Christmas Roasted Vegetable Medley with Maple–Feta Crumble

This Christmas Roasted Vegetable Medley with Maple–Feta Crumble is a stunning holiday side dish that brings together sweet, savory, salty, and caramelized flavors in one colorful tray. Perfect for Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or any festive gathering, it pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, beef, or even as a vegetarian main. The maple syrup adds warm sweetness, while the feta crumble gives a creamy, salty contrast that makes this dish irresistible.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Roasting Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour

Servings: 4–6 people as a side

Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables

2 cups carrots, thick slices

2 cups baby potatoes, halved

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 red onion, thick wedges

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Maple Glaze

3 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

For the Maple–Feta Crumble

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tbsp toasted walnuts or pecans, finely chopped

1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)

1 tsp maple syrup

½ tsp black pepper

Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Add all chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil, add salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and paprika.

Toss well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Roast

Spread vegetables in one even layer on the tray.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Step 4: Prepare Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Maple syrup

Balsamic vinegar

Dijon mustard

Step 5: Glaze & Final Roast

Drizzle glaze over the vegetables after 25–30 minutes.

Return to oven for 10 more minutes until caramelized and glossy.

Step 6: Make the Maple–Feta Crumble

In a small bowl mix:

Crumbled feta

Chopped nuts

Breadcrumbs

Maple syrup

Black pepper

Step 7: Assemble & Serve

Transfer hot roasted vegetables to a serving dish.

Sprinkle generously with maple–feta crumble.

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: ~220–260 kcal

Protein: 6–8 g

Carbohydrates: 25–30 g

Fats: 12–15 g

Fiber: 5–6 g

Calcium: High (from feta)

Antioxidants: High (from colorful veggies)

Serving Suggestions

With roast chicken, turkey, or beef

With stuffed chicken breast

With grilled fish

As a vegetarian holiday main with quinoa or couscous

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Roast the vegetables up to 24 hours ahead. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes and add feta crumble just before serving.

Q2: Can I replace maple syrup?

Yes, you can use:

Honey

Brown sugar + a little water

Date syrup

Q3: Is feta necessary?

Not at all. You can replace it with:

Goat cheese

Parmesan

Dairy-free vegan cheese

Q4: Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Yes! Add:

Chickpeas

Tofu cubes

Grilled chicken strips

Roasted halloumi

Q5: How do I make this dish vegan?

Use vegan feta or skip cheese completely.

Keep maple syrup (already vegan).

Q6: Why are my vegetables not crispy?

Common reasons:

Tray is overcrowded

Oven temperature is too low

Too much moisture

Spread vegetables in a single layer for best results.

Q7: Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add:

Sweet potatoes

Zucchini

Mushrooms

Green beans

Butternut squash

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