Mile High Burnt Ends: Elevate Your BBQ Game in Denver

There’s something about smoked meats that feels right at home in Colorado.

Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air, the outdoor grilling culture, or the love for bold flavors. While Denver's food scene is often associated with green chile and craft brews, the Mile High City is also cultivating a quiet but powerful BBQ revolution, and burnt ends are leading the charge.

The Burnt Ends Comeback

Once considered scraps, burnt ends have skyrocketed to stardom thanks to their rich, smoky flavor, caramelized edges, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether crafted from brisket or pork belly, they’re a flavorful upgrade for restaurants looking to turn everyday menu items into crave-worthy standouts.

According to national research, over 40% of consumers recognize burnt ends, especially millennials and high-income diners, and Denver is no exception. From LoHi to Wash Park, customers are craving creative BBQ options that combine authenticity with convenience.

Why Burnt Ends Work in Denver

Denver's elevation, bustling patio scene, and fast-growing dining landscape create an ideal backdrop for BBQ-inspired innovation. Locals want handcrafted quality, but they also value speed, value, and customization, especially in fast-casual and brewpub settings.

Ready-made products like Ridgecrest® Pit-Smoked Pork Belly and Beef Burnt Ends are fully cooked and hardwood-smoked for 12+ hours, then diced and prepped for your kitchen. That means no need for expensive pitmasters or dedicated smokers, just authentic flavor, served hot and hassle-free.

Menu Inspiration: Mile High Style

Whether you’re feeding game-day crowds, brunch fans, or craft beer drinkers, there’s a burnt end dish to match your vibe.

Try these Denver-inspired ideas:

Palisade Peach BBQ Burnt End Sliders

Toss pork belly burnt ends in a sweet-and-smoky Palisade peach BBQ glaze. Serve on soft brioche buns with a dollop of slaw and fried pickles.

Green Chile Mac & Burnt Ends

Top creamy mac and cheese with brisket burnt ends and a drizzle of roasted Pueblo green chile sauce. It’s comfort food with Colorado heat.

Loaded Fries, RiNo Style

Layer waffle fries with burnt ends, cheddar, crema, scallions, and pickled onions, perfect for late-night crowds or brewery pairings.

Burnt End Breakfast Hash

Brisket burnt ends meet roasted potatoes, onions, peppers, and sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty brunch plate that keeps locals coming back.

South Broadway Burnt End Tacos

Combine pork belly burnt ends with avocado crema, mango salsa, and queso fresco on blue corn tortillas for a street-food-style hit.

Denver Dining Meets Efficiency

Let’s face it, Denver restaurants are busy. Between staffing challenges, high demand, and patio season in full swing, finding ways to maintain quality without sacrificing speed is key.

That’s where Ridgecrest® Burnt Ends deliver:

• Hardwood-smoked, fully cooked, and ready-to-heat
• ⏱️ Minimal prep time, no smoker or pitmaster required
• 🍴 Versatile across lunch, dinner, brunch, and catering
• 🌱 Clean, handcrafted flavor that fits your brand

Make It a Mile High Experience

Denver diners don’t just want good food, they want food that feels like Denver.

Think local ingredients, Instagram-worthy plating, and flavor combinations that reflect the city's adventurous, creative spirit. With the right approach, burnt ends can go from humble BBQ staple to high-margin menu star.

FAQ’s on Mile High Burnt Ends

1. What are burnt ends, and why are they so popular?

Burnt ends are flavorful, caramelized meat cubes traditionally cut from brisket or pork belly. Their smoky, crispy exterior and tender interior make them a crowd favorite.

2. Can I serve burnt ends without a smoker?

Yes! Ridgecrest® Burnt Ends are pre-smoked and fully cooked, making them perfect for kitchens without a smoker.

3. What side dishes pair well with burnt ends in Denver?

Popular pairings include green chile mac, Palisade peach slaw, kettle chips, roasted corn, or beer-battered fries.

4. How can I use burnt ends across different menu types?

Try them in tacos, hashes, sliders, loaded fries, grain bowls, or even elevated salads — they’re versatile and crowd-pleasing.

5. Where can I source ready-to-serve burnt ends in Denver?

Performance Foodservice Denver proudly offers Ridgecrest® Pit-Smoked Pork Belly and Beef Burnt Ends, available for immediate menu application.