Maple-Roasted Vegetable Feast Tray

Maple-Roasted Vegetable Feast Tray

Serves

6–8 as a side
Prep: 20 min | Roast: 40–45 min


Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled & cubed (about 1½-inch pieces)

  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

  • 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets

Sweet & Savory Extras

  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

  • ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Maple Roasting Glaze

  • ⅓ cup olive oil

  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • 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:

  • Olive oil

  • Maple syrup

  • Balsamic vinegar

  • Garlic

  • Salt, pepper

  • Paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg

This is the magic.


3. Toss Vegetables Separately (Important!)

For best texture and color, toss each veggie individually with glaze:

  • Butternut squash: needs more glaze—coat generously

  • Carrots: medium coating

  • 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):

  • Squash cubes grouped together

  • Carrots lined up

  • Brussels sprouts clustered

  • 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:

  • Squash is caramelized and tender

  • Carrots are slightly blistered

  • Brussels sprouts are golden with crispy edges

  • Cauliflower is browned


6. Add Cranberries & Walnuts

In the final 5 minutes, sprinkle:

  • Cranberries

  • Walnuts

This softens the cranberries and toasts the nuts without burning.


7. Finish & Serve

Remove from oven and immediately:

  • Sprinkle feta cheese over the squash section

  • Lightly drizzle extra maple syrup if desired

  • Add a pinch of flaky sea salt

  • Optional: chopped parsley or thyme

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.


Flavor Notes

  • Sweet from maple & squash

  • Tangy from cranberries & balsamic

  • Savory from roasted brassicas

  • Creamy salt from feta

  • Crunch from walnuts

Basically… balance perfection.


Optional Upgrades

  • 🔥 Add chili flakes for heat

  • 🍊 Add orange zest to the glaze

  • 🧈 Finish with browned butter drizzle

  • 🌱 Swap feta for goat cheese or vegan feta

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