Christmas BBQ Ideas
Christmas in Perth means sunshine, warm evenings and the perfect excuse to fire up the BBQ. Whether you're planning a laid-back gathering or a full Christmas Day feast, the BBQ is your best friend for creating simple, tasty dishes that keep you out of a hot kitchen and in the middle of the action.
At BBQ Bazaar, we love helping Perth locals make the most of their outdoor cooking. Here are some of the best Christmas BBQ ideas, from quick crowd-pleasers to impressive seafood centrepieces—perfect for our classic West Aussie summer.
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Easy Christmas BBQ Ideas for Casual Summer Days
1. Sausages & Buns – The Ultimate Stress-Free Crowd Pleaser
If you’re hosting mates or family in the lead-up to Christmas, nothing beats the convenience of snags on the BBQ. Choose quality beef, pork or gourmet sausages, grill them until perfectly caramelised, and serve with:
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Fresh buns
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Caramelised onions
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Mustard, tomato sauce, relish
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A simple coleslaw on the side
It’s quick, affordable and always a hit—especially for larger groups.
2. BBQ Chicken Skewers
Marinate some chicken thigh pieces in:
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Lemon & herb
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Honey soy
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Cajun spices
Thread onto skewers with capsicum or onion, then grill for 8–10 minutes. Easy, colourful and great for Christmas gatherings where finger food is key.
3. Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
A perfect vegetarian side that screams summer. Brush corn with olive oil, char on the grill, then finish with garlic and herb butter or chilli lime butter.
Seafood on the BBQ – A Perth Christmas Essential
Christmas in WA isn’t complete without fresh local seafood. Here are the easiest (and most impressive!) options to cook on the BBQ.
4. BBQ Prawns with Garlic & Lemon
WA prawns cook beautifully on the grill. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and parsley. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
Perfect for:
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Christmas Day lunch
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Entrées
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Sharing platters
5. Whole Fish on the BBQ
A whole snapper or barramundi seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and fresh herbs is a true show-stopper. Wrap in foil or cook directly on a fish tray for crisp skin and smoky flavour.
6. Grilled Lobster or Crayfish
If you want to go all out for Christmas:
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Halve the crayfish
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Brush with garlic butter
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BBQ shell-side down until meat turns white and opaque
This is Christmas luxury done the West Aussie way.
Bigger Christmas Day BBQ Ideas
7. Butterflied Leg of Lamb
This cooks evenly on the BBQ and feeds a crowd. Marinate with rosemary, garlic, olive oil and lemon. Grill on medium heat until juicy with a smoky crust.
8. BBQ Glazed Ham
Add a smoky twist to your traditional Christmas ham. Brush with a glaze (honey, mustard, orange, or maple works great) and BBQ until caramelised.
BBQ Desserts for a Sweet Summer Finish
9. Grilled Pineapple
Slice fresh pineapple, coat lightly with brown sugar and cinnamon, and grill until golden. Serve with ice cream or coconut yoghurt.
10. BBQ Pavlova Topping
No, you don’t BBQ pavlova—but grilled peaches, nectarines and mango make the perfect smoky topping for a Christmas pav.
Top Tips for Christmas BBQ Success
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Pre-heat your grill properly
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Keep seafood chilled and cook it fresh
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Use a meat thermometer for big roasts
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Have plenty of cold drinks and shade ready
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Clean and oil your grill before and after cooking
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Whether you're keeping it simple with sausages and buns or hosting a full seafood feast, the BBQ is the perfect way to celebrate a Perth Christmas. If you need a new BBQ, accessories or expert advice, BBQ Bazaar has everything you need to cook up a summer feast to remember.
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