Make your outdoor grill the star of Christmas Day with this collection of Christmas BBQ ideas that take the stress out of festive cooking.
Find barbecued prawns, vibrant fresh salads, plus must-have mains like glazed ham, whole salmon, tender lamb and juicy chicken. We’ve included delicious meat-free options too. Round out your feast with a fabulous frozen dessert or classic pavlova.
Host an unforgettable Christmas BBQ with these menu ideas and recipes that celebrate summer entertaining. Looking for more? Explore our Christmas finger food, Christmas side dishes, and the best Christmas desserts to complete your festive spread.
Christmas BBQ safety & cooking tips
Barbecue safety
Never spray a barbecue with cooking oil while it is switched on; if the oil hits the flame or heat source it may cause a dangerous flare-up.
Always keep a spray bottle filled with water handy to douse flare-ups, as well as a fire extinguisher (and know how to use it).
Added flavour
Toss fresh bay leaves or rosemary sprigs on the fire before cooking. The flavours of these fresh herbs will permeate the food you are cooking – they are excellent with meat, fish and vegetables. These simple ideas can elevate Christmas BBQ recipes with minimal effort.
Skewer it
Cooking meat and vegies on skewers is quick and convenient, perfect for large celebrations. Metal skewers come in round and flat shapes, the latter being better to stop food slipping around as it is turned. Bamboo skewers must be soaked in cold water before use to prevent splintering and scorching during cooking. Skewers are among the most practical Christmas BBQ ideas for feeding a crowd efficiently.
Avoid barbecue overload
Cook food on the barbecue in manageable batches to keep the barbecue at a consistent heat. Load on too much and you could be waiting all night.
Keep the meat warm as you work by placing it on the warmer rack or cover it with foil. When planning your Christmas BBQ ideas, remember that patience pays off. Leave all meat to rest for an appropriate length of time before serving; this helps the meat remain tender and juicy when sliced.
Baked brie fondue on the barbecue
Barbecued cabbage with bush tomato butter & macadamias
Barbecued spanakopita flatbread
Butterflied leg of lamb with pearl barley salad & tahini yoghurt sauce
Grilled corn salad
BBQ pork tenderloin with fennel, radicchio, apple & pecans
Barbecued chicken satay skewers
BBQ mushrooms with lemon ricotta
Barbecued side of salmon
Barbecued whole snapper with pine nut stuffing
Barbecued prawns with chermoula
Julie Goodwin’s barbecued butterflied chicken
BBQ fish with lemon, oregano and capers
Lamb backstrap infused with lemon myrtle
Rump steak with flavoured butters
Barbecued leg of lamb
Barbecued ocean trout with pomegranate & radish salad
Perfect barbecue prawns
Lamb fillet salad with green pesto dressing
Barbecued salmon with salsa criolla
Barbecued sesame pumpkin salad
Barbecued corn, spinach and avocado salad
Chilli barbecued haloumi recipe with zucchini salad
Barbecued ham
Snapper fillet skewers with root vegetable slaw
Prawn, strawberry & poppy seed salad
Mexican-style grilled corn
Grilled prawns with lemongrass and lime
Barbecued squid with lemon cracked wheat risotto
Grilled chicken with warm cos lettuce salad
Barbecued squid salad
Korean-inspired barbecued squid on skewers
Barbecued lamb leg with lemon thyme salsa verde
Prosciutto wrapped haloumi
Barbecued spiced prawns
Scallops with ginger and lemongrass
Almond skordalia and pumpkin bruschetta
Char-grilled lobster tail salad
Char-grilled zucchini salad
Barbecued beef rump with panzanella salad and anchovy butter
