Cottage Cheese: The Secret Ingredient for Smarter Dishes for BBQ
Christmas in Australia means sunshine, preparing dishes for bbq, backyard laughter, and the smell of smoky grills drifting through the air. But when the invite says “Bring a plate”, the challenge begins: do you arrive with another heavy pasta salad or a sugary dessert? Or do you shake things up with something lighter, fresher, and still festive?
This year, say hello to chilled, better-for-you dishes for BBQ tables, starring Brancourts Protein+ and 97% Fat Free tubs. They’re creamy, versatile, and packed with goodness, making it easy to create festive food that feels indulgent without the food-coma aftermath.
The BBQ Food Dilemma
Let’s be honest, most BBQ spreads lean on the heavy side. Think sausages, steaks, creamy coleslaws, potato salads loaded with mayo, and rich desserts. Delicious, yes, but not exactly the kind of thing you want to pile onto your plate when the sun’s blazing.
The goal is simple: bring something fresh, a little different, and not overloaded with calories as dishes for bbq. The bonus? Your dish might be the only one people come back for seconds and still feel great about afterwards. That’s where cottage cheese-based dishes for BBQ swoop in as the ultimate summer hack.
Why Cottage Cheese Is Your Secret Summer BBQ Weapon
Cottage cheese is naturally cooling, light, and endlessly versatile. With Brancourts, you’ve got two perfect options:
- 97% Fat Free Cottage Cheese tubs: all the creamy goodness, none of the heaviness. Perfect for dips, dressings, and lighter swaps in summer classics.
- Protein+ Cottage Cheese tubs: rich in protein, they add staying power to sweet or savoury dishes, so you can avoid the mid-afternoon slump after dessert.
Whether you’re building a platter, a salad, or even a chilled sweet treat, these tubs make it easy to create smarter dishes for BBQ that everyone actually wants to eat.
5 Healthier Dish Ideas Guests Will Love
- Festive Cottage Cheese Parfait Cups
Layer Protein+ with granola, fresh berries, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds. Serve in clear cups for visual appeal and finish with a drizzle of honey or crushed pistachios. These parfaits double as a light dessert or colourful breakfast-for-dessert twist. - Herbed Cottage Cheese Dip with Veggie Platter
Mix a 97% Fat Free tub with lemon juice, garlic, dill, and mint. Pair it with a rainbow of raw veggies: capsicum, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, for a platter that’s refreshing and guilt-free. A welcome break from the heavier, cheese-laden dips that dominate BBQ tables. - Tropical Frozen Cottage Cheese Bites
Combine 97% Fat Free cottage cheese with diced mango and coconut flakes, then spoon into ice cube trays or mini muffin tins. Freeze until firm, then serve chilled for a refreshing treat that tastes like summer on a stick. - Zesty Potato Salad (Mayo-Free Upgrade)
Swap the mayo for a creamy dressing made with 97% Fat Free cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Toss with baby potatoes, spring onions, and fresh herbs. It’s lighter, zesty, and modern—nobody will miss the mayo. - Mini Protein Cheesecakes (No-Bake)
Blend Protein+ with cream cheese and vanilla, then spoon onto a base of crushed grainy biscuits or oats. Top with berries or kiwi for a festive finish. They’re portion-friendly, high in protein, and taste like a decadent treat without the sugar overload.
Pro Tips for Summer Entertaining
- Keep it cool: Chill dishes well before serving. Cold food always feels lighter and more satisfying in the summer heat.
- Think portions: Serve in small cups, jars, or bowls for easy handling and built-in portion control.
- Balance it out: Pair your protein-rich cottage cheese creations with fibre-packed fruit, veg, or whole grains for lasting satisfaction.
Conclusion
You don’t have to show up with just a green salad, or worse, skip dessert, to be the “healthy one” at the Christmas BBQ. With Brancourts Protein+ and 97% Fat Free tubs, you can whip up fresh, festive dishes for BBQ that feel indulgent but keep things light.
So before your next backyard gathering, grab a few tubs and try one (or all) of these ideas. Your friends and family will thank you, and so will your energy levels.
Stock up on Brancourts Classic, Protein+, Lactose Free, and 97% Fat Free tubs at your local store today.
