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20 Christmas BBQ Recipes You Need to Make

March 28, 2024 By Lisa Sharp Leave a Comment

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Find the perfect blend of summer vibes and festive cheer with this guide to planning a Christmas BBQ, ideal for warm climates or Christmas in July celebrations. Enjoy the spirit of the season with sizzling grills, outdoor fun, and memorable gatherings under the sun.

collage of summer Christmas recipes with caption 20 delicious summer Christmas BBQ recipes to try for Christmas in July

Are you craving a break from traditional holiday norms? A Christmas BBQ offers a refreshing twist on seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re reveling in the warmth of summer or embracing the festive spirit of Christmas in July, a BBQ allows you to blend Christmas traditions with outdoor fun.

There are so many delicious Christmas BBQ recipes you can choose from to create the perfect Christmas in July, or summer Christmas in the southern hemisphere, party. 

How to Plan a Christmas BBQ

If you are wanting to have your own Christmas BBQ there are several things to consider when it comes to planning the holiday event. Having a good plan will help you create a stress-free Christmas BBQ that everyone will enjoy.

Here’s how to plan the ultimate Christmas BBQ that combines the joy of the season with the sizzle of the grill.

  1. Choose the Right Venue: Opt for outdoor spaces such as backyard patios, parks, or beachfront areas that provide ample room for grilling and mingling in the open air.
  2. Set the Festive Atmosphere: Incorporate Christmas decorations such as Christmas lights and themed tableware to infuse the BBQ area with holiday cheer. Consider adding touches like a summer Christmas tree or wreaths to evoke the spirit of the season.
  3. Craft a Seasonal Menu: Plan a BBQ menu that combines traditional Christmas favorites with summertime delights. You’ll find a lot of great recipe options below. 
  4. Don’t Forget the Drinks: Serve up refreshing beverages to keep guests cool and hydrated. You will also find some drink recipes below. 
  5. Plan Fun Activities: Keep guests entertained with outdoor games like the traditional outdoor games or play some Christmas games outside. You can also set up a DIY s’mores station or a frozen hot chocolate bar for a cozy touch reminiscent of winter nights by the fire.
  6. Embrace the Spirit of Giving: Consider incorporating a charitable element into your Christmas BBQ by organizing a donation drive or fundraising activity to support those in need during the holiday season. 
  7. Give Gifts: Have a secret Santa exchange or play a white elephant style game. Make sure to set spending limits to keep things fair. 

By following these tips, you can plan a memorable Christmas BBQ that brings together the best of both worlds – the festive traditions of Christmas and the laid-back charm of a summer cookout. Now on to the best part, the food!

Christmas BBQ Recipes

Use these Christmas recipes to plan your next Christmas in July part or for Christmas in the southern hemisphere. The full recipes can be found by visiting the links under each photo.

Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com

Christmas Fruit Salad

Hosting Christmas in July? Then this refreshing fruit salad will be perfect - all the refreshing flavors you crave in summer, with a festive holiday spirit that's unmistakably "Christmas-y"!

Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com

Chicken Cobb “Christmas Tree” Holiday Salad

This Christmas-y version of the classic Cobb salad is a delightful, whimsical way to bring Christmastime vibes into summer. Crisp and fresh, it's ideal for hot summer temps, but there's no doubt at all that it's got Christmas festivities at its heart!

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com

Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board

This stunning Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board is an eye-catching appetizer, perfect for any holiday party or a Christmas in July celebration.

Photo Credit: www.mapleandmango.com

Christmas Caprese Salad

This Christmas Caprese Salad features juicy tomato slices, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves arranged in the shape of a candy cane. It's perfect for a Christmas in July BBQ.

Photo Credit: vintagekitchennotes.com

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

Homemade coleslaw with crunchy apples and tart cranberries is a sweet and tangy twist on the traditional salad. The cranberries make it perfect for a Christmas BBQ.

Photo Credit: momfoodie.com

Christmas Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs are great appetizers for a cook-out and these Christmas Deviled Eggs are perfect for a Christmas BBQ. Make a few dozen. They go fast.

Photo Credit: jamjarkitchen.com

Cucumber Christmas Tree Skewers

These adorable cucumber Christmas tree skewers are the perfect festive snack or appetizer for the holiday season or a Christmas BBQ.

Photo Credit: sustainmycookinghabit.com

Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Rolls

Making pull-apart homemade bread rolls in a Christmas tree shape adds that extra special touch around the holiday season.

Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com

Festive Christmas Tree Pesto Bread

This delicious Christmas tree pesto bread is a great side dish for your Christmas BBQ.

Photo Credit: www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Smoked Turkey

Turkey is a classic Christmas dish and this smoked version is perfect for your Christmas BBQ.

Photo Credit: insimoneskitchen.com

Christmas Burger Recipe

Grill up some burgers using this fun Christmas burger recipe for the perfect main dish for a Christmas BBQ.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe

A frozen hot chocolate is the perfect treat for a Christmas in July BBQ. This one is Mickey inspired but can be made without the mouse ears for any BBQ.

Easy Peppermint Ice Cream Recipe

Peppermint ice cream is easy to make and delicious! It's also a great summer Christmas treat that you can serve at a Christmas in July BBQ.

Photo Credit: retrohousewifegoesgreen.com

Vintage Cranberry Noel Dessert Recipe

This fluffy and light dessert is great to serve at a Christmas BBQ and uses canned cranberry sauce which is easier to find than fresh cranberries during the summer months.

Photo Credit: mymorningmocha.com

Christmas Wreath Pavlova

A beautiful fruit meringue wreath that tastes as good as it looks. It’s topped with an array of fresh berries and a homemade strawberry coulis.

Photo Credit: cravingsomethinghealthy.com

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These easy slice and bake Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a Christmas treat that tastes just as delicious in the summer. Keep a log of the dough in your freezer and slice and bake them when you need a sweet treat.

Photo Credit: livetosweet.com

Chocolate Cherry Pie

This Chocolate Cherry Pie has juicy cherries and chopped dark chocolate in a crisp, flaky chocolate pie crust. This beauty is a popular choice following Christmas dinner, but it's right at home at a summer BBQ, too!

Photo Credit: thecinnamonjar.com

Quick Cassata ice cream

Get ready to dive into a world of pure decadence with this quick cassata ice cream recipe! It's the quintessential Christmas ice cream, perfect for those moments when you crave something refreshing and light after the customary festive feast.

Hot Chocolate Cold Brew

A fun drink option for your Christmas BBQ is a hot chocolate cold brew. It's easy to make and delicious.

Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini

Want to serve a cocktail at your Christmas BBQ? This frozen hot chocolate martini is perfect!

collage of summer Christmas recipes with caption 20 delicious summer Christmas BBQ recipes to try for Christmas in July

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Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Christmas in July, Christmas Party, summer, Summer Recipes

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photo of Lisa Welcome to my blog! My name is Lisa and I'm the face behind the blog. I love Christmas and want to help you reduce the holiday stress and bring back the magic! To read more, click here.

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