Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (2024)

Published: Updated: / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 9 Comments

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A delicious alternative to traditional French fries, these kohlrabi fries are tossed in a simple spice mixture and oven baked. Enjoy as they are or with your favourite dipping sauce. Either way, these homemade baked fries are super yummy!

Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (1)

Today I’m sharing another kohlrabi recipe that’s been in regular rotation in our home for the past little while.

Hearty greens, root veggies and cabbage grow quite well here in Newfoundland.

As kohlrabi is part of the cabbage family, I wasn’t surprised when I came across locally grown kohlrabi at the farmers’ market.

I’ve had kohlrabi in the past and it was a little pricey, but grabbed some just the other day on the cheap. I loaded up my cart and knew what had to happen. Kohlrabi all day, every day.

These kohlrabi fries are combined with avocado oil and some seasonings and are baked in about 30 minutes.

Trust me, just like regular baked fries, they don’t last long in our home!

Why We Love These Kohlrabi Fries

  • They’re prepped in minutes.
  • Kohlrabi fries are something a little different for when you’re trying to mix up the ol’ fry routine.
  • The recipe is made with just 6 simple ingredients.
  • These fries can be enjoyed on their own, with your favourite dip (I love garlic aioli with these) or as a side to a main dish.
  • Of course, they taste delicious!
Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (2)

How To Make This Recipe

Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

  1. Prep the kohlrabi: remove the stems, leaves and tough end from the kohlrabi, slice the kohlrabi in half, cut out and discard the core and peel. You’re basically left with two halves (of each kohlrabi) at this point.
  2. Turn each half down so the large flat portion is on the surface and cut into ½-inch slices
  3. Cut those slices into fries.
  4. Place kohlrabi fries into a clean tea towel and dab dry of any excess moisture. Then place kohlrabi fries in a bowl with some seasonings and avocado oil, tossing or stirring to coat.
  5. Spread fries out onto a greased sheet pan.
  6. Bake, flipping once. When they’re golden brown and tender, they’re ready to serve and enjoy!
Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (3)

What Do Kohlrabi Fries Taste Like?

Though kohlrabi is technically in the cabbage family, it does smell something like turnip (in my opinion) and tastes kinda like crunchy broccoli stems.

So if you’re a turnip fan (or simply a cruciferous veggie fan), chances are you’ll love these!

Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (4)

Do They Crisp up Like Regular Fries?

Because they’re different veggies, kohlrabi fries are not as crispy as regular potato fries.

You know how oven-baked sweet potato fries don’t get quite as crispy as regular fries? Well, kohlrabi fries bake up kinda like those.

Having said that, kohlrabi fries are a great alternative to traditional French fries, especially when you’re trying to mix things up and try something new.

Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (5)

Tips and Variations

  • Peel your kohlrabi of the thick outer skin. It’s tough (especially tough in larger kohlrabi and does not bake up good). You’ll want to remove all of that.
  • If the core of your kohlrabi is particularly fibrous, you can cut out.
  • If the leaves are still attached to your kohlrabi bulbs (and in good shape), you can clean, reserve and use in another recipe.
  • Cut your fries into roughly equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Mix up the spice blend with your favourite seasoning. If you want to go simple, just use salt and pepper.
  • I like to garnish with chopped green onion, but you can omit. Alternatively, try chopped chives, parsley, cilantro or grated Parmesan cheese.
Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (6)

More Delicious Sides

  • Loaded Potato Wedges
  • Turnip Fries
  • Roasted Kohlrabi With Garlic and Cheese

If you make these oven-baked kohlrabi fries, be sure to leave a comment below!

Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (7)

Kohlrabi Fries Recipe

Dawn | Girl Heart Food

A delicious alternative to traditional French fries, these kohlrabi fries are tossed in a simple spice mixture and oven baked. Enjoy as they are or with your favourite dipping sauce. Either way, these homemade baked fries are super yummy!

5 from 5 votes

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Course Side Dish

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2.5 pounds kohlrabi, about 2 medium to large bulbs or about 4 pounds before peeling)
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Sliced green onion or chives, garnish to taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Meanwhile, prepare the kohlrabi. If they have stems/leaves attached you can remove and discard. Remove the tough end. Note: If you like, you can reserve the kohlrabi leaves for use in another recipe.

  • Carefully cut each kohlrabi in half, remove/discard core (if necessary) and peel. Turn each half down so the large flat portion is on the surface and cut into ½-inch slices. Then cut those slices into fries, about ⅓-inch to ½-inch thick (refer to the body of the post above, if necessary).

  • Place kohlrabi fries in a clean tea towel to remove any excess moisture (optional).

  • Place kohlrabi fries in a bowl and toss with 2.5 tablespoons of avocado oil, garlic powder (if using), ancho chili powder, black pepper and salt, ensuring the kohlrabi fries are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

  • Grease a large sheet pan (or two smaller ones) with the remaining ½ tablespoon of avocado oil.

  • Place the kohlrabi fries onto the prepared sheet pan and spread them out in a single layer. Bake the fries for 15 minutes, then remove the sheet pan from the oven and flip the fries with a spatula (again, try to ensure that the fries are in a nice, even layer so they bake up nicely). Place the sheet pan back in the oven and continue baking the fries for another 15 minutes or until the outside of the fries is golden brown and they're tender inside.

  • Transfer kohlrabi fries to a serving dish. Garnish, if desired, with green onion. Serve and enjoy! Yields 4 side servings or 2 larger servings

Notes

  • Peel your kohlrabi of the thick outer skin. It’s tough (especially tough in larger kohlrabi and does not bake up good). You’ll want to remove all of that.
  • If the core of your kohlrabi is particularly fibrous, you can cut out.
  • If the leaves are still attached to your kohlrabi bulbs (and in good shape), you can clean and reserve and use in another recipe (if you like).
  • Cut your fries into roughly equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Mix up the spice blend with your favourite seasoning. If you want to go simple, just use salt and pepper.
  • I like to garnish with chopped green onion, but you can omit. Alternatively, try chopped chives, parsley, cilantro or grated Parmesan cheese.

A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

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Keyword kohlrabi recipe

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  1. Maria deegan

    Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (8)
    Just made this recipe tonight, definitely my new French fries!! Absolutely wonderfully delicious!!

    Reply

    • Dawn | Girl Heart Food

      Thank you very much, Maria!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!

      Reply

  2. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

    Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (9)
    Kohlrabi is such an interesting root vegetable. I love how you’ve turned it into oven roasted fries and used ancho chili powder! Such great flavor!

    Reply

    • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      Thank you Kathy!

      Reply

  3. David @ Spiced

    Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (10)
    Hmmm, I can’t say that I’ve ever had roasted kohlrabi before. But I really want to try it out now – the browned bits on top look amazing! Plus, everything tastes better in fry form. 🙂 Hope your week is going well so far, my friend!

    Reply

    • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      Agreed! Thanks David! Back at ya!

      Reply

  4. Katherine | Love In My Oven

    Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (11)
    These would be a great afternoon snack! I love the seasonings you used Dawn! Happy Monday my friend!

    Reply

  5. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

    Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (12)
    I obviously need to get some kohlrabi! These looks fantastic. Love the spicing and such a great way to enjoy this root vegetable.

    Reply

    • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      Yes! Thank you Jennifer!

      Reply

Kohlrabi Fries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to prepare kohlrabi? ›

There are several ways to cook kohlrabi, most of them similar to how you cook potatoes: boiled, steamed, roasted, fried or mashed. Slices and sticks can be stir-fried, and the whole stem can be hollowed out and stuffed with a veggie and rice or meat filling and baked like stuffed peppers.

What is the closest vegetable to kohlrabi? ›

Broccoli stems are my favorite substitute when I can't find kohlrabi at the farmers market. Both broccoli and kohlrabi are in the brassica family (cabbage family), and have a similar flavor and texture. Plus, you get broccoli stems for free when you buy a full broccoli crown, so using it is a total win-win.

What does kohlrabi go well with? ›

Meat: Kohlrabi pairs well with meats such as bacon, chicken, sausage, and pork. Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, mint, rosemary, thyme, and chives complement the nutty, buttery flavour of kohlrabi and add a bright, fresh flavour.

Is it better to eat kohlrabi raw or cooked? ›

All parts of the kohlrabi are edible, though most people just stick to the bulbous bottom. The leaves and stems are best sautéed or added to a stir-fry. The bulb can be eaten raw, which maintains its super-crisp texture and mild bite, or it can be roasted, sautéed, steamed, or boiled and mashed like a potato.

What does kohlrabi taste like and how do you cook it? ›

What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like? Kohlrabi tastes similar to a broccoli stalk, but a bit more tender and sweet. Don't forget to remove the tough outer peel, then use the bulb either raw or cooked. It can be prepared much like a broccoli stalk, too—if raw, shred it and use it in slaw or thinly slice and use in a salad.

What is kohlrabi called in America? ›

Kohlrabi (German: [koːlˈʁaːbi]; pronounced /koʊlˈrɑːbi/ in English; scientific name Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group), also called German turnip or turnip cabbage, is a biennial vegetable, a low, stout cultivar of wild cabbage.

What is a bad companion plant for kohlrabi? ›

Direct seed kohlrabi in the garden from mid-April until early May, and again later in July. Avoid planting kohlrabi where you have grown related crops—broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, turnip, rutabaga, cabbage, mustard, bok choy, Brussels sprouts—during the previous four years.

What is the nickname for kohlrabi? ›

The leafy part can be eaten raw when young and tender or cooked like other greens as they mature. Kohlrabi also has the nickname Sputnik, since the vegetable looks like the early Russian space satellite!

Is kohlrabi a laxative? ›

Kohlrabi is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The former is water-soluble and helps maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. On the other hand, insoluble fiber isn't broken down in your intestine, helping add bulk to your stool and promote regular bowel movements ( 19 ).

How do Germans eat kohlrabi? ›

Kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw kohlrabi is delicious and refreshing shredded with a vinaigrette dressing or added to a salad.

How to tell if kohlrabi is bad? ›

If the outer skin or the leaves have turned yellow or brown, it might be starting to spoil. Bad kohlrabi may also have soft spots or areas of discoloration, and the texture can turn slimy or mushy when squeezed. The smell can also be a telltale sign, if it starts to smell sour or off-putting, it's best to toss it out.

Can you eat too much kohlrabi? ›

Kohlrabi is a healthy ingredient, and it's low in calories. Eating too much of any cruciferous vegetable can cause gas that can make you uncomfortable. Moderate your portion sizes to help ensure that you are able to enjoy the benefits of kohlrabi without negative digestive effects.

Is kohlrabi better for you than potatoes? ›

A cup of cubed or sliced kohlrabi has just 36 calories and 8 grams of carbs - about one-third of the carbs and calories found in potatoes. Blood-pressure friendly: A cup of kohlrabi slices has just 27 mg sodium, with more potassium than a medium banana, making it doubly beneficial for managing blood pressure.

Should you peel kohlrabi? ›

Wise words from Brad: "Always peel the bulb, because the outside layer is rather fibrous and unpleasant. It won't break down after being cooked." Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, as it's too thick for a traditional vegetable peeler. Kohlrabi is equally tasty raw or cooked.

Is kohlrabi good or bad for you? ›

Kohlrabi is a low glycemic index food. As a result, it can help improve satiety and glycemic control. As part of a healthy diet, kohlrabi can help improve overall metabolism and aid with weight loss. Because kohlrabi is high in calcium and magnesium, it contributes to stronger bones.

Is kohlrabi gut healthy? ›

Like other cruciferous vegetables, the rich dietary fibre in kohlrabi improves digestive health and helps move your bowels. As a result, it reduces constipation, cramping and bloating.

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