Holiday Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Holiday Roasted Vegetables Recipe Perfect for Festive Tables

Winter’s crisp magic transforms standard holiday roasted vegetables into a stunning side dish that sparkles with unexpected charm.

Colorful veggie medleys dance across platters, promising warmth and comfort during festive gatherings.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, with each carefully chosen ingredient telling a delightful story.

Mediterranean herbs and robust spices whisper tales of global kitchens and cherished memories.

Simple techniques can turn ordinary vegetables into extraordinary masterpieces that surprise and delight everyone around the table.

Roasting unlocks deep, caramelized flavors that make vegetables the unexpected star of any celebration.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this vibrant, soul-warming dish.

Holiday Roasted Vegetables for a Festive Spread

  • Transform simple vegetables into caramelized, flavor-packed bites in just 25-30 minutes, creating a restaurant-worthy side dish at home.
  • Mix and match seasonal vegetables, add optional nuts or dried fruits, and adjust seasonings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Pack your holiday meal with colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables that offer a delicious way to incorporate more plant-based goodness into your feast.

Items You’ll Need for Roasting Holiday Vegetables

Main Roasting Vegetables:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Hearty winter vegetable with robust flavor and great caramelization potential.
  • Butternut Squash: Sweet, nutty vegetable that provides beautiful golden color and creamy texture.
  • Carrots: Vibrant orange root vegetable adding natural sweetness and nutritional value.
  • Red Onion: Adds sharp flavor and beautiful purple color to the roasted mix.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Brings bright color and sweet, mild taste to the vegetable medley.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Essential for helping vegetables roast evenly and develop rich caramelization.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the roasted vegetables.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
  • Thyme: Aromatic herb that complements roasted vegetable flavors.
  • Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient adding smoky depth and warm color.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Dried Cranberries: Provides sweet-tart burst of flavor and festive color.
  • Pomegranate Arils: Fresh, jewel-like seeds offering bright, juicy accent.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nut adding rich, buttery texture to the dish.
  • Walnuts: Alternative nut option with earthy, robust flavor.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener for additional glaze and shine.
  • Maple Syrup: Rich, caramel-like alternative sweetener with deep flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Roasted Veggies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Chop and Gather Veggie Stars

Slice and dice your vegetable lineup:
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Butternut squash
  • Carrots
  • Red onion
  • Red bell pepper

Toss all these colorful gems into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Spice Up Your Veggie Party

Drizzle and sprinkle your flavor boosters:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Thyme
  • Smoked paprika

Give everything a wild toss until each vegetable is coated in deliciousness.

Step 4: Create Roasting Magic

Spread the vegetables on baking sheets in a single layer- no crowding allowed! This ensures they roast to crispy perfection instead of steaming.

Slide into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get an even golden tan.

Step 5: Add Glamorous Finishing Touches

Pull out your roasted beauties and transfer to a stunning serving dish. Sprinkle some festive flair:
  • Dried cranberries
  • Pomegranate arils
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts

Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for that extra wow factor.

Step 6: Bring to the Table

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up at your holiday masterpiece.

Tips to Keep Vegetables Tender and Flavorful

  • Prevent Overcrowding: Spread vegetables in a single layer on baking sheets to ensure proper roasting and caramelization instead of steaming.
  • Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, cumin, or za'atar to create unique flavor profiles that match your holiday meal.
  • Enhance Texture: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and a consistent, crispy exterior with tender interior.
  • Make It Vegan-Friendly: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the recipe plant-based while maintaining a delicious sweet note.
  • Boost Nutrition: Add extra vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes to increase the dish's nutritional value and color variety.

Best Ways to Store Holiday Roasted Vegetables

  • Store leftover roasted vegetables in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Spread vegetables on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Add a splash of olive oil or broth when reheating to restore moisture and maintain the vegetables' original roasted texture.

What Works Well with These Seasonal Vegetables

  • Open a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau with bright fruit notes that enhance the caramelized vegetable flavors and match the sweet-savory profile.
  • Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted beef tenderloin to balance the vegetable's robust seasonings and provide a complete holiday meal experience.
  • Drizzle a creamy herb aioli or tangy balsamic reduction over the roasted vegetables to elevate their smoky and caramelized characteristics, adding an extra layer of richness.
  • Pair with crusty sourdough bread or warm rosemary focaccia to soak up the vegetable's delicious roasting juices and provide a textural contrast.

Roasted Vegetable Variations for Year-Round Use

  • Vegan Veggie Medley: Replace olive oil with avocado oil and swap honey with maple syrup for a completely plant-based version. Use nutritional yeast for added cheesy flavor and protein.
  • Low-Carb Roasted Selection: Substitute butternut squash with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content. Add more bell peppers and onions for volume and flavor.
  • Mediterranean Herb Garden: Incorporate rosemary, oregano, and basil instead of thyme. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired transformation.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and cumin. Mix in jalapeños for heat and top with cilantro after roasting. Drizzle with lime juice for a tangy kick.
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Holiday Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Holiday Roasted Vegetables Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Festive roasted vegetables bring Mediterranean warmth to winter dinner tables, combining colorful seasonal produce with robust herbs and olive oil. Crisp edges, caramelized surfaces, and rich flavors invite you to savor each delicious bite of this simple yet elegant side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups (300 g / 10.6 ounces) Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 cups (300 g / 10.6 ounces) butternut squash, diced
  • 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Toppings and Optional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) dried cranberries or pomegranate arils
  • ¼ cup (25 g / 0.9 ounces) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a preheated culinary environment at 400F (200C), positioning two spacious baking sheets with protective parchment or silicone liners to create an optimal roasting landscape.
  2. Consolidate Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, carrots, red onion, and red bell pepper within a generous mixing vessel, creating a vibrant vegetable medley.
  3. Infuse the vegetable collection with olive oil, then generously scatter salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and smoked paprika across the surface, massaging the seasonings thoroughly to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
  4. Meticulously distribute the seasoned vegetables across baking sheets, maintaining strategic spacing to facilitate proper caramelization and prevent steaming, allowing each piece adequate breathing room.
  5. Transform the vegetables through thermal alchemy, roasting for 25-30 minutes and implementing a midpoint rotation to guarantee comprehensive cooking and develop rich, golden-brown edges.
  6. Extract the roasted masterpiece from the oven, transferring to an elegant serving dish where dried cranberries or pomegranate arils will introduce bursts of crimson brightness and nuanced sweetness.
  7. Enhance the textural landscape by scattering chopped pecans or walnuts, providing delightful crunch and nutty undertones, then conclude with an optional honey or maple syrup drizzle to elevate the dish’s complexity.
  8. Present the vibrant roasted vegetable ensemble immediately, offering a stunning accompaniment to festive culinary celebrations.

Notes

  • Boost caramelization by patting vegetables completely dry before seasoning, preventing excess moisture that prevents browning.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Swap ingredients easily for dietary needs: use gluten-free spices, replace nuts with seeds for nut allergies, or substitute maple syrup with agave for vegan preferences.
  • Elevate flavor complexity by adding fresh herb garnishes like chopped rosemary or parsley just before serving, which brings brightness and aromatic depth to the roasted vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2530 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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