January 26th is here again and for Australians around the world that means just one thing − there will be a party. While our multicultural nation has embraced food from around the world, there are some dishes that we like to think (we’re looking at you New Zealand) are uniquely Aussie. Take a look through our gallery for some cooking inspiration that’s sure to be a hit no matter how you celebrate Australia Day.
Recipes for the barbecue
There’s no getting past it: on Australia Day the barbecue is king. Whether yours is enjoyed beside the beach or in the backyard, these recipes are all fuss free, full of flavour and ideally suited to the soaring January temperatures.
- Australia Day Rissoles
- Lamb Kebabs in Spicy Coconut Sauce
- Fruity Lamb Chops
- Best BBQ Hamburgers
- Chicken Marinade
- Vietnamese Minced Pork Skewers
-
Barbequed Satay Garlic Prawns
Salad recipes
No Australia Day barbecue or picnic get together would be complete without a few summer salads. Here are a few of our favourites that are not only simple, but make the most of the new season produce. These are salads that demand to be eaten outdoors teemed with a glass of something cold, to really make the most of this balmy summer day.
- Coleslaw
- Quick and Easy Pasta Salad
- Simple Cold Wild Rice Salad
- Curried Rice Salad
- Grandma’s Potato Salad
- Israeli Couscous Salad
- Five Tomato Salad
Vegetables on the barbecue
Vegetables don’t just belong in salads; they’re also great on the barbecue itself. Think of veggies that hold their shape well once cooked, such as baby leeks, zucchini strips, corn on the cob and mushrooms. Try some of these barbecued vegetable recipes, which are all enhanced by the smoky flavours of the grill.
- BBQ Corn
- Easy Barbeque Zucchini
- Barbequed Zucchini, Onion and Mushroom
- Barbequed Cabbage and Bacon
- Barbequed Pineapple Slices
- Barry’s Barbequed Corn on the Cob
Cold lunch options
Not every Australia Day get together needs to be around the barbecue. In fact, a picnic at the beach or park is just as popular, and a great way to make the most of the summer sunshine. Here are a few of our favourite recipes that are easy to transport and hold up well to the heat.
- Chicken Picnic Pie
- Zucchini Slice
- Pizza Scrolls
- Smoked Cheese and Pumpkin Mini Quiches
- Sweet Potato and Bacon Slice
- Vegetable Frittata
- Asparagus and Salmon Frittata
Drinks
With seafood, barbecues and plenty of summer salads on most menus, fresh, light, fruity flavours are your best choice in drinks. Here, it can be as simple as throwing some sliced lemon and mint sprigs into a jug of iced water, or choosing your favourite summer fruit to transform into a refreshing juice. Alternatively, here are a few of our favourite hot-weather busting drinks that pair up perfectly with the breezy menus most of us go for on Australia Day.
- Best Ginger Beer
- Refreshing Lemon and Mint Iced Tea
- Fruity Iced Tea
- Best Summer Party Punch
- Lemonade
- Ginger and Lemon Punch
- Ginger Beer
Desserts
No Australia Day get together would be complete without a classic dessert to finish the meal. Here, you can’t go past a classic pavlova for your choice of dessert. However, if you’d prefer a different dessert we’ve also got a few alternative recipes such fruity ice blocks that match the climate, and the relaxed nature of the day.
- Strawberry Pavlova Roll
- Fruity Ice Blocks
- Fail-safe Pavlova
- Lamington Cheesecake
- Frozen Mango Bars
- Mango Cheesecake
- Passionfruit Slice
Great Australian recipes
For a truly patriotic touch, make sure you take along one of these dishes to your Australia Day get together. From lamingtons to jelly slice, Anzac biscuits to pumpkin scones, these classic recipes are a celebration of our lifestyle and all the influences that have made us what we are.
- Easy Australian Damper
- Australian Meat Pie
- Anzac Biscuits
- Lamingtons
- Pumpkin Scones
- CWF’s Jelly Slice
