Cooking with celery root is easier than most people think, and it can turn into everything from a silky mash to a crispy side dish.
It’s a humble, knobby vegetable that often gets passed over at the grocery store simply because folks aren’t sure what to do with it.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook with celery root, you’re in for a treat because this ugly-duckling veggie is packed with flavor and versatility.
In this post, we’ll walk through what celery root actually is, how to prep it, and several tasty ways to cook with celery root at home.
Let’s get cooking.
What Is Celery Root and Why Cook With It?
Celery root, also called celeriac, is a type of celery grown for its bulbous root rather than its stalks.
You can cook with celery root the same way you’d cook with potatoes, parsnips, or turnips.
It has a mild, earthy flavor with hints of celery, parsley, and a touch of sweetness that makes it a natural fit in soups, mashes, and roasts.
The bulb is rough and hairy on the outside, but once you peel away that tough skin, you’re left with creamy white flesh that holds up beautifully to heat.
Because it’s low in starch and calories, it’s a favorite for anyone looking to cook with celery root as a lighter alternative to potatoes.
It also happens to be rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, so cooking with celery root isn’t just tasty, it’s good for you too.
1. It’s Surprisingly Versatile
The best part about learning how to cook with celery root is how many directions you can take it.
You can roast it, boil it, puree it, fry it, or even eat it raw in a slaw.
That versatility means you can cook with celery root in just about any dish where you’d normally reach for a root vegetable.
2. It Brings Big Flavor With Little Effort
Cooking with celery root doesn’t require a long list of spices because the vegetable does the heavy lifting on its own.
A little salt, pepper, butter, and fresh herbs are usually all you need to make celery root shine.
That subtle celery flavor pairs well with garlic, thyme, cream, and lemon, so it plays nicely with ingredients you probably already have.
How to Prep Celery Root Before You Cook It
Before you cook with celery root, you’ve got to deal with that gnarly exterior.
Here’s the simple way to get it ready:
1. Trim and Peel
Start by slicing off the top and bottom of the bulb so it sits flat on your cutting board.
Then use a sharp knife to cut away the thick, fibrous skin, following the curves of the root.
You can also use a vegetable peeler for the smoother sections, though a knife works better for the knobby parts.
2. Cut Into Even Pieces
Once peeled, cut the celery root into chunks, slices, or cubes depending on your recipe.
Even pieces mean even cooking, so take your time here.
If you’re not cooking with celery root right away, drop the pieces into a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon to keep them from browning.
3. Mind the Size
Smaller pieces cook faster, so if you’re in a hurry, cut them smaller.
Larger chunks are great for roasting because they stay tender inside while getting golden on the outside.
Just remember that however you cut it, you’re only a few steps away from a delicious dish once you cook with celery root.
Easy Ways to Cook With Celery Root
Now for the fun part.
Here are some of the simplest and most rewarding ways to cook with celery root.
1. Roast It
Roasting is probably the easiest way to cook with celery root.
Toss peeled cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of thyme.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway.
The edges get caramelized and nutty while the inside turns soft and sweet.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving and you’ve got a side dish that’ll impress anyone.
2. Mash It
If you love mashed potatoes, you’ll love mashed celery root.
Boil peeled chunks in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and mash with butter, cream, and a pinch of nutmeg.
You can also cook with celery root and potatoes together for a lighter, more flavorful mash.
The result is silky, comforting, and just different enough to feel special.
3. Turn It Into Soup
Cooking with celery root in soup is a game changer.
Sauté onions and garlic, add cubed celery root and potatoes, then cover with broth and simmer until soft.
Blend it smooth, stir in a splash of cream, and season to taste.
You’ll end up with a velvety soup that tastes fancy but took almost no effort.
4. Make a Slaw
For a fresh, crunchy option, cook with celery root by not cooking it at all.
Julienne raw celery root and toss it with shredded apple, lemon juice, olive oil, and a little Dijon mustard.
It’s crisp, tangy, and a perfect side for grilled meats or sandwiches.
5. Fry It
Yes, you can cook with celery root by frying it too.
Slice it thin, fry until golden, and sprinkle with sea salt for homemade chips that beat anything from a bag.
You can also cut it into matchsticks for a lighter take on fries.
So, How Do You Cook With Celery Root?
You cook with celery root by treating it like the versatile root vegetable it is.
Peel it, cut it, and then roast, mash, boil, fry, or shred it depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Learning how to cook with celery root opens up a whole new world of cozy, flavorful dishes that don’t cost much and don’t take long.
So next time you spot that knobby bulb at the market, grab it and give one of these methods a try.