Easter in Australia is not just a time for egg hunts and chocolate bunnies; it's also an ideal occasion to fire up the barbecue and enjoy the outdoors. While the grilled meats often take centre stage, the side dishes are equally important in creating a memorable feast. Here, we explore a range of side dish ideas that perfectly complement any Easter BBQ.

Fresh and Zesty Salads

Salads are a must-have at any BBQ, offering a fresh and light contrast to the smoky flavours of grilled meats.

• Garden Salad with a Twist: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add some Aussie flair with a sprinkle of macadamia nuts and a drizzle of lemon myrtle dressing.
• Roasted Pumpkin and Feta Salad: Cube pumpkin and roast it until tender. Mix with crumbled feta, spinach, and a balsamic reduction for a sweet and savoury combination.

Savoury Sides

Balance your meal with these savoury delights that can be easily prepared on the BBQ.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn cobs with butter and grill until lightly charred. Serve with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a squeeze of fresh lime for a tangy kick.
• BBQ’d Veggie Skewers: Thread chunks of capsicum, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onion onto skewers. Grill until tender and serve with a pesto or garlic aioli dip.

Potato Dishes

No BBQ is complete without a hearty potato dish, and these ideas are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

• Potato Salad with Herbed Mayo: Combine boiled chat potatoes with homemade mayonnaise mixed with dill, parsley, and chives. Add crisp bacon bits for an extra layer of flavour.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Slice sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil and rosemary, and roast on the BBQ. Serve with a sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.

Breads and More

Breads are a great addition to soak up all the delicious flavours of a BBQ feast.

• Damper Bread: Embrace the traditional Australian damper bread. Serve it warm with butter or as a base for an open-faced sandwich.
• Garlic Bread: A classic choice, wrap your garlic bread in foil and heat it on the BBQ for a crispy, golden crust.

Sweet Endings

Finish off with a light and sweet dish to balance the savoury spread.

• Grilled Fruit Skewers: Skewer pieces of pineapple, banana, and mango. Grill until caramelised and serve with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and honey.

This Easter, enhance your barbecue with these delightful side dishes. Not only do they offer a variety of flavours and textures, but they also bring a touch of Australian culinary charm to your Easter gathering. Looking to get a new BBQ just in time for Easter? Home Fires has a range of barbecues to choose from.