What to Serve with Burnt Ends (23 Best Side Dishes)

Are you wondering what to serve with burnt ends? With their smoky, caramelized goodness, Burnt ends are a barbecue favorite. 

The best side dishes for burnt ends include mac and cheese, French fries, cornbread, and baked beans, to name a few.

Other great options range from coleslaw to rice to biscuits and macaroni salad.

So, fire up the grill, get ready to indulge, and discover what to serve with burnt ends!

1. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese, the epitome of comfort food, is an ideal partner for anything. Burnt ends are no exception.

There’s something magical about the simplicity of this classic. Burnt ends offer a contrast in flavor and texture. The smoky meat pairs beautifully with the velvety mac and cheese.

2. French Fries

These fries are all about that irresistible crunch and bold flavor. They offer a crispy texture on the outside and a tender inside.

Now, imagine savoring these mouthwatering fries alongside succulent, burnt brisket. 

The crispy fries create a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.

3. Cornbread

This moist cornbread is a flavor-packed delight. It’s crisp on the outside yet moist and crumbly on the inside. 

Tender, smoky burnt ends find harmony with the moist, sweet cornbread. 

Drizzle some barbecue sauce on it for a true masterpiece.

4. Dirty Rice

Cajun dirty rice is infused with spices and ground meat.

This dish brings a unique flair to your meal. And when paired with smoky burnt ends, the contrast is magical. 

The rich, savory flavors of the burnt ends taste amazing with the zesty, spicy notes of the rice.

5. Baked Beans

Baked beans bring a delightful taste and texture to your meal.

Tender, hearty beans are enveloped in a rich, smoky, sweet barbecue sauce. 

The beans are soft and creamy with some crispness around the edges, thanks to the bacon.

This recipe elevates humble ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. 

6. Potato Salad

This potato salad is a flavor and texture sensation that pairs well with smoked pork.

Tender chunks of potatoes are tossed with mayo, celery, and onions.

Unlike basic potato salads, this one features hard-boiled eggs.

Serve it with burnt ends for a barbecue dream team.

7. Coleslaw

KFC coleslaw is creamy, tangy, and sweet, perfect with burnt ends.

Crisp cabbage and carrots are coated in a creamy dressing.

This recipe gets you the KFC experience at home in under 10 minutes.

And it goes perfectly with the smoky, savory goodness of burnt ends.

8. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are crispy, golden-fried flavor bombs that elevate any meal.

These bite-sized deep-fried balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serve them with burnt ends and dunk them in barbecue sauce. They’re a guilty pleasure that’s hard to resist.

9. Collard Greens

These Southern-style collard greens are irresistibly delicious. 

They absorb the bold flavors of a spicy, smoky, salty, and vinegar-based broth.

Pairing collard greens with burnt ends creates a harmonious balance. The smokiness of the greens complements the rich, meaty goodness.

10. Corn Casserole

Here’s a delightful side dish with a blend of cornbread and casserole textures.

This Southern classic is moist and tender in the center, with a crispy edge, adding a perfect contrast. 

It’s sweet, creamy, and buttery, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.

11. Air Fryer Biscuits

Canned biscuits, transformed in the air fryer, offer the perfect texture and flavor. 

They’re an excellent solution when you crave homemade biscuits but lack the time.

Imagine drizzling some sweet and smoky barbecue sauce over these warm biscuits. Yum’s the word.

12. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad embodies nostalgic flavors and simple goodness.

There are countless variations, but nothing compares to the one your grandma used to make. 

It’s a timeless favorite that pairs perfectly with barbecue, brisket, and burnt ends.

13. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are the healthier cousin of regular French fries.

They offer the perfect balance of crispy texture and a hint of sweetness. 

They’re just as addictive as the classic.

Looking to elevate your burnt ends with a healthier twist? Sweet potato fries are a must-try companion.

14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts aren’t everyone’s top choice. But they’re incredibly delicious when prepared the right way.

This recipe balances flavor and crispiness with a simple blend of seasoning.

The result is tasty and crispy Brussels sprouts no one can possibly resist.

15. Grilled Corn on the Cob

This dish is prepared by grilling fresh corn and serving it with butter and salt. 

Its simplicity is its charm.

Serving it with barbecue burnt ends is a match made in food heaven. The smokiness of both dishes makes this combination to die for.

16. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a delightful addition to any meal. 

They offer a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables.

Serving them with burnt ends is a match made in heaven. 

The smokiness of the vegetables and the richness of the brisket are the ultimate combo.

17. Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.

On its own, it has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a tender yet slightly crunchy texture.

It’s a smart choice for burnt ends since the neutral taste soaks up all the smoky goodness.

18. Green Beans

This dish features green beans complemented by crispy bacon.

The sauce is a blend of melted butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It coats every green bean. 

Baked to perfection, this side is so addictive, it’ll steal the spotlight at your next barbecue. 

19. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the epitome of comforting side dishes. 

Their simplicity and indulgent taste make them a standout choice. They’re creamy, buttery, and simply irresistible. 

Together with smoked pork, they make an epic meal.

20. Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles are the perfect accompaniment to smoked pork. 

These pickles are delightfully crisp, sweet, and tangy. They offer a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of burnt ends.

Their simplicity and homemade charm make them an ideal choice for barbecue gatherings. 

21. Million-Dollar Deviled Eggs

These million-dollar deviled eggs are full of indulgence and flavor. 

They feature a secret ingredient (butter!), which takes standard deviled eggs to new heights.

They’re incredibly rich, creamy, and purely egg-cellent. 

22. Watermelon Salad

This watermelon salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for hot summer days. 

It features watermelon, feta cheese, avocado, mint, and a tangy lime dressing.

You can’t beat serving this refreshing salad with burnt ends. The crisp and juicy watermelon perfectly balances the smoky richness of the brisket.

23. BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad is a combination of classic BLT ingredients and pasta.