Herb-Crusted Winter Roast

Featured in: Seasonal Roasts

This dish showcases a comforting blend of winter root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, and sweet potato coated in a fragrant herb crust. Olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh herbs create a savory coating that caramelizes during roasting to deepen flavors and add texture. Ideal for a festive gathering or cozy meal, this easy preparation highlights the earthiness of root vegetables enhanced by herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness and color.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:49:00 GMT
Golden-brown Herb-Crusted Winter Root Vegetable Roast glistening with herbs, ready for a festive holiday meal. Save
Golden-brown Herb-Crusted Winter Root Vegetable Roast glistening with herbs, ready for a festive holiday meal. | birchplate.com

A hearty, aromatic roast featuring a medley of winter root vegetables enrobed in a savory herb crust—perfect for a festive centerpiece or cozy family dinner.

The first time I made this roast for my family, the kitchen filled with wonderful herb scents and everyone eagerly gathered at the table. It's become a staple for our holiday meals and is equally loved for cozy weekday dinners.

Ingredients

  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Parsnips: 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Rutabaga: 1 small, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Sweet potato: 1 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Red onion: 1 small, peeled and cut into wedges
  • Olive oil: 3 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Fresh rosemary: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Fresh thyme: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, finely chopped (plus 2 tbsp chopped for optional garnish)
  • Sea salt: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp

Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine root vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine all the prepared carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, sweet potato, and red onion.
Mix herb crust:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Coat vegetables:
Pour the herb mixture over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
Arrange for roasting:
Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast:
Roast for 45–50 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are golden brown and tender.
Garnish and serve:
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
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Gathering around the dinner table for this roast always sparks warm conversation and plenty of second helpings. Even picky eaters find themselves coming back for more of these flavorful veggies.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Dijon mustard. Gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check mustard and prepared condiments for potential allergens or cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 3 g

A vibrant, colorful overhead shot of the Herb-Crusted Winter Root Vegetable Roast, perfect for a vegetarian dinner. Save
A vibrant, colorful overhead shot of the Herb-Crusted Winter Root Vegetable Roast, perfect for a vegetarian dinner. | birchplate.com

This roast makes a stunning addition to any dinner spread and is easy to prepare and serve. Enjoy every bite of winter comfort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Which root vegetables work best for this dish?

Carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, and red onions create a balanced mix of flavors and textures.

Can other herbs be used in the crust?

Yes, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are traditional, but sage or oregano can be substituted to alter the profile.

How can I achieve a crispier texture?

Broil the vegetables for 2-3 minutes at the end of the roasting time to enhance crispiness.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check condiments like Dijon mustard for any hidden gluten.

What pairings complement this herb-crusted vegetable dish?

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fresh green salad pairs nicely with the roasted flavors.

Herb-Crusted Winter Roast

Savory herb-crusted medley of winter root vegetables roasted to golden perfection.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
50 minutes
Overall Time
70 minutes
Created by Elena Hart

Section Seasonal Roasts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type European

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Root Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
02 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
03 1 small rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
04 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
05 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into wedges

Herb Crust

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
05 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
06 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 1 teaspoon sea salt
08 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Vegetables: Place all prepared root vegetables into a large bowl.

Step 03

Mix Herb Crust: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper until fully blended.

Step 04

Coat Vegetables: Pour herb mixture over vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 05

Arrange and Roast: Spread vegetables evenly in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.

Step 06

Roast Vegetables: Roast for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

Step 07

Serve: Transfer vegetables to serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains mustard (Dijon).

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g