Save Celebrate the holidays with a creative twist on roasted vegetables! Christmas Present Veggie Crates bring festive cheer to your table by arranging colorful, tender veggies into charming little gift-shaped clusters. Not only do they look delightful, but the blend of herbs and caramelized edges makes every bite a tasty surprise. Perfect as a vibrant side dish for family gatherings or holiday parties.
Save This recipe unites the comforting flavors of thyme and rosemary with fresh, seasonal vegetables. The combination of roasted butternut squash, carrots, zucchini, peppers, asparagus, and onion creates a harmonious medley that pleases both the eyes and palate. Garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley, the veggie crates bring a burst of festive color and texture to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, peeled
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and seeded
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 small red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ bunch fresh chives (for ribbons and bows)
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional, for sparkle)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Cut the carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and butternut squash into uniform rectangular sticks or cubes, about 1 inch in size, to resemble gift boxes. Slice the red onion into thick wedges.
- 3. In a large bowl, toss all vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary until evenly coated.
- 4. Arrange the vegetables in tight, square clusters on the prepared baking sheet to form small crates or presents. Keep similar colors together for a striking effect.
- 5. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and edges are caramelized.
- 6. Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly, then use fresh chives to wrap each veggie crate like a ribbon, tying small bows on top if possible.
- 7. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and parsley for festive flair.
- 8. Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the vegetables are cut into uniform sizes to help them roast evenly and maintain their crate shapes. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup. When tying chives around the crates, be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate ribbons.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can customize your veggie crates by adding sweet potato or parsnip for extra sweetness and color. For a vegan main dish, serve these roasted wonders over quinoa or wild rice. For a touch of tangy richness, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Serviervorschläge
Present the veggie crates on a large platter to showcase their festive design. These side dishes pair beautifully with holiday roasts, plant-based mains, or a hearty grain bowl. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a flexible serving option.
Save With a little preparation and creativity, these Christmas Present Veggie Crates will steal the show at your next holiday feast. Their festive look combined with simple, wholesome ingredients ensures a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as nutritious as it is beautiful.
Kitchen Questions
- → What vegetables are used for the gift boxes?
The dish uses carrots, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, butternut squash, asparagus, and red onion, all cut into uniform shapes to resemble small gift crates.
- → How are the vegetables seasoned?
They are tossed with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary for a balanced, aromatic flavor before roasting.
- → What temperature and time are ideal for roasting?
Roast the vegetables at 425°F (220°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and caramelized on the edges.
- → How is the decorative effect achieved?
Vegetables are grouped by color in tight clusters, then tied with fresh chives forming ribbons and bows, and finished with pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for festive flair.
- → Can this be adapted for other vegetables or diets?
Yes, adding root vegetables like sweet potato or parsnip works well. This dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, and can complement vegan main courses over quinoa or wild rice.
- → Are there any allergen concerns?
The dish is free from common allergens, but it’s advised to check any herbs or spice blends for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.