This entry was posted on December 6, 2024.
Whilst a traditional Christmas dinner is a beloved staple across the UK in December, why not put a twist on it this year with the aid of a professional BBQ grill? By adding a barbecue touch to classic Christmas dishes, you can create a unique, smoky flavour that will leave a lasting impression on your guests during the most wonderful time of the year!
Why Use a Commercial BBQ Grill This Christmas?
Cooking Christmas dinner on a barbecue grill can be a fantastic way to bring something unique to the table, especially if you’re looking to add a bit of smoky flavour to your festive feast. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth trying:
- Flavour boost: Barbecue grills can add a delicious smoky aroma and taste that offers much more than what can be achieved in a regular oven. This enhancement can enhance traditional Christmas meats like turkey and ham as well as sides like roasted vegetables and potatoes.
- Versatile cooking methods: Many grills offer different cooking options, from direct heat grilling to smoking or slow cooking with indirect heat. This flexibility allows you to prepare different dishes on the same grill with distinct tastes and textures, giving you the chance to cater to a variety of different tastes.
- Great for Big Cuts of Meat: Large cuts like a whole turkey or ham can take up significant oven space, but the grill is perfectly suited for handling bigger pieces with room to spare for your lovely grilled side dishes!
Traditional Christmas Foods Reimagined
Turkey
Turkey is the centrepiece of most Christmas dinners, and by grilling it on a BBQ, you will be able to add a deep, smoky flavour that’s simply hard to resist! To ensure the turkey is evenly cooked and stays juicy, butterfly it by removing the backbone so that it can lay flat on the grill. This method helps the bird cook evenly, and it reduces the overall cooking time.
When it comes to adding flavour, rub the turkey with a blend of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest, then let it marinate for a few hours before grilling. For an extra layer of flavour, add soaked wood chips (such as apple or cherry) to the BBQ for a mild smokiness. If you want the skin to be extra crispy, then be sure to cook the turkey on indirect heat with the BBQ lid closed, checking periodically and basting it with butter.
Duck
Duck is naturally rich and tender, and grilling it on the BBQ enhances its flavours beautifully. For the best results, make shallow cuts in the skin to allow the fat to render and then cook it on medium heat, starting with the skin side down.
For the flavours, a simple marinade of soy sauce, honey, and a touch of five-spice powder will complement the duck’s rich flavour, giving it a slightly sweet and aromatic finish. For an added festive touch, consider also basting the duck with an orange glaze as it cooks, as this will create a deliciously sweet and tangy caramelisation.
Ham
Ham is another Christmas classic, and the BBQ can give it an unforgettably gorgeous, caramelised crust. Start by slicing the fat layer in a criss-cross pattern to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
A simple glaze made of honey, mustard, cloves, and a dash of brown sugar works wonders for BBQ ham, creating a sticky, sweet finish. Place the ham over indirect heat and brush it generously with the glaze every 15-20 minutes. The BBQ grill will give the ham a slightly charred crust, enhancing its natural sweetness and adding a layer of complexity to the dish.
When it comes to cooking meat, it is important to check the core temperature to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. To do this, we recommend that you use a thermometer as this piece of equipment will accurately track the temperature of your food.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are an iconic Christmas vegetable, and grilling them can give them a rich, nutty flavour with crispy edges that can make them appeal even to stern sprout-haters! Toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place them in a grill basket.
For a unique twist, drizzle the grilled sprouts with a balsamic reduction and then sprinkle with toasted walnuts or crispy bacon pieces for added crunch and saltiness. The slight bitterness of the sprouts pairs beautifully with the sweet, caramelised balsamic glaze, making this a standout side dish.
Roasted Potatoes
No Christmas dinner is complete without crispy roasted potatoes, and the BBQ grill provides a great twist on this classic side. Parboil the potatoes until they are just tender, then toss them in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic, then finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Once parboiled, grill the potatoes on high heat until they develop a golden, crispy exterior. For extra flavour, consider adding a hint of smoked paprika.
Carrots and Parsnips
Caramelised carrots and parsnips cooked on a BBQ grill bring out their natural sweetness, making them an ideal side for a Christmas BBQ dinner. Toss them in a mixture of honey, olive oil, and thyme, and grill until tender and slightly charred.
The honey glaze will caramelise, creating a beautiful golden-brown coating that adds a festive touch to these root vegetables. You can also sprinkle a little chilli powder for a bit of warmth, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables.
Cinders Barbecues: High-Quality BBQ Grills
For those looking to take their Christmas dinner to the next level, Cinders Barbecues is here to offer you top-quality commercial BBQ grills and a range of accessories that are ideal for large gatherings and catering events this Christmas and beyond! Be sure to look into your options today by browsing our website. If you have any questions, then be sure to contact us today, and a member of our team will be happy to help.
