Top Chef Contestant Shares the Biggest Backyard BBQ Trends on TipsOnTV
Chef Michelle Wallace Shares Crowd-Pleasing Recipes and Grilling Secrets for Summer Entertaining
As Americans prepare for one of the biggest grilling weekends of the year, National Grilling Month is shining a spotlight on the foods, flavors, and entertaining trends defining Summer 2026. From creative twists on classic cookout favorites to bold new flavor combinations and premium ingredients, backyard barbecue menus are evolving beyond traditional burgers and hot dogs. Food Network fan favorite, Top Chef contestant, and renowned pitmaster Michelle Wallace discusses the biggest grilling trends of the season, what is driving America’s love affair with outdoor cooking, and the recipes and flavor combinations generating buzz ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
MENU ITEM TO START WITH
First, start with staples with quality ingredients like The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog® from Applegate. Made with 100% grass-fed, regeneratively sourced beef from farms using grazing practices that can have a positive impact on land, it is an easy choice when looking to serve a classic grilling favorite. Applegate offers a variety of options, from hot dogs to turkey burgers, using meat sourced from animals raised with no antibiotics ever, delivering the flavor everyone expects from a great cookout. For more information, visit applegate.com
GO-TO ESSENTIALS FOR THE GRILL
A great barbecue is well-rounded. Every grill master knows the meat may draw the crowd, but the bun is the unsung hero of the cookout. Wonder Classic Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns have been holding it together – literally and figuratively – for over a century and they are still fan favorites. Wonder Buns strike the perfect balance of pillowy softness with the right amount of structure to hold their shape through every topping and condiment. Plus, they toast and grill beautifully, developing a lightly golden exterior that adds warmth and texture to every bite. For more information, visit www.wonderbread.com
ADVICE FOR ADDING DIFFERENT FLAVORS
Lee Kum Kee is the go-to-source to turn up the flavor on the grill. From marinades to glazes, these sauces bring bold flavor to every cookout. They are best known for its high-quality sauces and as the inventor of oyster sauce. Their premium sauces are traditionally brewed, creating a balanced and delicious umami flavor that is perfect for marinades, glazes, and finishing sauces. Check out this soy marinated skirt steak with ginger soy glaze, and grilled shrimp skewers with peanut soy drizzle. They are packed with layers of savory flavor and are sure to be a hit at the next cookout. For more information, visit usa.lkk.com
