It’s National BBQ Week and half term which feels like the perfect excuse to dust off the grill and embrace the great British tradition of cooking outdoors… while optimistically keeping one eye on the weather forecast.
But if your BBQ is feeling a bit samey – brioche buns, supermarket burgers and a hopeful squeeze of ketchup – it might be time for an upgrade.
The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create a next-level summer BBQ. A few clever swaps can take things from bang-average to genuinely memorable.
From oozy burger cheese to smoky pickles and flavour-packed sauces, here are a few of our favourite BBQ upgrades to elevate your grilling this week.
Cheeseburger Upgrade: Ogleshield Cheese
A next-level cheeseburger deserves next-level cheese.
Step away from the sweaty square of processed cheese and try Ogleshield instead – a rich, melty British cheese in the style of Raclette. Savoury, oozy and deeply delicious, it melts beautifully over burgers.
For the ultimate cheeseburger combo? Add a spoonful of Single Variety Chilli Jam. Sweet, smoky heat meets rich cheese – it’s the same pairing we swear by in our cheese toasties.
Hotdog Upgrade: Namprik Crispy Shallots
We love crispy fried onions as much as anyone, but if you really want to elevate a hotdog, try Namprik Crispy Shallots.
Crunchy, savoury and with a gentle chilli kick, they add texture and serious flavour with absolutely zero chopping required. Scatter generously over hotdogs, burgers or grilled corn.
Chicken Upgrade: Chimac Korean BBQ Sauce
For incredibly flavourful BBQ chicken, Chimac Korean BBQ Sauce is hard to beat.
Rich and savoury from fermented soybeans but balanced with the sweetness of a classic BBQ glaze, it’s perfect for marinading chicken thighs or wings before grilling.
Not just for chicken either – it’s equally brilliant brushed over ribs, pork chops or grilled aubergine.
Salad Upgrade: Green Goddess Dressing
Every BBQ needs a good salad – but nobody wants the sad side dish.
All Dressed Up Green Goddess Dressing is a creamy blend of herbs, lime and a touch of jalapeño that instantly transforms leaves, grilled veg or slaws into something worth piling onto your plate.
It also makes an excellent dip for crudités (or crisps – no judgement here).
Pickle Upgrade: Pickle Project Chipotle Pickles
Never underestimate the power of a really good pickle.
Pickle Project Chipotle Pickles are smoky, spicy and satisfyingly crunchy. Add them to burgers, chop into potato salad or serve on the side for snacking between trips to the grill.
Crinkle-cut, punchy and surprisingly addictive – these might just steal the show.
Shop Our Favourite BBQ Upgrades
Whether you're celebrating or just trying to rescue your weekend grilling from mediocrity, these easy upgrades will seriously level up your BBQ game.
Browse our favourite BBQ sauces, condiments, cheeses and summer food essentials online or pop into store for inspiration.