Best Condiments for a BBQ: What Should You Serve?
A successful barbecue is about more than perfectly cooked burgers, sausages and vegetables. The right condiments bring additional flavour, texture and variety to the table, allowing guests to customise their food and discover combinations they enjoy.
Ketchup and mustard are familiar favourites, but there are many other options worth considering. Fruity chutneys, tangy relishes, pickles and sweet chilli accompaniments can turn a simple barbecue into a more interesting meal.
The best selection depends on what you are cooking, how many guests you are serving and whether you prefer sweet, spicy, smoky or sharp flavours.
1. Classic Ketchup and Mustard
These remain useful barbecue staples because they complement a wide range of foods. Ketchup provides sweetness and acidity, while mustard contributes a sharper flavour.
Offer both in separate serving bottles or bowls so guests can add the amount they prefer.
They are particularly convenient when serving children or a mixed group of guests with different tastes.
2. Relishes for Burgers and Hot Dogs
Relish is an excellent option when you want something tangy with a noticeable texture. Depending on the ingredients, it can add sweetness, acidity or a savoury note to grilled food.
Try serving relish alongside burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian patties. A small spoonful can introduce another layer of flavour without overwhelming the main ingredients.
Consider offering a milder option as well as a more distinctive one.
3. Chutneys for a Sweet-Savoury Contrast
Chutney can be a welcome addition to a barbecue, especially when you want to move beyond the usual sauces.
Onion chutney can complement burgers and mature cheese, while fruity varieties may pair well with grilled meats and suitable vegetarian dishes.
The balance of sweet, sour and savoury flavours makes chutney a versatile choice for outdoor entertaining.
Explore the Dauntsey savoury chutneys and relishes collection for ideas that could suit your barbecue menu.
4. Sweet Chilli Condiments
Sweet chilli accompaniments can provide sweetness alongside a gentle heat, depending on the recipe. They may work well with grilled chicken, burgers, vegetable skewers and cheese-based dishes.
If your guests have different spice preferences, serve the condiment separately rather than spreading it over all the food.
Always check the product description to understand its ingredients and level of heat.
5. Pickles for Freshness and Crunch
Pickled onions, gherkins and other pickled vegetables can balance the richness of grilled food. Their acidity provides contrast, while their texture adds another dimension to burgers, sandwiches and barbecue platters.
Serve pickles in small bowls with separate utensils, especially if several people are sharing the same table.
Dauntsey's tangy pickles collection is worth exploring when planning a varied condiment selection.
6. Pair Condiments with the Food
Choosing condiments becomes easier when you consider the main ingredients.
Beef burgers: Try mustard, relish, onion chutney or pickles.
Grilled chicken: Consider sweet chilli accompaniments or a suitable tangy sauce.
Sausages: Offer mustard, ketchup and a savoury relish.
Vegetable skewers: Try a condiment that complements the seasoning without overpowering the vegetables.
Grilled cheese sandwiches: A little chutney can add sweetness and acidity.
These are starting points rather than strict rules. Experiment with combinations that suit your own preferences.
7. Plan for Different Dietary Needs
A barbecue often includes guests with different dietary requirements. Read ingredient labels carefully, particularly when serving people with allergies or food intolerances.
Keep serving spoons separate and avoid using the same utensil for different condiments. Refrigerate products according to their labels and keep perishable foods at safe temperatures.
If you are serving vegetarian or vegan guests, check that the condiments and other accompaniments meet their requirements.
How Many Condiments Do You Need?
For a small gathering, four or five contrasting options may be enough: two familiar sauces, a relish, a chutney and a pickle. Larger gatherings may benefit from additional choices, but there is no need to provide every possible condiment.
Choose variety over quantity and use small bowls to make the table easy to navigate.
Make Your Next Barbecue More Interesting
The best condiments for a BBQ are those that complement the food and give guests a choice of flavours. By combining familiar sauces with chutneys, relishes and pickles, you can create a more varied barbecue spread without adding much preparation time.
