Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

A festive, fun appetizer featuring colorful roasted vegetables arranged to resemble sleigh rails—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This appetizer quickly became a holiday favorite at our family gatherings, bringing vibrant colors and delicious flavors to the table.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks, 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips, 1 small zucchini cut into 4-inch sticks, 1 small parsnip peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks
• Marinade: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Garnish: 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

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Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make Marinade:

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Coat Vegetables:

Add the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the bowl. Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.

Arrange Veggies:

Arrange the vegetable sticks on the prepared baking sheet in parallel pairs to resemble sleigh rails alternating colors for a festive look.

Roast:

Roast in the oven for 20 25 minutes turning once halfway until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Serve:

Transfer the roasted veggie rails to a serving platter. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Preparing these veggie rails has become a cherished family tradition that fills our home with warmth and holiday spirit.

Required Tools

Chefs knife Cutting board Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowl Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (feta cheese). Omit or substitute for a dairy-free alternative if necessary. Always verify ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if serving those with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 115 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 12 g Protein: 2 g

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Keep spatulas, spoons, and cooking tools organized and within reach while preparing meals.

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This festive veggie appetizer adds a vibrant and healthy touch to your holiday celebrations.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What vegetables are best for making sleigh rails?

Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnips work well, providing varied colors and textures that roast evenly.

→ How long should the vegetable sticks be roasted?

Roast the sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway to ensure even caramelization.

→ Can the feta cheese be omitted?

Yes, for a vegan option simply skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative without compromising flavor.

→ What herbs complement the marinade flavors?

Dried thyme and rosemary add a fragrant, earthy note that enhances the roasted vegetables beautifully.

→ What drinks pair well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs nicely, balancing the herbs and caramelized vegetables.

→ Are there good substitutions for the vegetables?

Sweet potatoes or purple carrots can be used to add different colors and sweetness to the dish.