A Christmas Menu Made Better with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The holidays can be challenging — cooking shouldn’t be!
This Christmas, elevate your table with simple, delicious dishes powered by truly fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil. From crisp vegetables to golden roast potatoes and a show-stopping dessert, EVOO brings flavour, freshness, and a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your winter menu.

Here’s a stress-free Christmas menu (starters → mains → dessert) using our single-estate, cold-pressed Andalusian extra virgin olive oil.

🥗 Starter: Warm Rosemary & Lemon Olive Oil Dip

A cosy, five-minute starter perfect with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 80ml extra virgin olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove, lightly crushed

• Fresh rosemary

• Pinch of sea salt

• A squeeze of lemon

Method:
Warm the olive oil gently with the garlic and rosemary (don’t fry it — just warm). Remove from heat, add salt and lemon. Serve with bread or raw veg.
Why it works: Warming EVOO releases its grassy aroma without losing its freshness.

🥗 Starter 2: Christmas Caprese with Pomegranate

A colourful, festive twist.

Ingredients:

• Ripe tomatoes or cherry tomatoes

• Mozzarella or burrata

• Pomegranate seeds

• Basil leaves

• EVOO + flaky salt

• Balsamic Vinegar

Method:
Slice tomatoes, tear mozzarella, scatter pomegranate seeds, drizzle generously with EVOO, Balsamic vinegar and salt.
Tip: Our fruity Arbequina-style oils shine here.

🍗 Main: Olive Oil & Orange Glazed Roast Chicken

A lighter alternative to turkey.

Ingredients:

• Whole chicken

• 3 tbsp EVOO

• Zest & juice of 1 orange

• Salt, pepper, thyme

Method:
Rub chicken with EVOO, orange, seasoning and roast as normal. Baste occasionally.
The orange brightens the flavour; EVOO keeps it moist.

🍽️ Side Dish 1: Perfect Crispy Roast Potatoes in EVOO

You don’t need goose fat. This is lighter, crispier, and vegan-friendly.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes

• 4–6 tbsp EVOO

• Sea salt

• Optional: rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika

Method:
Parboil potatoes → drain → toss vigorously to rough up the edges → coat with EVOO → roast at 220°C until deeply golden.
Result: Crisp outside, fluffy inside, and a cleaner flavour that lets herbs shine.

🥕 Side Dish 2: Honey & Olive Oil Roasted Carrots

Sweet, glossy, and festive.

Ingredients:

• Carrots, sliced or whole

• 2 tbsp EVOO

• 1 tbsp honey

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Salt

Method:
Toss carrots with all ingredients. Roast until caramelised. Finish with another drizzle of olive oil for shine.

🥬 Side Dish 3: Garlicky Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Even sprout-skeptics will come around.

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp EVOO

• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

• 1 small garlic clove

• Handful of breadcrumbs

• Salt & pepper

Method:
Sauté sprouts in EVOO until charred, add garlic, then top with toasted breadcrumbs.
Better than boiling — every time.

🎂 Dessert: Olive Oil & Dark Chocolate Mousse (3 Ingredients!)

A Mediterranean twist for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate

• 3 eggs (separated)

• 60ml EVOO

Method:
Melt chocolate → whisk in EVOO → fold in egg yolks → gently fold in whipped egg whites → chill.
Rich, silky, surprising — and always a hit.

🌟 A Christmas Menu That Feels Effortless

With a few great ingredients — especially fresh extra virgin olive oil — even simple dishes taste special. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking for two, adding a drizzle of sunshine brings warmth and flavour to the holiday table.

Browse our collection of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (including in our new glass bottles!) and Balsamic and Apple Cider Vinegars, or start your subscription with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Direct
👉 https://extravirginoliveoildirect.co.uk/collections/olive-oil