Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Featured in: Light Bowls, Soups & Sips

Bring festive cheer with vibrant roasted vegetable sticks arranged to mimic sleigh rails. Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip are marinated with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and rosemary, then roasted until tender and caramelized. Finished with a sprinkle of feta and parsley, this colorful dish suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Serve warm or at room temperature for a joyful holiday starter.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:45:00 GMT
Roasted Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: colorful, tender roasted vegetables artfully arranged for holiday appetizers. Save
Roasted Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: colorful, tender roasted vegetables artfully arranged for holiday appetizers. | dewhearth.com

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

I remember serving this at our holiday party and everyone loved how vibrant and tasty the veggie rails were.

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

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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
Step 3:
Add the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the bowl. Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
Step 4:
Arrange the vegetable sticks on the prepared baking sheet in parallel pairs to resemble sleigh rails, alternating colors for a festive look.
Step 5:
Roast in the oven for 20 25 minutes turning once halfway until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 6:
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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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Festive Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: vibrant, seasoned vegetable sticks roasted to perfection, ready to serve warm. Save
Festive Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: vibrant, seasoned vegetable sticks roasted to perfection, ready to serve warm. | dewhearth.com

This recipe always brings smiles around our family table during the holidays.

Notes

Use sweet potatoes or purple carrots for more color. Wine pairing suggestions include a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.

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.

Homemade Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: a delicious, colorful appetizer with roasted carrots, peppers, and parsnips. Save
Homemade Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: a delicious, colorful appetizer with roasted carrots, peppers, and parsnips. | dewhearth.com
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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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A colorful and festive appetizer to brighten your holiday table and delight your guests.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables are best for this dish?

Carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip create a colorful and balanced medley perfect for roasting.

How long should the vegetables be roasted?

Roast the marinated vegetable sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

What herbs are used in the marinade?

Dried thyme and rosemary blend with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to infuse the vegetables with aromatic flavor.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with a yogurt-herb dip or hummus for added flavor contrast.

Are there any suitable wine pairings?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the roasted vegetable flavors beautifully.

Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Colorful roasted veggie sticks arranged as festive sleigh rails, perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
25 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Created by Claire Martin

Recipe Category Light Bowls, Soups & Sips

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks
02 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
03 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
04 1 small zucchini, cut into 4-inch sticks
05 1 small parsnip, peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks

Marinade

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
03 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
04 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, dried rosemary, sea salt, and ground black pepper.

Step 03

Coat vegetables: Add carrot, bell pepper strips, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 04

Arrange vegetables: Place the vegetable sticks on the prepared baking sheet in parallel pairs, alternating colors to resemble festive sleigh rails.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Transfer the roasted vegetable rails to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and see a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese); omit or substitute if needed for dairy-free diet.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

Details are informational only and shouldn't replace health advice.
  • Energy: 115
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 2 g