If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously simple way to enjoy a veggie that’s often overlooked, you’re going to love this Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe. This dish turns humble kohlrabi bulbs into a golden, crispy, and flavorful side that feels comforting and fresh all at once. It’s the perfect introduction to this unique vegetable, offering a gentle sweetness with a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with so many meals. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you want something wholesome without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the kohlrabi brings a crisp, slightly sweet base, while the olive oil helps develop that irresistible golden crust. The seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper—layer flavor without overpowering the natural goodness of the kohlrabi. These ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect roasted balance.
- 4 kohlrabi bulbs: Choose firm, fresh bulbs for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: Helps crisp the edges and boosts richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory warmth without overwhelming.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic for a rounded, aromatic flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Delivers a gentle spicy kick to elevate the dish.
How to Make Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot oven is key to crisping up the kohlrabi, ensuring each piece develops that tempting golden exterior you’re dreaming of.
Step 2: Prepare the Kohlrabi
Start by cutting off the greens from the bulbs. Don’t toss those—they’re packed with flavor and nutrients and can easily be sautéed for another delicious side. Then, halve the bulbs and use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin, revealing the tender flesh beneath.
Step 3: Chop into Bite-Sized Pieces
Cut the peeled kohlrabi into half-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. Uniform pieces roast evenly, producing that perfect balance of tender interior and crispy edges.
Step 4: Season with Love
Toss the kohlrabi pieces in olive oil along with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. The oil helps the seasonings stick and contributes to caramelization, while the spices infuse great depth and subtle punchy notes.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned pieces in a single layer. Giving each piece space ensures air circulates properly, leading to the best roast.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Roast the kohlrabi in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, until they become crisp on the edges and golden in color. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning but embrace that natural caramelization—it’s where the flavor shines brightest.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once out of the oven, serve your Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe hot and fresh for the best texture and taste. These crispy bites are sure to be a hit, whether as a snack or alongside your favorite dishes.
How to Serve Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can elevate these roasts with a pop of color and an additional flavor dimension. A dash of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish wonderfully, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to the roasted notes.
Side Dishes
This Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe complements a wide variety of mains, from roasted chicken and grilled steak to pan-seared fish or even a hearty grain bowl. It also pairs beautifully with a creamy dip or yogurt sauce, giving a cool, creamy balance to the crispy roasted texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your roasted kohlrabi tossed into warm grain salads or atop pizza for an unexpected crunch. You can also mix it into pastas or grain bowls alongside nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs for a fresh twist. Its mild flavor makes it versatile enough to blend into countless dishes to add texture and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your roasted kohlrabi leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften slightly but the flavor stays delicious, making it perfect to enjoy cold in salads or quickly reheated.
Freezing
While roasting brings out the best texture, you can freeze cooked kohlrabi for up to 2 months. Lay the cooled pieces on a parchment-lined sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. Keep in mind that freezing may change the texture slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This helps restore crispiness that microwave reheating simply cannot achieve.
FAQs
What does kohlrabi taste like?
Kohlrabi has a mildly sweet, slightly peppery taste, somewhat like a broccoli stem or a mild radish but less sharp. When roasted, it turns sweeter and develops a tender yet crunchy texture.
Can I use green kohlrabi instead of purple?
Absolutely! Both green and purple kohlrabi bulbs taste very similar and can be used interchangeably in this Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe. The difference is purely in the skin color.
Are kohlrabi greens edible?
Yes, the greens are delicious and nutritious. You can sauté them like kale or spinach with some garlic and oil for a tasty side dish that utilizes the whole vegetable.
What if I want to make this recipe spicy?
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika when seasoning to give your roasted kohlrabi a subtle or bold kick depending on your spice preference.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, this Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. It’s a great way to add variety and nutrition to many dietary plans.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those simple, little dishes that really shines with just a handful of ingredients and quick prep. Roasting transforms kohlrabi into a comforting, crispy treat that’s surprisingly addictive and perfect for adding something fresh and exciting to your meals. Once you try it, I’m sure this will become a regular on your table too!
Print
Easy Roasted Kohlrabi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Roasted Kohlrabi recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy kohlrabi as a crispy, golden side dish. Lightly tossed with aromatic spices and olive oil, the roasted kohlrabi delivers a flavorful and healthy vegetable option perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 kohlrabi bulbs
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the kohlrabi until crisp and golden.
- Prepare kohlrabi bulbs: Cut the greens off the kohlrabi bulbs; you can save the greens to sauté later for an additional dish.
- Peel the kohlrabi: Slice each kohlrabi bulb in half and use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the tough outer skin.
- Cut into pieces: Chop the peeled kohlrabi into 1/2 inch-sized pieces for even roasting.
- Toss with seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the kohlrabi pieces with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper, tossing well to evenly coat.
- Arrange for roasting: Spread the seasoned kohlrabi out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roast kohlrabi: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25 minutes, until the kohlrabi pieces are crisp on the edges and golden brown. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Save the kohlrabi greens for sautéing as a nutritious side or addition to other dishes.
- For extra crispiness, stir the kohlrabi halfway through roasting.
- Substitute avocado oil for olive oil if you prefer a higher smoke point.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
- Make sure the pieces are in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow even roasting and crisping.
