Scratch-Made Sides That Match the Weight of Real BBQ
House-Made Sides in Allegan for meals that need more than just meat on the plate
Beans Burgers & BBQ makes every side from scratch in the same kitchen that preps ribs, pulled pork, and burgers. You'll find smoked mac and cheese, cowboy beans, and Cajun green beans alongside our BBQ plates, burgers, and family meal deals. Each side is cooked fresh, seasoned to match the bold flavors of southern-style barbecue, and portioned to fill out a meal without competing with the main dish. Whether you're ordering a single plate or feeding a group in Allegan, the sides are ready when the smoker is running.
Our sides aren't afterthoughts. The mac and cheese is baked with a blend of cheeses and finished with a layer of smoke from the same trailer that cooks the ribs. Cowboy beans are slow-cooked with pork, brown sugar, and spices until the sauce thickens and the beans soften. Cajun green beans are seasoned with heat and cooked down until they're tender but still hold their shape. Each side is built to stand up next to smoked meats and bring balance to a plate that's heavy on protein.
If you're planning a meal or picking up dinner on the go, add a side or two to round out your order the next time you see the trailer in your area.
What Goes Into Making Sides That Taste Like Home Cooking
You're not getting sides out of a steam tray or a plastic tub. Each batch is cooked in-house, timed to be ready when the smoker finishes the meat. The mac and cheese is mixed, layered, and baked until the top browns. The cowboy beans are simmered low and stirred throughout the cook so the flavors blend without burning. The Cajun green beans are seasoned, cooked, and checked for texture before they're added to the serving line.
When your plate is ready, the sides are still warm and fully seasoned. The mac and cheese is creamy with a slight smoky edge. The cowboy beans are thick and sweet with a savory finish. The Cajun green beans have a kick that doesn't overpower the rest of the meal. Beans Burgers & BBQ pairs each side with the type of meat you're ordering, so a rib plate might come with beans and mac, while a burger might be paired with green beans and slaw.
You can order extra sides if you're feeding a group or building a family meal. We pack them in containers with lids so they travel well. Sides are included in catering packages, meal deals, and most BBQ plates. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, let us know when you order so we can guide you toward the best options. We don't offer custom recipes or substitutions, but we'll tell you what's in each dish so you can make an informed choice.
Questions About Our Sides and How They're Served
Here's what you need to know about our house-made sides, how they're prepared, and how to add them to your order when the trailer is set up in Allegan.
What sides do you offer regularly?
Our regulars include smoked mac and cheese, cowboy beans, and Cajun green beans. We may rotate in seasonal sides or test new recipes depending on what's available and what customers are asking for.
How are the sides cooked if you're using a smoker trailer?
Some sides like mac and cheese are finished in the smoker to pick up smoke flavor. Others like beans and green beans are cooked on stovetop burners or in pots that sit near the smoker. Everything is prepped fresh on-site or in the scratch kitchen before service starts.
When do you prep the sides for the day?
Sides are prepped in the morning or the night before depending on the recipe. Beans and mac and cheese take longer to cook, so they're started early. Green beans are cooked closer to service time so they stay tender without getting mushy.
Why do some BBQ places skip scratch sides?
Because it takes more time, more skill, and more ingredients. We believe the sides are just as important as the meat, so we cook them the same way we'd cook them at home for our own families.
How do I order extra sides for a group meal in Allegan?
You can add extra sides to any order by letting us know when you place it. For catering or large family meals, we'll pack sides in full pans with enough for everyone. Just give us a headcount and we'll portion it out.
Whether you're picking up a single plate or building a full meal for the family, Beans Burgers & BBQ makes sure the sides match the quality of the meat. Stop by during service hours or reach out to confirm what's available for your next order.