Maple-Roasted Vegetable Feast Tray
Serves
6–8 as a side
Prep: 20 min | Roast: 40–45 min
Ingredients
Vegetables
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3 cups butternut squash, peeled & cubed (about 1½-inch pieces)
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1 lb carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
Sweet & Savory Extras
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1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
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½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Maple Roasting Glaze
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⅓ cup olive oil
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¼ cup pure maple syrup
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but cozy)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
2. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Olive oil
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Maple syrup
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Balsamic vinegar
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Garlic
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Salt, pepper
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Paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg
This is the magic.
3. Toss Vegetables Separately (Important!)
For best texture and color, toss each veggie individually with glaze:
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Butternut squash: needs more glaze—coat generously
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Carrots: medium coating
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Brussels sprouts & cauliflower: light but even coating
This keeps everything roasting properly instead of steaming.
4. Arrange the Tray
Place vegetables in distinct sections on the tray (like the photo):
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Squash cubes grouped together
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Carrots lined up
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Brussels sprouts clustered
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Cauliflower florets grouped
Leave space between veggies for caramelization.
5. Roast
Roast uncovered for 30 minutes.
Remove tray, flip veggies gently.
Return to oven for 10–15 more minutes, until:
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Squash is caramelized and tender
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Carrots are slightly blistered
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Brussels sprouts are golden with crispy edges
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Cauliflower is browned
6. Add Cranberries & Walnuts
In the final 5 minutes, sprinkle:
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Cranberries
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Walnuts
This softens the cranberries and toasts the nuts without burning.
7. Finish & Serve
Remove from oven and immediately:
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Sprinkle feta cheese over the squash section
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Lightly drizzle extra maple syrup if desired
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Add a pinch of flaky sea salt
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Optional: chopped parsley or thyme
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Flavor Notes
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Sweet from maple & squash
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Tangy from cranberries & balsamic
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Savory from roasted brassicas
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Creamy salt from feta
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Crunch from walnuts
Basically… balance perfection.
Optional Upgrades
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🔥 Add chili flakes for heat
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🍊 Add orange zest to the glaze
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🧈 Finish with browned butter drizzle
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🌱 Swap feta for goat cheese or vegan feta

