Christmas Present Veggie Crates (Printable Version)

Colorful roasted vegetables arranged like gift boxes for vibrant holiday entertaining and seasonal meals.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium carrots, peeled
02 - 1 large zucchini
03 - 1 red bell pepper
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper
05 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled and seeded
06 - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
07 - 1 small red onion

→ Seasonings & Oil

08 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
10 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

→ Garnishes & Decoration

13 - ½ bunch fresh chives (for ribbons and bows)
14 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for sparkle)
15 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Cut carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and butternut squash into uniform 1-inch rectangular sticks or cubes to resemble gift boxes. Slice the red onion into thick wedges.
03 - In a large bowl, toss all prepared vegetables with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange the vegetables in tight, square clusters on the baking sheet to form small crates or gift-like shapes. Group similar colors together for visual impact.
05 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
06 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Use fresh chives to wrap each vegetable crate like ribbons, tying small bows on top if desired.
07 - Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Colorful and festive presentation
  • Healthy and vegetarian friendly
02 -
  • Try adding sweet potato or parsnip for more color variations
  • For a vegan main dish, serve over quinoa or wild rice
03 -
  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even roasting
  • Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavors and garnish
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