Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Place the quartered turnips in a large saucepan or stockpot; cover with water and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set the stockpot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; continue to cook at a steady boil for 10 minutes or until very tender.
Drain the turnips, then return them to the stockpot and set them aside.
In the meantime, cook the diced bacon in a skillet set over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon from the skillet; do not discard the bacon grease. Set the bacon aside.
Set the skillet back over medium-high heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to melt. Add onions to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until just starting to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for 15 seconds.
Add shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet and continue to cook for 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper in a microwavable bowl or cup; microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
Mash the turnips with a potato masher, add the hot cream mixture to the turnips, and continue to mash until combined and fluffy.
To the turnips, add the Brussels sprouts mixture and half of the bacon; stir to combine.
Transfer the turnip mixture to the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy on top.
Peel the turnips for a creamier consistency. The skin of turnips can be tough, and that can affect the texture of the dish.
Make the dish your own; use less heavy cream and mix in cream cheese, yogurt, or extra butter. Stir in some chopped chives or thinly sliced scallions for a different flavor. If you like a bit of a kick, spice it up with some crushed red pepper flakes.
To make ahead, make the turnip mixture, omitting the bacon, up to 24 hours ahead. On the day of, stir half of the bacon into the turnips and proceed with baking!
Store leftovers in the fridge for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.