Christmas Day on the BBQ: Festive Outdoor Cooking Guide

There’s nothing more Australian than celebrating Christmas Day outdoors — sunshine, family, and a feast cooked entirely on the BBQ. With your outdoor kitchen ready to go, you can fire up the grill, keep the heat out of the house, and create a festive spread that’s relaxed, delicious, and perfect for summer.

Here’s how to serve up a classic Christmas lunch using your BBQ and outdoor kitchen setup, featuring sizzling prawns, smoky glazed ham, roasted veggies, and fresh festive salads.

BBQ Christmas Menu Inspiration

1. BBQ Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

A true Aussie Christmas favourite — quick, simple, and full of flavour.

How to cook them:

• Marinate peeled or unpeeled prawns in olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and a touch of chilli.
• Grill over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
• Serve with lemon wedges and a chilled dipping sauce like garlic aioli or mango salsa.

Tip: Use a flat hotplate to stop smaller prawns falling through the grill.

2. Glazed Christmas Ham on the BBQ

A show-stopping centrepiece that becomes even better with smoky BBQ flavour.

How to prepare it:

• Score the fat, place in a roasting pan, and brush generously with a glaze — try pineapple, honey, maple, or classic mustard.
• Preheat your BBQ to medium (around 180°C) and cook using indirect heat.
• Baste regularly for that glossy, caramelised finish.

Extra flavour idea: Add wood chips in a smoker box for a hint of festive smokiness.

3. Roast Veggies Cooked Outdoors

Keep the house cool by roasting your vegetables outside — and give them extra char for a richer flavour.

Veggies that work perfectly:

• Potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Red onion
• Capsicum

Method:

• Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic.
• Roast in a BBQ-safe tray using indirect heat, or skewer and grill for a charred, slightly smoky finish.

4. Festive Summer Salads

Balance the heat of the BBQ with cool, refreshing salads.

Try these crowd favourites:

• Mango, avocado & prawn salad with a lime dressing
• Watermelon, feta & mint salad for freshness
• Classic potato salad with herbs and whole-egg mayo
• Roasted veggie salad using leftovers from the BBQ tray
• Grain salads like couscous or quinoa for something hearty

Prep all your salads in advance so you're relaxed when the BBQ is fired up.

Tips for a Smooth Christmas BBQ in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Prep Ahead

Chop, marinate, and assemble as much as possible the day before so you can enjoy the day with family.

Use Your Zones

Let your outdoor kitchen layout work for you:

• Prep bench for salads and glazing
• Grill for prawns and veggies
• Roasting area for ham
• Sink for easy clean-up

Keep Drinks Outdoors

Use your outdoor fridge or cooler so guests aren’t constantly going inside.

Create Shade & Comfort

Christmas Day can be hot — umbrellas, pergolas, or fans help keep everyone cool.

A Truly Aussie Christmas Feast

A Christmas Day feast cooked entirely in your outdoor kitchen brings the best of summer and festive tradition together. Whether you’re grilling prawns, glazing ham, or serving colourful salads, celebrating outdoors keeps the cooking social and the vibe relaxed — exactly how an Aussie Christmas should be.

If you're ready to upgrade your outdoor kitchen for summer entertaining, explore BBQs, storage modules, fridges, sinks, and more at BBQs R Us.