Christmas Present Veggie Crates

Featured in: Fresh Zesty Salads & Bowls

This dish transforms an assortment of fresh vegetables into attractive, colorful crates that resemble wrapped gifts. With simple seasoning of olive oil, thyme, and rosemary, the vegetables are roasted until tender and caramelized. Finished with fresh chives wrapped like ribbons and optional pomegranate seeds for sparkle, it’s a delightful festive side that’s both vegetarian and gluten-free. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a creative vegetable presentation.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:12:00 GMT
Roasted Christmas Present Veggie Crates, a colorful and festive side dish ready to be enjoyed. Pin It
Roasted Christmas Present Veggie Crates, a colorful and festive side dish ready to be enjoyed. | citrushollow.com

A festive, fun way to serve roasted vegetables — shaped and decorated like colorful gift boxes, perfect for holiday gatherings.

This recipe always brings a smile during holiday meals and is a fun way to enjoy veggies.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium carrots peeled, 1 large zucchini, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 small butternut squash peeled and seeded, 1 bunch asparagus trimmed, 1 small red onion
  • Seasonings & Oil: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Garnishes & Decoration: ½ bunch fresh chives (for ribbons and bows), 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional, for sparkle), 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Product image
Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut Vegetables:
Cut the carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and butternut squash into uniform rectangular sticks or cubes, about 1 inch in size, to resemble gift boxes. Slice the red onion into thick wedges.
Toss:
In a large bowl, toss all vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary until evenly coated.
Arrange:
Arrange the vegetables in tight square clusters on the prepared baking sheet to form small crates or presents. Keep similar colors together for a striking effect.
Roast:
Roast for 25 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and edges are caramelized.
Cool and Tie:
Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly then use fresh chives to wrap each veggie crate like a ribbon tying small bows on top if possible.
Garnish:
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and parsley for festive flair.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter.
Product image
Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Vivid image of golden-brown Christmas Present Veggie Crates, garnished with fresh chives and pomegranate. Pin It
Vivid image of golden-brown Christmas Present Veggie Crates, garnished with fresh chives and pomegranate. | citrushollow.com

Making these veggie crates has become a favorite family tradition during the holidays.

Required Tools

Chefs knife, cutting board, large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper

Allergen Information

Naturally free from common allergens. Check herb and spice blends for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.

Nutritional Information

Calories 120, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 16 g, Protein 2 g per serving

Delicious vegetarian Christmas Present Veggie Crates, perfectly roasted vegetables shaped like gift boxes. Pin It
Delicious vegetarian Christmas Present Veggie Crates, perfectly roasted vegetables shaped like gift boxes. | citrushollow.com
Product image
Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.
Check price on Amazon

These veggie crates deliver a festive touch that delights guests and keeps veggies exciting.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What vegetables are used in these festive crates?

Carrots, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, butternut squash, asparagus, and red onion form the colorful base.

How are the vegetables arranged to look like gift boxes?

Vegetables are cut into uniform rectangular sticks or cubes and tightly clustered in square shapes on the baking sheet.

What seasonings enhance the flavor?

Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary blend naturally with the roasted vegetables.

How can I decorate the veggie crates for a festive look?

Fresh chives are used as ribbons and bows, with optional pomegranate seeds adding sparkle on top.

Can I make substitutions to the vegetables?

Yes, sweet potato, parsnip, or other colorful root vegetables work well for added variation.

Christmas Present Veggie Crates

Colorful roasted vegetables shaped like gift boxes bring festive flair to holiday tables.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Total Duration
55 min
Created by Hannah Simmons


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine International

Makes 6 Portions

Diet & Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks
02 1 large zucchini, cut into 1-inch sticks
03 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
05 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
06 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
07 1 small red onion, sliced into thick wedges

Seasonings & Oil

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon sea salt
03 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme
05 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Garnishes & Decoration

01 1/2 bunch fresh chives, for ribbons and bows
02 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for sparkle)
03 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Heat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cut vegetables: Slice carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and butternut squash into uniform 1-inch sticks or cubes to mimic gift boxes. Slice the red onion into thick wedges.

Step 03

Season vegetables: Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary until evenly coated.

Step 04

Arrange vegetables: Arrange vegetables tightly in square clusters on the baking sheet, grouping similar colors for visual effect.

Step 05

Roast vegetables: Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and caramelized at the edges.

Step 06

Decorate with chives: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Wrap each vegetable cluster with fresh chives like ribbons and tie small bows on top.

Step 07

Add final touches: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley over the vegetable crates.

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Advice

Always review each ingredient for allergy risks and talk to a healthcare provider when needed.
  • Naturally free from common allergens; verify spices for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional details are for general knowledge and shouldn't replace your doctor’s input.
  • Energy: 120
  • Fat Content: 6 g
  • Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Proteins: 2 g