Barbecue trends 2026: what’s on Dutch barbecues

Barbecues have long been about more than just a grill covered with burgers and sausages. People in the Netherlands are becoming increasingly creative and drawing inspiration from dishes from other countries. As a result, what ends up on the barbecue is changing too. In 2026, it’s not just about meat, but also about flavour, convenience and variety.

Chicken thighs are more popular than chicken breast

More and more people are choosing chicken thighs when they barbecue. That’s not surprising. Chicken thighs stay juicier during grilling and naturally have more flavour than chicken breast. They also work well with a variety of herbs and marinades.

Chicken thighs are often used in skewers, wraps or sandwiches. Lightly spicy and sweet flavour combinations are particularly popular. Think bell pepper, garlic, onion and a hint of chilli. This creates a dish that is easy to prepare and appeals to almost everyone.

For many home cooks, herbs are an important part of a successful barbecue. That’s why more and more people are looking for inspiration from specialists such as Van Beekum Specerijen. With the right spice blend, a simple piece of chicken immediately gains more character and depth.

Smash burgers are a firm favourite

The smash burger has by now become an essential part of the Dutch barbecue. With this technique, a ball of minced meat is firmly pressed flat on a hot griddle or grill plate. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

The success of the smash burger lies mainly in its simplicity. With good beef, a soft bun and a few flavour boosters, you can quickly make an impressive burger. Many barbecue fans add extra flavour with spice blends specially developed for beef. Toppings are also becoming increasingly important. Grilled onion, cheddar, pickles and homemade sauce are popular choices. This gives every burger its own character.

Loaded potatoes are everywhere

One notable trend is the rise of loaded potatoes or loaded fries. These involve filling baked potatoes or fries with all kinds of toppings. These can include pieces of meat, but also cheese, herb butter, grilled vegetables or fresh sauces.

Loaded potatoes are popular because they can easily be adapted to different tastes and dietary requirements. Everyone can create their own combination. This makes them ideal for larger groups.

Fish is getting more attention

Fish is increasingly being chosen as an alternative to meat. Salmon, tuna, prawns and white fish are particularly popular on the barbecue. Fish is relatively quick to cook and pairs well with fresh herbs.

A simple spice blend can be enough to enhance the natural flavour of fish. That’s why many barbecue fans choose subtle herb combinations instead of heavy marinades.

Complete fish dishes are also gaining ground. Think salmon on a cedarwood plank or grilled prawn skewers with herbs and lemon. These dishes provide variety and pair well with a summery meal.

Street food influences the barbecue

Influences from the street food world are clearly visible on Dutch barbecues. Dishes that were once mainly sold at markets and food festivals are now also appearing in back gardens.

Examples include:

• Tacos with grilled meat
• Barbecued flatbreads
• Stuffed pitas
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Skewers with international herbs and spices

People enjoy making and sharing a variety of small dishes. This creates a relaxed atmosphere in which everyone can discover new flavours.

Herbs and spices create more variety

Although the ingredients are changing, one thing remains the same: flavour is central. Many home cooks experiment with new flavour combinations and look for ways to give familiar dishes a surprising twist.

Where pepper and salt were once used most often, we now see a much broader use of herbs and spices. Smoked paprika, garlic, chilli, oregano and various spice blends have become staples of the modern barbecue.

By consciously choosing herbs and spices, you can create more variety on the plate. This makes it possible to create a different taste experience every time, even with simple ingredients.