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Everyone loves Christmas food. But have you thought about using a BBQ grill to make your recipes for Christmas dinner? This is actually a common tradition in Australia and other countries in the southern hemisphere. If you’re itching to try something different this December and don’t mind spending some time outside, these BBQ ideas below are guaranteed to spread the jingle all the way!
1. Christmas turkey
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a turkey served on the table. While the classic roast is always a hit, you can have this holiday meal on the grill. This is perfect for freeing up your oven space for other dishes. Take out your trusty barbecue smoker for sumptuous results! A gas grill also works well for this menu, but a charcoal BBQ will result in a smokier flavour.
How to BBQ a turkey note: Grilling a turkey takes 15-18 minutes per pound. So, a 12-pound turkey would take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. A BBQ with a lid will be more efficient, especially in cold conditions.
2. BBQ chicken lollipops
These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also make great appetisers that are sure to please kids and adults alike. They are chicken drumsticks seasoned with a dry rub, wrapped in bacon, and smoked with barbecue sauce. Feel free to experiment with your own recipe to transform regular drumsticks into something worth talking about!
Tip: Season with some honey to create a lip-smacking favourite.
3. Rotisserie prime rib
The sizzling juice rotisserie prime ribs are perfect for the holidays! Seasoned and grilled with garlic herbs and basting butter, this BBQ menu will have you serving something fancy on the table. Guests will enjoy the rich taste, especially classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Attach the rotisserie to your grill and add a few wood chunks for smoke. Roast the prime rib at 400°F. The high heat gives it a crispy outside, and the smoke adds a unique flavour that you won’t get from an oven.
4. Salmon with brown sugar and mustard glaze
You can never go wrong with this menu combination if you want to add something a bit lighter but still full of flavour. It’s known for its no-recipe recipe, and the preparation couldn’t be simpler. We can list it out for you here:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix Dijon mustard and brown sugar to your preferred spicy sweetness.
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place fillets skin-side down on a lightly oiled, foil-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the mustard and brown sugar glaze on top.
- Bake in the upper part of the oven for about 12 minutes.
This dish goes great with braised greens, too!
5. Pork belly roast
This might take the spotlight on your Christmas dinner table setup — tasty, crispy edges and tender meat. To grill pork belly to perfection, you need to set up your grill for two cooking zones. This will give you more control over the grilling process and the end result. Follow these instructions with the ingredients listed to recreate it this holiday.
Tip: If you own a hybrid BBQ, this should be easy peasy. It has one area for direct, high-heat grilling and another for indirect, lower-heat cooking. This setup allows you to manage different types of food and cooking needs at the same time.
6. Barbecued ham
Like turkey, no holiday gathering is complete without a ham. This menu idea, however, puts a twist on the traditional Christmas ham — it’s grilled! Just think about the smoky, grilled exterior that enhances the ham’s natural sweetness and savoury taste. Yum!
Tip: Make ham rub by mixing brown sugar, granulated sugar, black pepper, bourbon-smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon. Voila, you have the perfect glazed finish.
7. Roasted seasonal vegetables
This is your chance to use freshly harvested greens from your vegetable garden. Toss your garden-fresh veggies of choice with a bit of olive oil and herbs before roasting. Top it off with sesame honey glaze and serve as a side. You can use some as toppings for your pizza before baking it in the BBQ pizza oven.
Refer to our guide, ‘25 Vegan BBQ Ideas That Everyone Will Love’ for more ideas.
8. Grilled prawns with garlic, lemon & chilli
Don’t miss out on this refreshing addition to your holiday spread. These BBQ prawns are a real treat — simple to make, delicious, healthy, and require just five ingredients. The garlic adds flavour, the lemon provides a fresh taste, and the chilli adds some spice. Follow this recipe for a cooking process that takes only 30 minutes.
9. Grilled scallops
Add seafood to your Christmas BBQ menu with grilled scallops. This dish benefits from a quick marinade of honey, garlic, and pimentón (Spanish smoked paprika). Quick, high heat is best for cooking shellfish to avoid overcooking. A brief char and smoke enhance the flavour of these delicious scallops.
Hands down, this is the most luxurious dish you’ll cook on your grill this festive season!
10. Molten chocolate cakes
Dessert is always a highlight of any meal, and the holidays are no exception. For something extra special, try these molten chocolate cakes.
Made with common ingredients and easy to prepare, this dessert will impress your guests, especially when they find out it’s grilled. Follow this recipe for a tasty treat perfect for celebrating the new year!
We hope these menu ideas inspire you to create a fantastic barbecue feast this Christmas. Spread the cheerful spirit to your outdoor space with these Christmas garden ideas for a jolly outdoor setting!
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