You can cook celery root in so many delicious ways, and it deserves a lot more attention in your kitchen than it usually gets.
If you’ve ever stared at a knobby, slightly intimidating celery root at the farmers market and wondered what to cook with celery root, you’re in exactly the right place.
This humble vegetable is versatile, affordable, and packed with flavor, so there’s really no reason to walk past it.
In this post, we’ll look at what celery root actually is, the best ways to cook with it, and some simple recipes that make it shine.
Let’s get into it.
What to Cook With Celery Root: The Basics
The first thing to know when you’re figuring out what to cook with celery root is that it’s not the same as the celery stalks you snack on.
Celery root, also called celeriac, is a round, bulbous root vegetable with rough, hairy skin and creamy white flesh inside.
It tastes like a milder, sweeter version of celery with a hint of parsley, which makes it a fantastic base for soups, purees, and roasts.
You can cook celery root by boiling, roasting, mashing, or even eating it raw when it’s thinly sliced.
The key is to peel away that tough outer skin before you cook with it, because it’s too fibrous to chew.
Once peeled, celery root holds up well in the fridge for a week or more, so it’s a handy ingredient to keep around.
Now let’s talk about the specific dishes you can make when you’re wondering what to cook with celery root.
1. Creamy Celery Root Soup
One of the best answers to what to cook with celery root is a silky, comforting soup.
You simply saute some onion and garlic, add peeled and cubed celery root along with potatoes, and cover everything with stock.
After about twenty minutes of simmering, you blend it until smooth and finish with a splash of cream or coconut milk.
The result is a velvety soup that tastes elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight.
This is one of my favorite ways to cook with celery root because it highlights its natural flavor without much fuss.
2. Roasted Celery Root With Herbs
If you want something hands-off, roasting is a fantastic way to cook celery root.
Cut the peeled root into bite-sized chunks, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary, then roast at 425°F for about thirty minutes.
The edges get caramelized and golden while the inside turns tender and sweet.
Roasted celery root makes a wonderful side dish next to chicken, steak, or fish, and it’s a great alternative to potatoes.
It’s honestly one of the simplest ways to answer that nagging question of what to cook with celery root.
3. Celery Root Mash
Mashed celery root is creamy, rich, and a lovely twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
You boil peeled chunks of celery root until fork-tender, then mash them with butter, cream, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Some people mix in a potato or two for extra body, but celery root works beautifully on its own.
This is a great dish to cook with celery root when you want something comforting and a little different.
Pair it with roasted meats or a hearty stew and watch everyone ask for seconds.
More Ideas for What to Cook With Celery Root
Beyond soups and mash, there are plenty of other ways to cook celery root that are worth trying.
1. Celery Root Remoulade
If you’ve never tried a remoulade, this classic French dish is a must when you’re thinking about what to cook with celery root.
You julienne or grate the raw celery root into thin matchsticks, then toss it in a creamy dressing made with mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and capers.
It’s crunchy, tangy, and refreshing, and it works as a side salad or a topping for sandwiches.
This is a great way to cook celery root without turning on the stove.
2. Celery Root Chips
Yes, you can absolutely make chips out of celery root, and they’re delicious.
Slice the peeled root paper-thin, toss with oil and salt, and bake or fry until crispy.
These chips are a fun snack and a clever way to cook celery root for people who think they don’t like it.
Serve them with aioli or a yogurt dip and they’ll disappear fast.
3. Add It to Stews and Gratins
Celery root also shines when you cook it into hearty stews and creamy gratins.
It absorbs the flavors around it while adding its own subtle celery note, which makes it a natural fit for beef stew or a cheesy potato-and-celeriac gratin.
Next time you’re planning a cozy one-pot meal and wondering what to cook with celery root, just cube some up and toss it in.
You really can’t go wrong.
So, What to Cook With Celery Root?
What to cook with celery root comes down to soup, mash, roasts, remoulade, chips, and just about any cozy dish you can imagine.
Celery root is one of those underrated vegetables that rewards you the moment you give it a chance.
Whether you boil it, roast it, or eat it raw, it brings a mild, sweet, celery-like flavor that’s hard to resist.
So grab one on your next grocery run and try one of these ideas.
You might just find a new favorite.