When it comes to Christmas dinner, many of us picture a traditional roast prepared in a cosy indoor kitchen. But who says the festive feast has to stay indoors? Using your outdoor kitchen and BBQ area to create Christmas dishes is a fantastic way to shake things up, make the most of your outdoor cooking station, and even free up your indoor oven for side dishes and festive desserts. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, barbecuing Christmas-themed food is a fun and memorable way to celebrate. Let’s explore some Christmas dinner ideas to inspire your festive BBQ! 🎄
BBQ Turkey Breast or Crown
Roast turkey is a Christmas classic, and barbecuing it gives it a smoky flavour that’s hard to beat. Opt for a turkey crown or breast to keep things manageable, and cook it low and slow on your barbecue grill. Add some festive spices to the BBQ rub, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage, for a seasonal twist. 🧑🍳
Honey Roast Ham
A honey glazed ham is a showstopper on any Christmas table. Cook it on your outdoor grill with a sweet glaze of honey, mustard, and cloves, allowing the smoky heat to caramelise the glaze beautifully. The result? A flavourful Christmas ham to enjoy with your loved ones. 🔥
Grilled Brussels Sprouts (or Tenderstem Broccoli) Skewers
Even Brussels sprouts can shine on the BBQ! Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes, then thread them onto skewers and grill until charred and tender. Not a fan of sprouts? Swap them for tenderstem broccoli—it cooks quickly and picks up a delicious smoky flavour on the grill. 🥦
Pigs in Blankets
Give everyone’s favourite Christmas side dish a BBQ upgrade. Cook sausages wrapped in bacon directly on your outdoor BBQ for crispy, smoky perfection. These are great for serving as nibbles while the main course is busy cooking in your outdoor kitchenette. 🥓
Christmas Veggies in Foil Parcels
Barbecuing isn’t just for meat! Wrap carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes in foil with butter, rosemary, and a drizzle of honey, then pop them on the grill. The foil locks in the flavours, creating tender and caramelised vegetables with minimal effort. 🥕
BBQ Christmas Stuffing Patties
Turn your stuffing mix into patties and grill them instead of baking. The BBQ gives them a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and flavourful. It’s a unique way to serve stuffing that’s sure to impress. 🎁
BBQ Smoked Salmon
For a lighter festive option, smoke some fresh salmon in one of your outdoor kitchen appliances to start your Christmas meal. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprig of dill for an elegant touch. 🍋
Charred Mince Pies
Yes, even Christmas desserts can hit the BBQ! Warm up mince pies on the grill for a few minutes, allowing the pastry to crisp up and the filling to become deliciously gooey. Serve with a scoop of brandy butter or cream for the perfect finish. 🥧
All these Christmas BBQ ideas can be prepared using any outdoor cooking appliance in your outdoor BBQ kitchen—whether you’re working with a gas BBQ, charcoal BBQ, kamado BBQ, or pizza oven. From smoked turkey to cooked ham and even charred mince pies, there’s no shortage of dishes you can cook on the barbecue this Christmas. So fire up your BBQ grills, embrace the holiday spirit, and make this year’s Christmas meal one to remember! ⭐️
Let us know if you try any of these ideas or have any other Christmas food suggestions for your outdoor BBQ area. Have a great time cooking and enjoy the festivities! 🥂
Sizzle on,
Team AOS 🎅