It’s the most wonderful time of the year! When treetops glisten, braai meat sizzles and coals gifted from Santa don’t mean you’re naughty, you’re nice. Welcome to the South African Christmas, where the festive season means it’s summertime. If you’re not home for the holidays and celebrations look a little different this year, we have all the outdoor cooking inspiration you need. Whether you’re out camping, tired of your regular roast or just want a flame-grilled feast, these festive pork recipes will be all you want for Christmas.
From bougie burgers to sumptuous mains, they’re perfect for outdoor feasting and hosting over the summer season.
The festive season is all about entertaining, and pork is the ideal choice for mains, appetisers and everything in between. With its great value and deliciousness, it’s the gift that keeps on giving, making it perfect for hosting friends and family. There are different cuts, cooking methods and versatile flavour pairings, so the menu options are endless.
If you need some ideas to get you going, these festive pork recipes are laid-back, tasty and ideal for celebrations. Inspired by festive flavours and made for social gatherings, from bougie burgers to sumptuous mains, they’re perfect for outdoor feasting and hosting over the summer season. Tuck in!
Saucy Pork Burgers with Pineapple & Cherry Relish
Besides gifts, braai, beach days and burgers are a few of our favourite things. If you want to make festive celebrations merrier, these buns are the ideal fix for friends and family.
Take these pork patties to the next level with bacon bits.
Stuffed with deliciousness, these bougie burgers are the sauciest and most satisfying bites to sink your teeth into. From the pineapple-and-cherry relish to the sticky barbecue glaze and the juicy pork patties, it’s guaranteed to give any burger joint a run for its money. Whether hosting a pool party or beach braai, or simply craving a good burger, you can’t go wrong with these beauties. The zingy lime mayo adds a smoky edge thanks to the paprika, while the lettuce provides freshness. Take these pork patties to the next level by incorporating streaky bacon bits and braai them to juicy perfection. The toasted, buttery brioche buns make them sensational. Bring on the fries!
Recipe for Saucy Pork Burgers with Pineapple & Cherry Relish
Bacon-wrapped Pork Fillet with Cranberry, Orange & Mustard Glaze & Honey-roasted Baby Carrots
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a spectacular main, and this bacon-wrapped pork fillet is guaranteed to get mouths watering, from the gorgeous glaze to the garnish.
Absolutely feast-worthy!
The secret to making almost anything more delicious? Wrap it in bacon and call it a day. Seasoned with smoked paprika, olive oil and mustard powder and wrapped in bacon rashers, these impressive pork fillets will have guests going back for bite after bite. They’re that good! Pork fillet is lean and incredibly tender, making it one of the best cuts to work with. The cranberry, orange and mustard glaze sends it over the edge. Paired with the perfect side like sweet honey-roasted baby carrots seasoned with thyme, it’s absolutely feast-worthy! Garnish it with pomegranate arils and savour the flavours.
Glazed Gammon Steaks with Whipped Feta, Rocket Salad & Grilled Nectarines
Fancy and flame-grilled, this contemporary take on the classic roast celebrates festive flavours with a vibrant twist. It’s bound to be a hit!
Perfect for al fresco celebrations.
Nothing says Christmas quite like gammon. Smoky and juicy, it’s irresistible. This version swaps the traditional roast for gammon steaks, making it the ideal serve for al fresco celebrations. Braaied and lightly seasoned with olive oil and black pepper, the smokiness elevates the flavours. Nectarines, fynbos honey, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and brandy are combined to create the most delectable glaze, which is brushed over the gammon steaks and grilled until caramelised. For the ultimate pairing, serve the gammon steaks with rocket salad dressed in mustard vinaigrette and plate on a bed of creamy whipped feta topped with grilled nectarines and sprinkled with nuts and seeds for a crunchy, textural delight. Sublime!
Recipe for Glazed Gammon Steaks with Whipped Feta, Rocket Salad & Grilled Nectarines
Braaied Pork Neck Skewers with Sticky Plum Glaze & Coriander-Chilli Salsa
Forget about the stove this Christmas. Light the coals and make the most of the braai with these scrumptious and succulent sosaties that will satisfy everyone.
Enjoy with coriander-chilli salsa for a fresh pop of flavour.
Camping or simply want a more chilled Christmas? Sosaties are the way to go. Versatile, fun to eat and easy to make, they’re a great way to please a hungry crowd. For a tasty surprise, have two varieties… something savoury like pork-and-red onion and something sweet like halloumi-and-watermelon. Flavourful and tender, pork neck is the perfect cut for making sosaties. Once seasoned, both the pork-and-red onion and halloumi-and-watermelon sosaties are threaded, braaied, brushed with a sticky plum glaze and grilled until caramelised and charred, making them delectable. Enjoy with coriander-chilli salsa for a fresh pop of flavour and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for the best bite.
Recipe for Braaied Pork Neck Skewers with Sticky Plum Glaze & Coriander-Chilli Salsa
For more tasty inspiration, try these pork-tastic recipes.
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