Save to Pinterest A festive, fun appetizer featuring colorful roasted vegetables arranged to resemble sleigh rails—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This veggie rails recipe has become a holiday tradition in our family, bringing color and joy to our appetizer 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
- 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 vegetables:
- 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
Save to Pinterest Our kids love helping arrange the veggies into sleigh rails each holiday season — it makes cooking together so special.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 115, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 12 g, Protein 2 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This festive appetizer adds color and flavor to any holiday gathering with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which vegetables are best for vibrant sled-like rails?
Carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip offer bright colors and firm textures that hold shape when roasted, ideal for creating the festive rails.
- → How should the vegetables be prepared for even roasting?
Cut vegetables into similar 4-inch sticks to ensure uniform cooking and caramelization during roasting.
- → What flavors enhance the vegetable rails?
A marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper adds savory and aromatic notes complementing the natural sweetness of the roasted veggies.
- → Can this appetizer be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.
- → What wine pairs well with these colorful vegetable rails?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs nicely, balancing the herbs and natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.