Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Featured in: Weekend BBQ Favorites

This festive dish features colorful veggie sticks like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip, marinated in olive oil, herbs, and balsamic vinegar. Roasted until tender and lightly caramelized, they’re arranged in parallel pairs to create a sleigh rail effect. Finished with optional feta and fresh parsley, these vibrant veggies offer a light, flavorful addition to holiday menus. Perfect served warm or at room temperature, they bring seasonal charm and easy preparation to any celebration.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:33:00 GMT
Festive Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails featuring colorful roasted vegetables, ready for appetizers! Save
Festive Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails featuring colorful roasted vegetables, ready for appetizers! | grilto.com

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

This appetizer has become a holiday favorite in our family, bringing everyone together with its vibrant look and delicious flavors.

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

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.
Vibrant Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: tender roasted vegetables arranged creatively for holiday fun. Save
Vibrant Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: tender roasted vegetables arranged creatively for holiday fun. | grilto.com

This recipe brings back warm memories of holiday celebrations with family gathered around sharing laughter and food.

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

Golden, caramelized Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails with fresh parsley, a delicious vegetarian appetizer. Save
Golden, caramelized Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails with fresh parsley, a delicious vegetarian appetizer. | grilto.com

Serve these elegant veggie rails warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and presentation.

Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Bright veggie sticks roasted and arranged to resemble festive sleigh rails for gatherings.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Complete Time
45 min
From grilto Jake Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style International

Serves 4 Portions

Diet Details Meatless, No Gluten

What You 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 black pepper

Garnish

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

How-To

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: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

Coat Vegetables: Add carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the marinade and toss until evenly coated.

Step 04

Arrange Vegetables: Place the vegetable sticks onto the baking sheet in parallel pairs, alternating colors to mimic sleigh rails.

Step 05

Roast Vegetables: Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender with slight caramelization.

Step 06

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

Essentials

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

Allergy Advisory

Review every component for allergens. Reach out to a health pro if you’re concerned.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese); consider dairy-free substitutes if allergic.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Facts listed here are for your info, not medical advice. Always double-check if needed.
  • Energy: 115
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 2 g