Aussie Christmas lunch under $100
Create a delicious three-course Aussie Christmas lunch menu under $100 for six people – budget-friendly, festive, and full of flavour, perfect for an Australian Christmas feast.
How to host a budget-friendly Aussie Christmas lunch
Let’s face it, while everyone’s busy budgeting for gifts, the cost of the holiday meal can sneak up on you, especially if left until the last minute. But with a bit of know-how, you can host a feast that doesn’t blow your budget. According to CHOICE’s supermarket basket report, Aldi takes the crown for Australia’s most affordable groceries. So, it’s no surprise this meal plan, featuring juicy prawns, a perfectly roasted turkey, and a show-stopping pavlova, comes in comfortably under $100. Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. With a bit of planning and a solid menu, you can make your Aussie Christmas lunch the highlight of the day.
Aussie Christmas lunch menu under $100
Entrée: classic Aussie prawn cocktail recipe
Kick off your Australian Christmas day with a retro classic that never goes out of style. A prawn cocktail is fresh, zingy, and guaranteed to have your guests feeling fancy without spending a fortune.
Ingredients:
- 500g cooked prawns
- lettuce leaves
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- A dash of Tabasco sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Method:
- Mix mayonnaise, tomato sauce, worcestershire sauce, tabasco, salt, and pepper to whip up a cocktail sauce worthy of a 1970s dinner party.
- Line serving glasses with lettuce leaves, pile on the prawns, and drizzle with the sauce.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for that chef’s kiss finishing touch.
Budget-friendly roast turkey with vegetables
Nothing says traditional Aussie Christmas lunch like a golden, crispy-skinned turkey. Add some perfectly roasted veggies, and you’ve got an affordable feast that’s hearty, wholesome, and easy to cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 small turkey (approx. 3kg)
- 1kg potatoes
- 500g carrots
- 500g green beans
- 1 bulb garlic
- fresh rosemary
- olive oil
- salt and pepper.
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and make sure your baking tray is ready.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper like it’s a Christmas spa treatment. Pop it into a roasting pan.
- Cover with foil and roast for 2.5 hours, basting occasionally. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to let it go golden.
- Toss potatoes and carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in a separate pan for 45 minutes.
- Steam green beans just before serving, because who doesn’t love a pop of festive green?
Pavlova: the ultimate Aussie Christmas dessert
The pièce de résistance: a layered pavlova that screams “Aussie summer Christmas.” With mango, passionfruit, and blueberries, it’s light, fruity, Insta-worthy, and totally budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pavlova base
- 2 mangoes, sliced
- 6 passionfruit
- 125g blueberries and strawberries
- 600ml thickened cream
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Method:
- Whip the cream with icing sugar and vanilla until it’s cloud-like perfection.
- Slather a layer of cream over the pavlova base.
- Top with mango slices, passionfruit pulp, and blueberries. Repeat until you’re out of fruit or energy.
What drinks go with an Aussie Christmas lunch?
No festive feast is complete without something to sip on with your friends and family. Whether it’s a sparkling water, a fresh fruit juice, or a cheeky glass of wine, these budget-friendly drink options will keep everyone’s glasses (and spirits) full and your budget under control. Cheers to that!
- sparkling water
- lemon, lime and bitters to add to your sparkling water
- fruit juice
- a bottle of white wine.
How much does a Christmas lunch cost in Australia?
Here’s how the costs stack up to keep your Aussie Christmas feast both festive and affordable. This breakdown proves you don’t need to spend big to impress!
- prawns: $15
- turkey: $25
- vegetables: $15
- pavlova and toppings: $20
- beverages: $15.
Total: $90
Click here to find out how to create a Christmas budget in under 30 minutes.
More easy Christmas food ideas
Looking for more Aussie Christmas lunch recipes to mix and match? Here are some budget-friendly Christmas food ideas that work perfectly in an Australian summer:
- Glazed ham with pineapple or maple for a traditional festive centrepiece
- BBQ lamb or salmon for an easy Aussie Christmas lunch outdoors
- A fresh seafood platter with prawns, oysters, and simple prawn dipping sauces
- Summer salads with feta, pomegranate, or mango for a refreshing side
- Christmas trifle layered with sponge, custard, and berries
- Make-ahead festive recipes like a Christmas wreath bread or biscuits
These Christmas dinner ideas give you flexible options to build your own Australian Christmas menu without stretching your budget.
Wrapping up: a budget Aussie Christmas lunch
Keeping your Christmas lunch under $100 is all about savvy planning and smart shopping. By choosing affordable ingredients, mapping out your shopping list, and doing a bit of research, you can create a delicious three-course Aussie Christmas meal for six people without overspending. For proof that this festive feast fits your budget, and more festive dinner ideas, check out Aldi’s Christmas feasting range. With the right approach, you can craft a memorable and budget-friendly Aussie Christmas lunch that leaves you free to enjoy the holiday without financial stress.
Need more ways to save money this festive season? Check out The ultimate guide to Christmas shopping on a budget.
Stay on top of your Christmas budget with MyBudget
If managing Christmas expenses feels overwhelming, MyBudget is here to help. We can help you create a personalised budget that covers all your holiday costs, from gifts to groceries, while keeping your finances on track. If managing Christmas expenses feels overwhelming, MyBudget is here to help. We can help you create a personalised budget that covers all your holiday costs, from gifts to groceries, while keeping your finances on track. Enquire online or call us today on 1300 300 922. Our expert team can take the stress out of your holiday spending, helping you enjoy the festive season without financial worries.
Need help with budget gift ideas this Christmas? Check out our blog: 15 Christmas stocking stuffer ideas.