90 min

This roasted garlic turnip mash is a game-changer for anyone bored with regular mash. The earthy sweetness of purple top turnips blends perfectly with roasted garlic butter, creating a creamy, flavourful side. Paired with herb roasted chicken breast, it’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels special. This roasted turnip recipe is all about big flavours with minimal fuss, ready to impress in about an hour.

Why Roasted Garlic and Turnips Work So Well

Roasting garlic turns its sharp bite into a sweet, mellow dream, perfect for adding depth to your mash. Purple top turnips, with their slightly peppery, earthy vibe, soften and sweeten when roasted, making them a brilliant match. Together, they create a roasted garlic turnip mash that’s rich, comforting, and just a bit different. It’s a side dish that steals the show, especially when paired with fragrant herb roasted chicken breast.

Picking the Best Ingredients

Start with fresh purple top turnips—look for firm ones with smooth, vibrant skin. Smaller ones are sweeter and less bitter. For garlic, choose plump bulbs with tight, dry skin to get that perfect roasted garlic butter texture. When picking chicken breasts, go for boneless and free-range if you can; they cook evenly and taste better. Quality ingredients make all the difference in this roasted turnip recipe.

Roasting Garlic Like a Pro

Roasting garlic is the secret to this dish’s magic. Slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 200°C for 40 minutes until soft and golden. If you’ve got a garlic roaster, follow its instructions for a slightly bolder flavour. For a quick fix, use an air fryer at 190°C for 20 minutes. The result? Creamy, sweet garlic that melts into your roasted garlic turnip mash.

Roasting Turnips for the Best Mash

Roasting purple top turnips brings out their natural sweetness, making them perfect for mashing. Peel and chop them into even chunks for uniform cooking. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking tray. Roast at 220°C for 30 minutes until tender and golden. These roasted turnips are the heart of your roasted garlic turnip mash, giving it a smooth, earthy base.

Making the Roasted Garlic Turnip Mash

Here’s how to whip up this roasted turnip recipe:

Ingredients:
- 4 medium purple top turnips, peeled and cubed
- 1 bulb garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (for roasted garlic butter)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
Roast the Turnips: Toss turnip cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 220°C for 30 minutes until golden and tender.
Roast the Garlic: Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 200°C for 40 minutes.
Mash: Cool turnips slightly, then mash with squeezed roasted garlic cloves. Add milk or cream for smoothness and 1 tbsp butter for richness. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil and mixed herbs for 30 minutes. Roast at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 75°C.
Serve: Scoop mash onto plates, add a drizzle of roasted garlic butter, and serve with sliced herb roasted chicken breast.

Herb Roasted Chicken Breast

The herb roasted chicken breast is the perfect partner for your roasted garlic turnip mash. Marinate the chicken with olive oil, garlic, and a mix of thyme, rosemary, and parsley for at least 30 minutes. Roast until golden and juicy, hitting 75°C inside. The fragrant herbs complement the earthy mash, making every bite a delight.

Plating and Variations

Make your plate pop by scooping a generous portion of roasted garlic turnip mash in the centre, nestling the herb roasted chicken breast beside it. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of colour. Try mixing in grated cheddar for a cheesy mash or adding roasted carrots for extra veggies. A drizzle of roasted garlic butter over the chicken adds a luxurious touch.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Want a flawless roasted turnip recipe? Taste as you go to nail the seasoning. If your mash is too thick, add more milk a splash at a time. For juicier chicken, don’t skip the marinating step. If the garlic isn’t soft enough, roast it a bit longer. Got questions? Try these:

Mash too lumpy? Roast turnips until very tender and mash thoroughly.
Chicken dry? Check temperature early to avoid overcooking.
Want it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and pair with roasted veggies.

Nutrition and Storage

This roasted garlic turnip mash is packed with goodness—turnips are low in calories and high in vitamins. The herb roasted chicken breast adds lean protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to revive the mash’s creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Roasted garlic turnip mash with herb roasted chicken breast is comfort food with a twist. The sweet, earthy purple top turnips and roasted garlic butter create a side that’s anything but ordinary, while the fragrant chicken keeps it satisfying. This roasted turnip recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests, making it a go-to for cosy dinners.