Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Featured in: Light Everyday Plates

This delightful dish features colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip, marinated in olive oil and herbs and roasted until tender and caramelized. Arranged to resemble festive sleigh rails, these vibrant veggie sticks add a fun, seasonal touch to holiday gatherings. Garnished with crumbled feta and parsley, they can be served warm or at room temperature. A great option for vegetarian and gluten-free menus, with suggestions to adapt for vegan diets and pairing ideas to complement the flavors.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:31:00 GMT
Roasted Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: arranged colorful roasted vegetables, ready for holiday appetizers. Save Pin
Roasted Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: arranged colorful roasted vegetables, ready for holiday appetizers. | frostedthyme.com

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

I first made these Christmas sleigh veggie rails last year and they were a big hit with family and friends.

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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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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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.
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save Pin
| frostedthyme.com

My family loves gathering around the table sharing these vibrant veggie rails every holiday season.

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 per serving

Gleaming photo shows Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails; warm, roasted vegetables are perfect finger food. Save Pin
Gleaming photo shows Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails; warm, roasted vegetables are perfect finger food. | frostedthyme.com
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Keeps sponges and brushes organized beside the sink, making dishwashing and post-cooking cleanup faster and neater.
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These colorful veggie rails bring festive cheer and healthy goodness to your holiday table.

Questions & Answers

What vegetables are used for the colorful rails?

Carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip are cut into sticks to create vibrant, festive rails.

How are the veggies seasoned before roasting?

They’re tossed in a marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper for balanced flavor.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to arrange the vegetable sticks?

Arrange the sticks in parallel pairs on the baking sheet, alternating colors to mimic festive sleigh rails visually.

Are there recommended pairings for this dish?

This dish pairs well with yogurt-herb dips or hummus, and wines like crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir enhance its flavors.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.

Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Vibrant roasted vegetables arranged to mimic sleigh rails with fresh herbs and optional feta cheese.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
All-In Time
45 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
04 ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
05 ½ teaspoon sea salt
06 ¼ teaspoon 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: Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Step 03

Coat vegetables: Add carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the marinade; toss to evenly coat.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Roast vegetables: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Transfer roasted vegetables to a platter, sprinkle with feta cheese if desired, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from feta cheese; omit or substitute if dairy-free needed.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 115
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 2 g