The long Easter weekend is the perfect time to bring families and friends together.
In Australia, Easter falls during milder weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor gatherings. If you plan to have an Easter BBQ this year, we’ve got you covered. From preparation tips to Easter recipes and fun activities, this article has everything you need to plan the ultimate Easter BBQ this year.
Preparation Tips For An Easter BBQ
Here are some tips to help you prepare your Easter BBQ:
Ask about dietary restrictions ahead of time
There are a lot of different dietary restrictions and requirements these days, so it’s best to ask your guests before planning your meals. Once you know whether some of your guests are gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan, you can plan a couple of different meals to suit those restrictions.
Some of the best dishes that suit those who are gluten-intolerant or vegetarian could be a hearty salad or vegetarian burger patties.
Label everything
If you know you have guests coming who are gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian, adding labels to dishes that state they’re gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian will make a world of difference.
Choose the right cut of meat
When it comes to hosting an Easter BBQ, you want to choose meat that is easy to cook, such as ribeye steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts or thighs and hamburgers.
Avoid tougher cuts of meat that require longer cooking times, such as brisket or chuck roasts.
Marinade beforehand
Marinating your meat before putting it on the BBQ helps to add flavour and moisture. You can use various ingredients to marinate meat; however, some of the most common include a combination of oil, garlic, herbs and spices. Let it marinate for at least two hours to ensure your meat is extra tasty and moist.
Prep as much as you can
When it comes time to cook your meat on the BBQ, you don’t want to have to worry about going back and forth between the BBQ and kitchen to get the rest of the food ready. Instead, prepare as many of the side dishes as you can in the morning. Here are some things you can do:
- Create the salads (add the dressing just before serving)
- Chop meat and vegetables ahead of time
- Get your skewers ready for the BBQ
- Pre-cut bread and rolls for sausages and burgers
Have your equipment ready
There’s nothing worse than going to heat up the BBQ and realising you’re out of gas. When planning an Easter BBQ, it’s essential that you have all of the supplies and equipment you need. A few days before the BBQ, make a list of the things you need to ensure you’re ready for the event.
Set up your decorations the night before
To ensure that all you have to worry about on the day of the BBQ is the food, set up all of your outdoor seating arrangements and decorations the night before.
Easter BBQ Recipe Ideas
Planning an Easter BBQ but aren’t sure what dishes to serve? Here are some Easter BBQ ideas to get you started:
Grilled lamb chops
A classic choice for Easter, lamb is a favourite in Australia. Marinate the lamb chops in olive oil, garlic, rosemary and time. Grill the lamb chops until they’re juicy and tender. Serve the lamb chops with fresh mint pesto, blending mint leaves, almonds, parmesan, garlic and olive oil for a refreshing touch.
BBQ glazed ham
This dish is such a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ, but especially at Easter! This dish can be elevated by giving it a smokey and caramelised BBQ glaze. The sweetness of the glaze paired with the salty flavour of the ham and some delicious creamy mashed potatoes on the side will have your guests going back for seconds and even thirds.
Classic Australian beef burgers
You can’t host an Easter BBQ without serving classic Australian beef burgers. If you’ve got vegetarians coming to your BBQ, you can swap out the beef for vegetarian patties. Add slices of grilled pineapple and beetroot, along with lettuce, tomato and a fried egg, for a truly classic Aussie burger.
Chicken skewers
Chicken skewers are an easy way to present grilled chicken at your Easter BBQ. Marinating the chicken in a blend of spices, herbs, and BBQ sauce enriches it with a deep flavour while ensuring it remains tender and moist when cooked. Accompanying the skewers with a selection of vegetables introduces a crisp texture and refreshing element.
Grilled vegetables
While grilling vegetables may seem like one of the most basic Easter BBQ ideas, it’s actually quite effective when you’ve got vegetarian guests. You can grill asparagus, capsicum, zucchini, and other vegetables and season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an all-purpose seasoning.
Barbecued prawns
Seafood is a must-have at any Aussie BBQ. Toss prawns in a marinade of olive oil, crushed garlic, chilli flakes and lemon myrtle for a uniquely Australian flavour. Grill the prawns until pink and perfectly cooked, then serve with lemon wedges and a side of aioli.
Grilled corn on the cob
Grill whole corn cobs until slightly charred, then slather with butter. This side dish is simple yet incredibly delicious, perfect for your Easter BBQ.
Grilled Halloumi
Grilled halloumi is a winner at any BBQ. You can spice it up with some cajun seasoning or add a touch of sweetness to its saltiness with a drizzle of honey.
Easter BBQ Activities
Embrace the joys of the Easter long weekend that brings your family and friends together. After all of the food has been devoured, why not play a few games? Here are some activities to keep the party going:
- Giant Jenga
- Bean bag toss
- Horseshoes
- Pétanque
- Croquet
- Ring toss
Throw The Perfect Easter BBQ With Home Fires
The key to hosting the perfect Easter BBQ lies not only in the delicious recipes, the themed decorations or the activities but also in the quality of your BBQ. If you’re thinking of spicing up your Easter BBQ game this year by investing in a new grill, look no further than Home Fires.
From compact charcoal models to expansive gas setups designed for a grand feast, we have a wide range to choose from. Not sure which BBQ is right for you? Our team are happy to answer any question you have and recommend BBQs for you. Get in touch with us online or by visiting us in-store.
