Christmas in Melbourne often looks like sunshine, BBQs, and everyone spread out in the backyard – until the weather decides otherwise, that is!
With our famous “four seasons in a day”, plans can change quickly; it helps to choose ahead of time if you’d prefer the BBQ or a classic roast.
From there, choosing the right Christmas meat becomes simpler.
In this blog post, we look at the best cuts for a BBQ Christmas and the classics for a traditional roast.
BBQ vs. roast: do you have a cooking preference for the day?
Before you choose any meat, think about how you actually want to cook on Christmas Day.
On a hot day, many families lean toward the BBQ because it keeps the heat outside and makes the day feel more relaxed. But others still love the tradition of a roast as the centrepiece of their classic Christmas spread, no matter the temperature.
If you’re planning a BBQ…
A BBQ suits our summer weather and gives you flexibility if the day heats up. It also means you can cook in batches, keep the mood casual, and stay close to the action outside.
BBQ meats cook quickly, handle last-minute weather changes, and keep everyone fed without long prep times.
Prefer a traditional roast?
A roast is ideal if your family loves the classic Christmas feel. It works well if you’re hosting indoors or if you have air conditioning and don’t mind using the oven.
Roasts require a little more prep work and time, but create that classic, nostalgic Christmas we often long for.
How to choose between the two
- Pick BBQ meats if you want something quick, flexible, and suited to outdoor entertaining
- Pick a roast if you want a set-and-forget option that feels a bit more traditional
- Some families do both, especially if they’re feeding a big group
When you’ve decided how you want to cook, choosing the right meats becomes much easier!
The best Christmas meats for the BBQ
A BBQ is one of the easiest ways to cook for Christmas. It brings everyone outside and lets you cook in stages without feeling rushed. It also suits the relaxed, come-and-go style of summer entertaining, which is why so many families choose it for Christmas lunch.
Here are some popular cuts that work best for a Christmas BBQ.
Steak
Quick to cook and always popular. Porterhouse, scotch fillet, rump, and T-bones all grill well and work perfectly for a big crowd.
Lamb cutlets
A guaranteed favourite. They cook in minutes, look great on a platter, and add a festive touch without any extra effort.
Chicken wings and drumettes
Easy to marinate, forgiving on the grill, and perfect for kids and adults. They also hold up well if the BBQ is opened and closed frequently.
Pork chops
A great option if you want something hearty without committing to a full roast. They caramelise beautifully on the BBQ and pair well with summer salads.
Sausages
An essential for any Aussie Christmas! Premium beef or pork sausages, plus a few gourmet flavours, make catering simple and crowd-friendly.
Kebabs
Quick, colourful, and easy to serve. Beef, chicken, lamb mixed with veggies round out the BBQ and cater to different tastes.
Why these options work well:
- They cook quickly and don’t need much prep
- You can serve food as it’s ready
- It suits warm weather and casual hosting
- Perfect for families who want to stay outdoors
Classic Christmas roasts guaranteed to impress
Even with the warm weather, a roast still has a special place on the Christmas table. It brings that comforting, festive feel that aroma everyone looks forward to once a year. A roast also works well if you’re hosting indoors or want a centrepiece that feeds a lot of people with minimal fuss.
Popular roasting options include:
Pork roast and crackling
A true favourite. The salty crackling, tender meat and rich flavour make it perfect for a Christmas feast. It also pairs beautifully with fresh summer salads, so it doesn’t feel too heavy on a hot day.
Whole turkey or turkey breast
Turkey is ideal when you’re feeding a big group. A whole bird looks impressive, while turkey breast offers a quicker cook time and suits smaller families. Both are great served hot or at room temperature.
Beef rib roast
Juicy, bold and full of flavour. A rib roast makes a stunning centrepiece and suits families who want something hearty without going overboard.
Lamb leg or shoulder
A classic Aussie choice. Lamb roasts are tender, easy to carve and perfect for guests who enjoy richer flavours. They also work nicely with both warm and cold sides.
Glazed ham
Ham is one of the most versatile Christmas meats. You can serve it hot out of the oven or enjoy it cold later in the day. A simple glaze adds sweetness and colour, making it a reliable favourite for mixed-age gatherings.
Why the roast still shines at Christmas
- Perfect for feeding larger groups
- They look impressive on the table
- A lot of the work can be done early to save time on the day
- They work well for indoor hosting
Easy cold meats and antipasto for stress-free summer hosting
Cold meats and light antipasto are a great way to add variety to your Christmas spread without extra work. They’re perfect as quick starters while the BBQ heats up or the roast finishes cooking. They also keep guests happily nibbling without filling up too much before lunch.
Here are some simple options you can put out early:
Cold meats
- Sliced ham
- Roast beef
- Turkey breast
- Chilled chicken
Antipasto favourites
- Salami
- Prosciutto
- Kabana
- Olives
- Picked or marinated vegetables
- Cheese and crackers
These light additions help keep everyone happy without taking attention away from your main Christmas lunch.
How much meat do you need for your Christmas gathering?
Once you’ve chosen your meats, the next step is working out how much to buy. A simple guide makes planning easier, especially when you’re cooking for a big group. These portion sizes help ensure everyone’s well fed.
Don’t worry about leftovers either; we’ve got the perfect guide for what to do with all those delicious Christmas leftovers!
For BBQ meats
- Steaks: 200-250g per person
- Lamb cutlets: 3 to 4 per person
- Chicken wings or drumettes: 4 to 6 per person
- Sausages: 1 to 2 per person
- Kebabs: 1 to 2 per person
For roasts
- Pork roast: 250-300g per person
- Beef rib roast: 300g per person
- Lamb leg or shoulder: 250-300g per person
- Turkey (whole): 500g raw weight per person
- Turkey breast: 250g per person
- Ham: 250g per person
Our friendly butchers are also more than happy to assist you in-store when choosing the right portion for your Christmas Day feast.
The benefits of choosing a local butcher this Christmas
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for food shopping, and choosing a local butcher makes a big difference to both the quality of your meal and the ease of planning.
When you shop with local experts who know their products, you get better advice, fresher meat, and a smoother experience from start to finish.
Fresh, consistent quality
Our butchers hand-select cuts and prepare them in-store, so you know you’re getting fresh, high-quality meat every time.
Real advice from people who know meat
Whether you’re choosing between different roast sizes or want to know the best cut for quick grilling, our team can guide you based on what you actually need.
Cuts prepared the way you want
Need a pork roast scored a certain way, a lamb leg trimmed, or steaks cut thicker for the BBQ? Our butchers can prepare everything to your preference so it’s ready to cook when you get home.
Local service you can truly rely on
Shopping at your local Australian Butchers Store supports a business that’s part of your community. We take pride in looking after families who shop with us every year.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your Christmas Day menu!
Christmas week gets busy fast, and the most popular cuts always go first!
Shopping early gives you the best choice, helps you avoid the rush and means you can get your meats prepared exactly the way you want. It also takes one more thing off your list so you can focus on planning the rest of the day.
Our butcher stores in Boronia, Berwick, and Somerville are fully stocked in the lead-up to Christmas, and our team is always happy to help you choose the right meats for your lunch.
For friendly advice and quality meats prepared just the way you like them, visit your local Australian Butchers Store. We can’t wait to meet you in-store!