You cook celery root by peeling it first, then cutting it into chunks and boiling, roasting, or mashing it until tender.
If you’ve ever stared at a knobby, slightly intimidating celery root in the grocery store and wondered how do you cook celery root, you’re in the right place.
It’s also called celeriac, and despite its rough exterior, it’s one of the most versatile root vegetables you can bring into your kitchen.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook celery root, plus some of the best cooking methods and a few tasty ways to enjoy it.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Cook Celery Root? The Basics
When you cook celery root, the goal is simple: turn that tough, earthy vegetable into something soft, creamy, and delicious.
Here’s how to prepare it before any cooking method.
1. Peel It Thoroughly
The skin of celery root is thick, fibrous, and not pleasant to eat.
Use a sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom, then cut away the outer layer following the curve of the vegetable.
You’ll lose some of the flesh this way, but that’s normal since the knobby surface makes a peeler tricky.
2. Cut It Into Even Pieces
Once peeled, cut your celery root into cubes, slices, or matchsticks, depending on your recipe.
Even pieces mean even cooking, which matters no matter which method you choose.
3. Keep It in Acidulated Water
Celery root browns quickly once exposed to air, just like apples or potatoes.
Drop your cut pieces into a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh.
Best Ways to Cook Celery Root
There’s no single way to cook celery root, and that’s part of its charm.
Here are the most popular methods.
1. Boiling
Boiling is the easiest way to cook celery root if you’re aiming for mashed celeriac or a creamy soup.
Place your peeled chunks in a pot, cover with salted water, and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until a fork slides through easily.
Drain and use however you like.
2. Roasting
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of celery root and gives it a lovely caramelized edge.
Toss cubed celeriac with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet.
Roast at 425°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
3. Mashing
If you’re wondering how do you cook celery root in a way that feels indulgent, mashing is your answer.
Boil the chunks until soft, then mash with butter, cream, and a pinch of nutmeg.
It tastes like a lighter, slightly peppery version of mashed potatoes.
4. Frying
Thin slices or matchsticks of celery root fry up beautifully into crispy chips or hash browns.
Just pat them dry before frying so they crisp instead of steam.
5. Using It Raw
You can even enjoy celery root raw when you cook it into a remoulade or shave it thinly into salads.
A squeeze of lemon keeps the flavor bright and the color pale.
What Does Celery Root Taste Like?
Celery root tastes like a cross between celery, parsley, and a mild potato.
When you cook celery root, that sharp raw bite mellows into something nutty and subtly sweet.
That’s why it works so well in soups, gratins, and purees.
So, How Do You Cook Celery Root?
You cook celery root by peeling it, cutting it into even pieces, and then boiling, roasting, mashing, or frying it until tender.
It’s a flexible vegetable that shines in everything from creamy soups to crispy chips.
Now that you know how do you cook celery root, grab one at the store and give it a try.
Your kitchen might just get a new favorite root vegetable.