What To Serve With Burnt Ends: 16 Tasty Side Dishes

Who can resist those tantalizingly delicious burnt ends? Smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor, burnt ends are the ultimate BBQ delight! But what do you serve alongside them to make a complete meal that's just as delightful? Don't worry, I've got you covered.

Here are 16 fantastic side dishes that perfectly complement the smoky richness of burnt ends.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with burnt ends are french fries, cornbread, crispy green beans, southern mash, dirty rice, baked beans, mac and cheese, cauliflower rice, coleslaw, potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, biscuits, pickle spears, hush puppies, collard greens, and corn pudding.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. French Fries

Your backyard BBQ won't be complete without some crispy, golden french fries. They're an all-time favorite for a reason. The saltiness and the crispy texture of the fries perfectly cut through the smoky flavor of burnt ends. Plus, kids and adults alike love them.

2. Cornbread

This classic side dish is a must when you're serving burnt ends. The slightly sweet, dense texture of cornbread pairs incredibly well with the rich, smoky flavor of the burnt ends. Just imagine soaking up those delicious BBQ juices with a piece of cornbread. Yum!

3. Crispy Green Beans

If you're looking for a lighter side, crispy green beans are the way to go. The crunchiness of the green beans not only adds texture to your plate, but their fresh, earthy flavor also complements the richness of the burnt ends.

4. Southern Mash

Southern mash is comfort food at its best and a great side for burnt ends. The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes provide a mellow, comforting base that helps to balance out the robust flavors of the burnt ends.

5. Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a flavorful side that'll add an exciting twist to your meal. It's a Cajun-inspired dish that features rice cooked with a mix of bell peppers, onions, celery, and ground meat. It's hearty, satisfying, and pairs superbly with smoky burnt ends.

6. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish, and they go wonderfully with burnt ends. The beans are usually slow-cooked in a tangy and sweet sauce that adds a different kind of smokiness to the meal. Plus, they add a nice contrast of texture.

7. Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese is the comfort food you need with your BBQ. The creamy cheese sauce and soft pasta provide a delightful contrast to the chewy, smoky burnt ends. It's a match made in BBQ heaven.

8. Cauliflower Rice

If you're watching your carbs, cauliflower rice is an excellent side dish for burnt ends. It's light, fluffy, and can be flavored in numerous ways. Plus, its mild taste doesn't overshadow the burnt ends, letting their smoky goodness shine through.

9. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is an absolute classic when it comes to BBQ side dishes. It offers a refreshing, tangy crunch that beautifully contrasts the smoky and savory burnt ends. You can customize your coleslaw with different ingredients like green or red cabbage, carrot, or even add a touch of apple for a sweet twist. Drizzle it with a creamy, tangy homemade dressing, and you've got a side dish that'll keep people coming back for more.

10. Potato Salad

Who can resist a well-made potato salad? Especially when served alongside smoky burnt ends. This creamy, savory delight packed with potatoes, mayonnaise, a bit of mustard, and sprinkled with fresh herbs is a BBQ favorite. Adding chopped pickles or celery can introduce a welcome crunch and tang. Plus, it's a make-ahead dish, freeing up your time to focus on the main course.

11. Corn on the Cob

There's something about grilled corn on the cob that screams summer BBQ. Its sweetness complements the rich, meaty burnt ends perfectly. Just grill until slightly charred, smear it with a touch of butter, and sprinkle with a bit of salt. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of chili powder or smoky paprika.

12. Biscuits

Biscuits and BBQ are a match made in heaven. These warm, buttery delights are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce from your plate. Plus, their mild flavor profile pairs beautifully with the intense smoky, sweet taste of burnt ends. Whether you make them from scratch or from a can, biscuits are always a hit.

13. Pickle Spears

When serving a rich dish like burnt ends, it's great to have something on the side that can cut through that richness. Enter pickle spears. Their vinegar tang and crunch offer a welcome respite from the meaty heaviness of the burnt ends. Plus, they're probably the easiest side dish you could prepare.

14. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern classic that deserves a place on your BBQ menu. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are slightly sweet and wonderfully crunchy. They're particularly good for breaking up the meal's textures, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender burnt ends.

15. Collard Greens

For a truly soulful side, look no further than collard greens. These leafy greens, cooked until tender and flavored with a bit of bacon or ham hock, are a perfect pairing with burnt ends. The greens have a slight bitterness that balances out the sweet and smoky flavors of the meat.

16. Corn Pudding

Corn pudding, a staple in Southern cuisine, combines the flavors of fresh corn, butter, milk, and often a bit of sugar, into a creamy, custard-like side dish. This slightly sweet, rich side is a nice contrast to the savory, smoky burnt ends. Plus, it's another make-ahead dish that can make your meal planning easier.

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