Go Back
Une table de repas Noël joliment décorée avec des plats festifs

Elegant Make-Ahead Christmas Aperitifs Trio & Balsamic Glaze

This recipe features a trio of elegant, make-ahead Christmas aperitifs: a smoky salmon and dill dip, savory marinated olives, and a herbed goat cheese roll, all finished with a homemade balsamic glaze, perfect for festive entertaining.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Airtight container
  • Jar
  • Shallow dish
  • Parchment paper or plastic wrap
  • Small saucepan
  • Squeeze bottle or small jar

Ingredients
  

For the Smoked Salmon & Dill Dip:

  • 250 g cream cheese softened
  • 100 g smoked salmon finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Marinated Olives:

  • 2 cups mixed good quality olives pitted and unpitted
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For the Herbed Goat Cheese Roll:

  • 150 g soft goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs chives, parsley, thyme, finely chopped
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Toasted nuts or poppy seeds for rolling

For the Quick Balsamic Glaze:

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional, for sweetness

Instructions
 

Prepare the Smoked Salmon & Dill Dip

  • Combine softened cream cheese, chopped smoked salmon, fresh dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
  • Mix thoroughly until combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste; refrigerate in an airtight container.

Prepare the Marinated Olives

  • In a jar, combine mixed olives, sliced garlic, olive oil, rosemary sprig, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Stir gently to coat, then seal and refrigerate for at least two days, shaking occasionally; bring to room temperature before serving.

Prepare the Herbed Goat Cheese Roll

  • Mix chopped fresh herbs with a pinch of black pepper in a shallow dish.
  • Roll the goat cheese in the herb mixture until evenly coated, then wrap and refrigerate.

Prepare the Quick Balsamic Glaze

  • In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and optional brown sugar.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until syrupy; store in a jar or squeeze bottle at room temperature.

Assemble and Serve

  • On the day of serving, arrange the Smoked Salmon & Dill Dip with crackers or vegetable sticks.
  • Place the Marinated Olives in a decorative bowl with crusty bread.
  • Present the Herbed Goat Cheese Roll on a platter with crackers or baguette slices.
  • Drizzle the Balsamic Glaze over cheeses, bruschetta, or roasted vegetables as desired.

Notes

Prepare all components a day or two in advance to allow flavors to meld and minimize stress on the day of serving. Use good quality ingredients for the best flavor, especially for the olives and goat cheese. For a festive touch, consider shaping the goat cheese into a small log or ball before coating with herbs. The balsamic glaze is versatile and can be used on various appetizers or even main courses.