What to Serve with Pork Belly Burnt Ends? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Pork belly burnt ends are the showstopper at any gathering, hands down. They’re like little nuggets of gold—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Now, the question hits: what sides can live up to the main event?

We’re here to guide you through seven unbeatable side dishes that are not just simple to whip up but match your pork belly burnt ends in every bite.

Whether you’re craving something light and fresh, or rich and hearty, our selection ensures your plate is nothing short of spectacular.

Ready to round out your meal with sides that stand side by side in awesomeness with those burnt ends? Let’s get into it.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Pork Belly Burnt Ends?

Pork belly burnt ends make some excellent snacks.

When you only cook for yourself, you do not really care.

You can mix them up with anything.

They work well with mustard or other types of sauce, but you can also stuff them in a pita bread or just use plain bread.

Now, too many pieces could cause nausea, so you need something to counterbalance the grease.

Cooking for someone else? A plate of pork belly burnt ends will not do – tasty, but not impressive enough.

Luckily, you do have some options.

What to Serve with Pork Belly Burnt Ends? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Here are a few good ideas when not sure what to bring next to your pork belly burnt ends.

1. Sweet Baked Beans

Beans and pork – can anything taste better than that? You have a powerful combination that will turn a snack into an actual meal.

Baked beans have a hearty aroma.

They also feel a bit smoky – just like your pork belly burnt ends.

The two flavors will complement each other in a unique manner.

A bit of sweetness will add to the combo.

As for the texture, crispy ends and soft beans will give your taste buds the right experience.

2. Red Cabbage Coleslaw

The problem with pork belly burnt ends is you have no clue when to stop.

They are small and delicious, so you have plenty of them.

Then, you feel nauseous.

How about preventing this problem with some homemade coleslaw? While you can buy coleslaw from any grocery store, it is usually swimming in mayo – disgusting.

Homemade red cabbage coleslaw is different – refreshing and full of flavor.

The crispy texture will definitely complement your pork belly burnt ends, while the aromas will blend in perfectly.

After all, you have meat and salad – a classic combo.

3. Crispy Homemade Salad

Talking about salads, nothing complements some crispy burnt ends better than a homemade salad.

At this point, there are no rules and no requirements.

Look around the fridge for all the vegetables you like, chop them and add a bit of dressing.

The final result will give you a refreshing aroma, meaning you can eat as many pork belly burnt ends as you want without experiencing nausea.

Things get even better when it comes to the texture.

Everything in your dish is crispy and crunchy – just perfect.

It may not be the most impressive meal, but the taste will definitely surprise your audience.

4. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are something different, and their light sweetness will work well with the smoky aroma in pork belly burnt ends.

Pork is savory, and the sweetness comes as a contrast.

Then, baked potatoes are a bit crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside – the perfect match for pork.

Potatoes are even better with meat because they are starchy, so the combo is quite fulfilling.

The only problem is the dish may feel a bit too dry – feel free to use a sauce as a side.

Preparing this side dish should not take more than 20 minutes.

5. Crunchy Mac and Cheese

In some cultures, mac and cheese mixed with meat might feel a bit unusual.

However, the mix – especially when it comes to a barbecue – has something special.

There are more flavors and aromas blending in, creating a perfect result.

Mac and cheese can be made in more ways – if you can get the cheese on top to be crusty and crunchy, you are a winner.

It will perfectly blend in with the crispy burnt ends, while the soft pasta will compensate and turn everything into a paste.

Flavors are well blending in – smoke, cheese and grains.

Besides, it is a fulfilling dish that does not need anything else.

6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes in any form work well with meat in any form – simple as that.

You just cannot go wrong with this combination.

Now, mashed potatoes are milder than other types of potatoes – besides, they will not try to take the dish over.

Pork belly burnt ends will represent the main player on the table.

Mashed potatoes will add a hearty aroma, which is great with the smoky ends.

The texture contrast is just as attractive – super soft potatoes and crunchy ends.

Besides, this dish takes 20 minutes to prepare.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you cook for someone else, make sure they appreciate Brussels sprouts – they are not for everyone.

When roasted, their natural bitterness slowly fades away, revealing their amazing aroma.

Roasted Brussels sprouts go crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

They are bite size, so they are ideal for pork belly burnt ends.

Besides, their light bitterness goes hand in hand with the smoky aroma in pork.

A bit of color will also add to your plate.