Which ready-made braai sides & desserts are the best buy?

CHECKERS

1. READY-TO-BRAAI PAP & SMOOR

An old favourite conveniently pre-prepared. We loved the soft maize balls in a rich tomato sauce flavoured with bacon and topped with cheese which melts decadently over everything.

Price: R59.99 for 750g

2. READY-TO-BRAAI APPLE BRAAI PIES

A novel idea - individual puff-pastry pies with a filling of stewed apple. They don't look that appealing but once cooked over the coals and served with a dollop of cream, custard or ice cream, they are delicious. Good value.

Price: R39.99 for 4 pies (370g)

3. READY-TO-BRAAI GARLIC AND HERB CIABATTA

Lovely bread, crisp on the outside with a soft centre and a generous garlicky filling.

Price: R29.99 for 450g

PICK N PAY

4. BRAAI PUDDING

The famous Jamie Oliver choc marshmallow pudding idea, made even more delicious with added dark chocolate pieces, lots of mini marshmallows and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on the top. So yummy.

Price: R69.90 for 530g

5. SWEETCORN BAKE

A deliciously clever idea taking a South African favourite, sweetcorn, and putting it into a delicious bake. Very yummy and a great alternative for vegetarians too. Like a softer version of Mexican corn bread.

Price: R49.90 for 700g

6. TEAR & SHARE BASIL PESTO CHEESE ROLLS

When is a roll not a roll? When it's stuffed with basil pesto and topped with cheese. Very moreish and delicious straight off the coals.

Price: R26.90 for 6 rolls (180g) 

WOOLWORTHS

7. PEPPERMINT CRISP DESSERT

Another local favourite, featuring layers of chocolate crunchies, caramelised condensed milk and caramel mousse, topped with shards of peppermint crisp. Delicious.

Price: R69.99 for 480g

8. BASIL PESTO AND MOZZARELLA PULL APART BREAD SPIRAL

Looks aren't everything, even when it comes to food. The bread looks so appealing but sadly does not deliver on taste. It's too dry but is improved with a very thick spread of butter.

Price: R39.99

9. SWEET POTATO WEDGES

Available in two varieties of sweet potato. I particularly liked the orange ones; the potatoes are covered in a buttery sauce and taste way better than they look.

Price: R34.99 for 700g

SPAR

10. FRESHLINE TIN ROOF PUDDING

A generous layer of cream, almost too generous, covered with a chocolate sauce and lots of flaked almonds. Buried underneath is the tastiest part, a skinny gooey chocolate layer.

Price: R59.99 for 450g

11. FRESHLINE GARLIC CIABATTA

A standard ciabatta loaf with garlic butter that is sliced too thick, especially if you are on a Banting diet and want to sneak a small piece. A bit on the dry side.

Price: R26.99 for 350g

12. FRESHLINE HASSELBACK POTATOES

Spar have taken all the hassle out of preparing hasselback potatoes and even wrapped each individually in foil. Topped with rosemary we felt they needed way more butter/oil to make them really juicy.

Price: R22.99 for 4