Crispy Roast Parsnips (Easy 3-Ingredient Side)

These roast parsnips are a real treat! They’re a quick and easy side dish featuring earthy flavors that pair well with many mains. This recipe gives you a crisp outside and tender center with just three ingredients. Serve the roasted parsnips with my Slow Cooker Gammon for the perfect Sunday roast dinner, make-ahead meal, or holiday gathering.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Here is why this is the perfect side dish for your weekly rotation:

• So easy: If you are wondering how to roast parsnips with minimal effort, this is it! Minimal ingredients and steps make this dish quick, easy, and delicious! Try serving them with Easy Chicken Piccata.
• Just 3 ingredients: What’s better than roast parsnips that only require three ingredients?!
• Hearty & healthy: Filled with nutrients, learning how to cook parsnips gives you the best, healthiest side dish. The Jennifer Aniston Salad is another great option! 

Serve these roasted parsnips with Tender Braising Steak with Gravy, Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, or Perfect Pan Fried Cod Recipe.

Ingredients

Here are the key items you need to make roast parsnips:

• Parsnips: The parsnips are the star, of course. However, you could use this parsnips recipe to prepare other veg instead if you don’t have parsnips on hand. This recipe will also work with carrots, potatoes, and even asparagus. Check out these Parmentier Potatoes for another root veg idea.
• Rosemary: Adding fresh rosemary provides a woody, citrusy taste to this roast parsnips recipe. Other fresh or dried herbs will also work, including marjoram, tarragon, sage, parsley, and thyme.
• Olive oil: Olive oil helps the roasted parsnips caramelise, giving them a delicious flavour. You can also use Homemade Butter instead for a richer taste.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

Here are a few ways you can adjust this recipe for roast parsnips to make the dish your own:

• Add sweetness: Add honey or maple syrup to this dish if you prefer sweet parsnips. Note that if you add sticky glazes, how long to roast parsnips might need to be reduced slightly to prevent burning. Check out this Simple Honey-Roasted Carrots & Parsnips Recipe if you love sweet glazes. 
• Change the flavour profile: The best way to cook roasted parsnips with a tangy flavour is by tossing the veg in mustard or honey mustard before roasting. You can also try seasonings like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, or toppings like parmesan cheese. 
• Add more veggies: Adding carrots or other root vegetable options can also make this recipe more filling. If you prefer a crisper veg, coat the parsnips in flour (or gluten-free flour) before you roast them.

How to make The Best Roast Parsnips

Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C)

1. Start by peeling your parsnips (Image 1).
2. To prevent burning, I sliced the parsnip in half so that the end is 1 piece (Image 2).

3. Then, slice the wider part of the parsnip into quarters lengthwise (Image 3).

4. Place the parsnips in a large baking tray and add a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Massage the parsnips and ensure the oil and seasoning is fully incorporated.  Evenly distribute across two baking sheets, and make sure the parsnips are spread out/not overlapping (Image 4).

5. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes before turning over and then cook the parsnips for a further 15 to 20 minutes until golden browned and crispy (Image 5).

6. Once ready, add the optional rosemary sprigs to the tray and toss to combine. This will flavour the parsnips. Pour into a serving plate and top with flakey salt and pepper (Image 6). 

Here are some delicious soup recipe ideas, to serve as a starter: Tomato & Lentil Soup, Green Chili Chicken Soup and Easy Bacon and Lentil Soup.

How to Prepare Parsnips for Roasting

What do roast parsnips taste like? When prepared properly, roast parsnips are super delicious! They have an earthy, slightly sweet, nutty, peppery taste. Roasted parsnips have a similar taste to roasted carrots, yet with a more complex taste profile.

Peeling and cutting: I recommend using medium-sized parsnips for this roast parsnips dish. Avoid large parsnips since they usually have an inedible core. If you’re using medium parsnips, use a veggie peeler to remove a thin layer of the outside before chopping. Slice the parsnip in half so that the thin end is one piece, then slice the wider part into quarters lengthwise. This makes all of the pieces fairly even in size.

Do you need to parboil parsnips? If you are roasting parsnips, you don’t need to parboil them. But you could, if you want to cut down on their baking time. 

Best oven temperature & time: It’s essential to know what temperature to roast parsnips at. They should be roasted at a high enough temperature, around 390°F (200°C). If the temperature is too low, the parsnips will not caramelise and turn golden brown. It can take anywhere from 25-40 minutes depending on size.

Serving Suggestions

Roast parsnips are a tasty side dish alongside roasts, roast beef, fish, baked chicken, and nearly any type of protein. They work well with holiday/special occasion sides, including mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. This roasted parsnips recipe is versatile enough to fit with your other dishes.

Try it with:

• Chicken Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
• TENDER Cast Iron Chicken Breast
• 30-Minute Cream of Mushroom Chicken
• Delicious Air Fryer Cod
• Best Air Fryer Gammon Joint (with glaze!)
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Easy & Creamy)

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator: Be sure to let the parsnips roast fully cool before packing it into an airtight container. Once packed, store the leftover roasted parsnips in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer: Roast parsnips freeze extremely well. Simply allow them to cool fully, freeze them in a single layer for about an hour, and then pack into an airtight container for up to three months.

Reheat: This is one recipe that you don’t need to defrost! Simply pop the frozen parsnips in the oven at 390°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep them crisp, or use an air fryer like in this Healthy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.

FAQs

Serve the parsnips with my Salmon Tray bake with Asparagus, Christmas Dinner or The BEST Crispy Bone-in Chicken Thighs.