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What to Serve with Burnt Ends? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

Do you love burnt ends as much as we do?

That juicy, flavorful smokiness is hard to resist!

Yet figuring out the sides for them can be a bit of a challenge.

You don’t want all that flavor to get lost in your sides and you certainly don’t want anything drowning out their captivating taste.

After some trial and error (and several delicious meals!), we’ve uncovered the ideal partners for this dish—12 sides that are sure to heighten its savory allure.

So if you’ve been perplexed about what goes with burnt ends, fear not; just keep reading to discover our mouthwatering picks (each one tried-and-true!)

What to Serve with Burnt Ends? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Roasted Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a roasted potato.

They’re simple yet so satisfying.

And there are endless ways to enjoy them.

Whether you like them plain or loaded with toppings, roasted potatoes are always a hit.

When it comes to taste and texture, roasted potatoes are hard to beat.

They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

And they can be seasoned any way you like.

From salt and pepper to garlic and herbs, the possibilities are endless.

To elevate your roasted potatoes, try adding some cheese or bacon.

Or, for a healthier option, top them with grilled vegetables or avocado.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to enjoying these delicious side dishes.

2. Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob is a summer classic.

The sweet, crunchy kernels are the perfect complement to any grilled main dish.

And while it’s delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to elevate this side dish.

For starters, try grilling your corn instead of boiling it.

The smoky flavor will add an extra dimension of flavor.

You can also experiment with different toppings.

A sprinkle of chili powder or cotija cheese can take your corn to the next level.

If you’re looking for a more substantial side dish, try adding corn to a salad or using it as a base for salsa.

The possibilities are endless. So go ahead and fire up the grill – your taste buds will thank you.

3. Green Beans

Green beans are a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

They have a mild flavor and a crispy texture that makes them a great addition to any meal.

While they are often boiled or steamed, there are many ways to elevate this simple dish.

One way to elevate green beans is to roast them in the oven.

This brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly charred flavor that is delicious.

Another way to cook green beans is to sauté them with some garlic and onions.

This gives them a lot of flavors and makes them more enjoyable to eat.

If you want to make green beans even more special, you can try adding some bacon or cheese to them.

This will make them even more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.

No matter how you choose to cook them, green beans are a great side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

4. Macaroni and Cheese

There are few dishes as classic and comforting as macaroni and cheese.

The dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Macaroni and cheese are typically made with elbow pasta, which is then coated in a creamy cheese sauce.

The dish can be served as is or topped with bread crumbs or bacon for extra flavor.

Macaroni and cheese are all about the balance of creaminess and cheesy flavor.

For the best results, use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

These two types of cheese will give the dish a deep flavor without being too overwhelming.

If you want a bit more texture in your mac and cheese, you can also add in some chopped-up cooked bacon or top the dish with bread crumbs before baking.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are classic comfort food that can be enjoyed in so many different ways.

Whether you like them plain or loaded with toppings, there’s no denying that mashed potatoes are delicious.

But what makes them so great?

Mashed potatoes have a creamy, smooth texture that is absolutely addicting.

They’re also relatively versatile – you can make them as simple or as complicated as you want.

And let’s not forget about the taste.

Mashed potatoes are usually pretty mild in flavor, which makes them the perfect canvas for all sorts of different flavors.

If you’re looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, there are a few things you can do.

First, try using Yukon Gold or another type of yellow potato.

These potatoes have a buttery taste that will make your mashed potatoes even more flavorful.

You can also add in some garlic, cheese, or herbs for extra flavor.

Or, if you want to keep it simple, just add some salt and pepper to taste.

6. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with burnt ends.

The rich, savory flavor of the beans pairs perfectly with the smoky, charred taste of the meat.

Baked beans are also relatively easy to make and can be easily elevated with some simple ingredients.

When it comes to taste, baked beans are fairly hearty and savory.

They are also very creamy and smooth, making them a great contrast to the crunchy texture of burnt ends.

For an added layer of flavor, try adding some bacon or sausage to the dish.

This will give the beans a nice smoky flavor that pairs well with the burnt ends.

As far as texture goes, baked beans are very soft and mushy.

This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences.

If you like your food to have more of a bite, then you might want to try something else.

However, if you enjoy softer foods, then the mushiness of the baked beans will be right up your alley.

There are several ways to elevate this dish and make it even more enjoyable.

One way is to add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

This will give the dish a nice earthy flavor that compliments the savoriness of the beans.

Another way to elevate this dish is to top it with some shredded cheese or crumbled blue cheese.

This will add a nice creaminess and depth of flavor to the dish.

7. Cole Slaw

Cole slaw is a simple dish that can be easily elevated with the right ingredients and flavors.

The dish is traditionally made with cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise, but it can also be made with other vegetables like radishes, onions, and celery.

For a more flavorful cole slaw, try adding in some shredded cheese, diced apples, or raisins.

You can also change up the dressing by using yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

Season the slaw with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste.

Cole slaw is a versatile dish that goes well with many different main courses.

It pairs especially well with grilled meats like chicken or pork chops.

The cool, creamy texture of the slaw contrasts nicely with the hot, juicy meat.

Cole slaw is also a great side for fried foods like fish tacos or chicken fingers.

The acidity in the dressing helps to cut through the grease and fat in the fried foods.

Serve cole slaw at your next barbecue or picnic for a dish that everyone will love.

8. Potato Salad

There’s no denying that potato salad is a classic side dish.

It’s the perfect combination of creamy and tangy, with a little bit of crunch from the vegetables.

But sometimes, it can be a little bit boring.

Here are some tips on how to elevate your potato salad and make it even more delicious.

First, let’s talk about taste.

If you want your potato salad to have a little bit more zing, add in some diced onion or shallot.

For a more robust flavor, try using dill or tarragon.

And if you want to spice things up, add in a few dashes of hot sauce.

Now let’s talk about texture.

One way to make your potato salad more interesting is to add different types of potatoes.

You can use red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even sweet potatoes.

Another way to change up the texture is to add in some cooked bacon or crumbled-up blue cheese.

Finally, let’s talk about the presentation.

Potato salad is usually served cold, but you could also try serving it warm or at room temperature.

And instead of just scooping it into a bowl, try spooning it onto a bed of lettuce or serving it in individual cups.

9. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course.

Its flavor and texture are perfect for summer BBQs and picnics.

But how can you elevate this dish to make it even more delicious?

  • Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes for interest.
  • Add in some fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or corn for sweetness and crunch.
  • Incorporate protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Use a flavorful dressing – something with herbs, balsamic vinegar, or olive oil would be great.
  • Add in some cheese for creaminess – feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan would all be delicious.
  • Top with fresh herbs or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.

10. Vegetable Soup

Soup is an essential comfort food for colder months.

There are many different ways to make soup, but one of the most popular is with vegetables.

This type of soup is usually packed with nutrients and flavor, and it can be easily customized to suit your taste.

When made correctly, the vegetable soup should be hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy.

The key to balance is the ingredients and how they are cooked.

For example, using a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables can help to add both flavor and texture.

Additionally, roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup will give the soup a richer flavor.

Finally, be sure to season the soup well before serving.

A little salt and pepper can go a long way in bringing out the flavors of the vegetables.

With these tips in mind, you can easily make a delicious vegetable soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

11. Chicken Noodle Soup

When it comes to comfort food, chicken noodle soup is king.

This dish is simple yet so satisfying.

The combination of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful broth is hard to beat.

And while chicken noodle soup is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can take this dish to the next level.

One way to elevate chicken noodle soup is by using quality ingredients.

Instead of using store-bought chicken broth, opt for homemade broth or stock.

This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.

You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs to add more flavor.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of noodles.

While egg noodles are traditional, you could also use rice noodles, quinoa noodles, or even pasta.

Another way to upgrade your chicken noodle soup is by adding extra vegetables.

This will give the soup more flavor and nutrition.

Some great veggies to add to the mix are carrots, celery, peas, corn, and spinach.

You could also stir in some cooked rice or quinoa for an extra filling element.

12. Beef Stew

Beef stew is a winter classic for a reason: it’s hearty, warming, and comforting all at the same time.

But if you’re looking to take your beef stew game up a notch, there are a few things you can do.

First, focus on the beef.

Good quality beef that’s been properly cooked will be tender and full of flavor, so aim for that.

Season the beef with salt and pepper before browning it in oil; this will help to lock in flavor and juices.

Once the beef is browned, add it to the pot along with any vegetables you’re using.

Next, focus on the broth.

A good beef stew should have a rich, flavorful broth that ties everything together.

To achieve this, start by using beef stock or broth as your base.

You can also add in some red wine or beer for extra depth of flavor.

Finally, don’t forget to season the broth with salt and pepper before adding it to the pot.

Finally, let everything simmer until the beef and vegetables are cooked through and tender.

This usually takes about an hour or so.

Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious side dishes that go great with burnt ends.

Each of these sides is sure to elevate your meal and leave your guests satisfied.

I hope this blog post has helped you plan your next event and given you some inspiration on what to serve.

As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

What to Serve with Burnt Ends? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 1 Serving

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!