Save to Pinterest A festive, fun way to serve roasted vegetables — shaped and decorated like colorful gift boxes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe brings a fun twist to roasted vegetables, making them look like holiday gift boxes, which my family loves every year.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 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
- Seasonings & Oil: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Garnishes & Decoration: ½ bunch fresh chives (for ribbons and bows), 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional for sparkle), 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep Veggies:
- 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.
- Toss Vegetables:
- In a large bowl toss all vegetables with olive oil salt pepper thyme and rosemary until evenly coated.
- Arrange Veggies:
- 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.
- Roast:
- Roast for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender and edges are caramelized.
- Cool & Decorate:
- 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.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and parsley for festive flair.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter.
Save to Pinterest This has become a holiday tradition our family looks forward to every year.
Notes
Try adding sweet potato parsnip or other colorful root vegetables. For a vegan main serve over quinoa or wild rice. For extra flavor drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Required Tools
Chefs knife Cutting board Large mixing bowl Baking sheet Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Naturally free from common allergens. Check herb and spice blends for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.
Save to Pinterest This recipe combines fun presentation with wholesome flavors making it a memorable holiday dish.