The New Summer BBQ: What Everyone’s Cooking in 2026

Forget everything you thought you knew about BBQs. Summer 2026 is rewriting the rules - and it’s not just about burgers and sausages anymore. 

Today’s BBQ is more spontaneous, more global, and far more flavour-driven. It’s about bold combinations, shareable food, and bringing that outdoor cooking energy indoors when the British weather inevitably turns. 

Here’s how to tap into the biggest BBQ trends of the moment - and recreate them at home, whatever your setup. 

30 Jun 2026
The New Summer BBQ: What Everyone’s Cooking in 2026

BBQ Goes Global: Street Food Takes Over

This summer, BBQs are taking inspiration from across the world. With the World Cup in full swing, global street food flavours are front and centre, giving everyday grilling a serious upgrade.

It’s time to lean into smaller, shareable plates packed with flavour - the kind of food that’s perfect for grazing with friends.

What to cook:

  • Birria-style chicken tacos (rich, slow-cooked, chilli-based sauce)
  • Korean BBQ lettuce wraps with seared beef
  • Loaded nachos with pulled pork or smoky beans
  • Greece-inspired skewers with warm flatbreads and dips

How to cook it (the Prestige way):

  • Use a deep sauté pan to build rich, slow-cooked sauces like birria - perfect for layering flavour and reducing sauces down
  • A non-stick frying pan is ideal for quick, high-heat searing of meats for wraps and tacos
  • Warm flatbreads or tortillas directly in the pan for that just-off-the-grill feel

Sweet Meets Heat: The ‘Fricy’ Flavour Trend

Move over hot honey - 2026 is all about fruity + spicy. Known as the “fricy” trend, it pairs sweetness with a kick of heat for bold, addictive flavours.

What to try:

  • Chilli mango salsa served over grilled chicken
  • Hot honey halloumi
  • Grilled pineapple with chilli and lime
  • Sticky, spicy glazed wings or veg skewers

How to cook it (the Prestige way):

  • A grill pan helps caramelise fruits like pineapple and peach, giving you those charred, smoky edges
  • Use a non-stick frying pan for sticky glazes - essential when working with sugars and sauces that need control without burning
  • Toss everything together in one pan for quick, flavour-packed dishes that feel elevated but effortless

The Rise of the Smash Burger (and Next-Level Classics)

Burgers are back - but this time, it’s all about technique and texture. Think thin, crispy-edged smash burgers with maximum flavour.

Upgrade your BBQ staples:

  • Double smash burgers with crispy edges and melted cheese
  • Loaded flatbreads or wraps instead of traditional buns
  • Bold toppings like chipotle mayo, pickles, and spicy sauces

How to cook it (the Prestige way):

  • A heavy-gauge frying pan is key to achieving that deep golden crust - high heat, even distribution, perfect sear
  • Press burgers directly into the pan for that signature smash effect
  • Toast buns or flatbreads in the same pan to soak up all the flavour

BBQs Are No Longer Just for Weekends

One of the biggest shifts this summer? BBQ-style meals are happening midweek, not just on weekends.

It’s less about big, planned gatherings - and more about quick, spontaneous hosting.

What that looks like:

  • 30-minute taco nights
  • One-pan BBQ-style chicken and veg
  • Easy graze-style dinners with minimal prep

How to cook it (the Prestige way):

  • Reach for multi-use pans that go from cooking to serving
  • Stick to one-pan recipes that reduce prep and clean-up
  • Cook everything indoors, but keep that BBQ flavour and feel

The BBQ of 2026 is:

  • Global, not traditional
  • Bold in flavour, not complicated
  • Built for sharing, not plating
  • Flexible enough for any day of the week

It’s less about standing over a grill - and more about creating food worth gathering around.

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