From First Serve to Match Point A BBQ Menu That Cooks While the Tennis Is On

The Australian Open is one of those rare events where the whole day can drift by without you noticing. Matches roll into each other, mates drop in and out, drinks stay cold and the BBQ just needs to keep up without becoming the main job. The key is choosing food and setups that look after themselves so you can actually sit down and enjoy the tennis.

This style of cooking is not about complicated prep or hovering over the grill. It is about steady heat, simple menus and letting the fire do the work while the action plays on.

Foods You Can Prep Early And Finish Fast

The best Australian Open BBQ menus start hours before the first serve. Proteins that benefit from marinating or resting mean less stress later and better flavour once they hit the grill.

Chicken thighs or wings can be seasoned in the morning and kept chilled until needed. Lamb cutlets or pork steaks only need a light rub and a short rest. Sausages are the ultimate backup option because they cook fast and keep everyone fed between matches.

When the tennis is on, the last thing you want is complicated timing. These cuts are forgiving and reliable and still deliver when you step away to watch a long rally.

Charcoal That Holds Steady Without Babysitting

Hands-off cooking starts with reliable fuel. Inconsistent charcoal leads to flare-ups, temperature swings and constant lid lifting. Good quality charcoal gives you clean heat and steady performance across long sessions, especially when the BBQ is running for hours.

For background cooking that just ticks along, look for charcoal that lights cleanly and holds temperature without constant topping up. It makes a huge difference when the goal is to enjoy the match instead of managing the fire. A great option is our hardwood lump charcoal.

Check out the full range of our charcoal here.

Getting started quickly also matters on match days. A simple charcoal lighting setup helps you fire up fast, and makes relights between matches easy without fuss or chemicals. We’ve got the chimney and the charcoal starter wand to get you started before the first point. 

Cooking In Waves Instead Of All At Once

One of the easiest mistakes when hosting is trying to cook everything at the same time. Instead, cook in waves that match the rhythm of the games.

Start with your main protein and let it run over steady heat. As guests arrive or hunger kicks in, add quicker items like sausages or skewers to the hotter zone. This keeps food fresh, avoids overcrowding the grill and means there is always something ready without pressure.

It works especially well during long matches when people snack early and eat more later.

Match Day Menu Option

One main protein on rotation, such as chicken thighs or lamb gyro, forms the backbone of the cook. A backup quick option, such as sausages, fills the gaps and keeps things relaxed. Snacks like nuts, bread and dips can sit happily on the table without attention and help take pressure off the grill during big moments in the match.

With this approach, food comes out naturally as the day unfolds rather than being tied to a strict schedule.

Tools That Make It Easier Without Overthinking It

A good set of tongs, a reliable meat thermometer and charcoal you trust make a bigger difference than fancy gadgets. A quick temperature check lets you step away confidently knowing things are on track while the game is on.

The goal is less checking, more enjoying, so the BBQ works in the background and the day feels easy.

Let The Fire Work While The Tennis Plays On

The best Australian Open BBQs feel effortless. The fire stays steady, the food looks after itself, and the host actually gets to sit down for match point.

With the right setup, a simple menu and a hands-off approach, your backyard can carry you through the tournament without stress. Just good food, good company and plenty of tennis.

by: Sasha Halabi