A very Aussie summer Christmas
Feb 15, 2025, 21:41 IST
Our Christmas’ are the polar opposite of the traditional White Christmas. It’s smack bang in the middle of summer. Up where I live in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, groups of families and friends flock from wide and far all across the greater Sydney area to gather for Christmas Day BBQ’s and picnics at beaches and parks.
It’s basically un-Australian to spend Christmas Day holed up in the kitchen with the oven going all day. Our Christmases are focussed on menus that can be prepared in advance, or with minimal cooking on the day. A consequence of which is that it’s usually very seafood heavy.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious Aussie Christmas feast, focus on fresh, easy-to-prepare dishes that embrace Australia’s warm summer vibes. Here’s a stress-free menu featuring classic Australian flavors:
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🥂 Starters
1. Prawn Cocktail – Cooked prawns with a simple cocktail sauce (mayo, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce). Serve chilled.
2. Cheese & Dips Platter – A mix of Aussie cheeses, crackers, and fresh dips like hummus or tzatziki.
3. Fresh Mango & Avocado Salsa – Diced mango, avocado, red onion, lime juice, and coriander—great with corn chips or as a side.
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🍖 Mains
1. BBQ Prawns & Seafood – Toss prawns, scallops, and fish fillets in olive oil, garlic, and lemon, then throw them on the barbie.
2. Glazed Christmas Ham – Buy a pre-cooked ham and glaze with honey, mustard, and pineapple juice. Bake for about an hour.
3. Roast Chicken (Easy Option) – Instead of turkey, roast a seasoned chicken with garlic, rosemary, and lemon.
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🥗 Sides
1. Aussie Potato Salad – Boiled potatoes, crispy bacon, spring onions, and a creamy mayo dressing.
2. Classic Garden Salad – Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a balsamic dressing.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob – BBQ corn with butter and salt. Simple and delicious.
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🍰 Desserts
1. Pavlova – A light meringue topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, and passionfruit.
2. Mango & Passionfruit Ice Cream – Buy good-quality mango ice cream and top with fresh passionfruit pulp.
3. Tim Tam & Chocolate Ripple Cake – Layer chocolate biscuits with whipped cream and let it set in the fridge overnight.
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🍹 Drinks
Sparkling Wine or Champagne – A must for toasts!
Classic Aussie Punch – Mix fruit juice, lemonade, fresh fruit, and mint.
Cold Beers & Ginger Beer – Perfect for the summer heat.
This menu is minimal effort but maximum flavor, letting you enjoy Christmas without stress. Would you like a simple timeline for prepping this feast?