Beef brisket is a tough cut of meat that transforms into tender, mouthwatering perfection after hours of slow cooking. With its robust, beefy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, brisket makes for an incredibly satisfying main course. However, no matter how delicious the brisket may be, the side dishes served alongside it can make or break the entire meal. You’ll want sides that complement the brisket instead of competing with it.
After spending hours smoking or braising a brisket until tender and delicious you want side dishes that enhance the eating experience without requiring too much additional effort. The good news is that brisket pairs beautifully with a wide variety of simple sides. Here are 17 irresistible options that will take your brisket dinner to the next level.
1. Coleslaw
A crisp, tangy coleslaw is a classic companion for smoked or braised brisket. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots pairs perfectly with the ultra-tender brisket. A vinegar-based coleslaw dressing provides a bright contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the meat. Try topping your brisket sandwich with a scoop of spicy southern-style coleslaw for a welcome tangy crunch.
2. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a beloved staple at barbecues and cookouts. Going with a mayonnaise-based potato salad adds a rich creaminess that balances the robust flavor of brisket. Potatoes soak up any juices from the meat beautifully. Jazz it up with crunchy bits of bell pepper celery onion, relish, or bacon. The possibilities are endless when it comes to potato salads!
3. Macaroni and Cheese
Smoky brisket and cheesy macaroni is a match made in comfort food heaven. The creamy, indulgent pasta softens some of the intensity of the deeply flavored meat. Mac and cheese is easy to prepare ahead of time so you can pop it in the oven just before the brisket finishes cooking. Go with a classic cheddar cheese sauce or kick it up a notch with peppers, bacon, or Sriracha.
4. Baked Beans
No barbecue would be complete without baked beans. The sweet and smoky beans pair flawlessly with brisket’s deep earthy flavors. The beans also soak up the delicious meat juices. Make your own homemade baked beans or doctor up a couple cans with bacon, brown sugar ketchup, mustard, and your favorite seasonings.
5. Collard Greens
In the south, collard greens are almost always served alongside barbecue brisket. The hearty greens balance the richness of the meat. Slow cooking collards with smoked ham hocks or bacon adds a wonderful smokiness that echoes the flavors of the brisket. A splash of vinegar brightens up the rich flavors.
6. Cornbread
Slices of warm cornbread just beg to be topped with sliced brisket and sauce. The slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread acts as the perfect vessel for soaking up meaty juices. Bake your cornbread in a cast iron skillet so you can bring it straight to the table. Pair with cornbread with a pat of butter or drizzle with honey for even more flavor.
7. Corn on the Cob
Roasted or grilled corn on the cob makes for the perfect brisket side. The sweet corn plays off the hearty meat spectacularly. Leave the cobs whole or cut the corn off to toss with butter, cheese, and seasonings. Grilled corn lends even more smoky flavor that enhances, but doesn’t overpower, the brisket.
8. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are ideal for sopping up the meaty juices and sauce left behind on your plate after devouring slices of brisket. Brush rolls with melted butter or garlic butter before serving. Go for light, fluffy rolls or hearty onion or cheese rolls. Either way, you can’t go wrong when pairing bread with brisket.
9. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side. Creamy, buttery, velvety mashed potatoes complement rich, tender brisket so well. The potatoes balance some of the meat’s intensely beefy flavor. Mashed potatoes can be kept warm in a slow cooker so they’re ready when the brisket is done. Leave them plain or mix in cheese, garlic, or green onions.
10. Fried Okra
In the south, crispy breaded fried okra often makes an appearance at barbecue joints and brisket dinners. The juicy okra pods pop beautifully when bitten into. Fried okra provides a nice crunchy texture contrast to sliced brisket. Tossing the okra with spices like cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder kicks the flavor up a notch, too.
11. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse accompaniment that also complements smoked brisket flawlessly. The velvety spinach offers a boost of healthy greens to counteract the rich meat. Tangy cream cheese or sour cream thickens the spinach while offering a cooling contrast to the brisket’s heat. Sprinkle with parmesan for even more richness.
12. Roasted Root Vegetables
Earthy roasted root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips caramelize beautifully when cooked alongside a brisket. Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs before roasting. The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances the intense savoriness of the brisket.
13. Green Beans
Green beans amend are underrated brisket side dish. Tender green beans offer texture and a burst of freshness when paired with smoky, slow-cooked brisket. Green beans also provide a pop of color. Dress them up with slivered almonds, crispy bacon, or a tangy vinaigrette. You can roast, sauté, or steam them depending on your preference.
14. Fried Green Tomatoes
In the south, fried green tomatoes are often found on barbecue plates next to hefty slices of brisket. The firm unripened tomatoes hold their shape when fried into delicious crunchy rounds. The tart tomatoes offer the perfect counterpoint to rich, fatty brisket. A drizzle of ranch takes them over the top.
15. Steamed Broccoli
Don’t overlook simple steamed broccoli when it comes to brisket sides. The mildly bitter vegetable balances the meaty flavors. Chopped broccoli florets can soak up juices from the brisket like a sponge. Dress it up with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of lemon juice if desired. Steamed broccoli offers a lighter side to please all eaters.
16. Potato Skins
Crispy, cheesy loaded potato skins make an indulgent accompaniment for tender slices of brisket. Hollow out baked potatoes and stuff the skins with cheese, bacon bits, scallions, and sour cream. Pop them in the oven or broiler to crisp them up before serving. Potato skins offer the best of both potato and cheese sides all in one appetizer-worthy package.
17. Flatbread
Warm flatbread or naan makes an excellent vehicle for brisket sandwiches or topping with slices of brisket, sauce, pickles, and anything else you desire. The chewy, slightly charred flatbread soaks up meat juices satisfyingly. Pita, garlic naan, or even a pizza crust can all work beautifully. Spread with a mustard-mayo blend for even more moisture and flavor.
With so many fantastic options, there’s no need to serve your lovingly prepared brisket with boring or thoughtless sides ever again. Next time you smoke or braise a brisket, try pairing it with one or more of these sensational sides. Cornbread, baked beans, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes will surely satisfy while favorites like loaded potato skins and mac and cheese will take your brisket dinner over the top.
Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
A combo of spices adds a riot of flavor to those carrots that may or may not have been sitting in the crisper for too long. Serve alongside anything grilled, like our grilled tofu or grilled pork tenderloin. Get the Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots recipe.
We love classic sautéed Brussels sprouts, but sometimes we crave something with a bit more kick. These slightly spicy salty-sweet sprouts make for a unique and easy fall side dish. Get the Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Hot German Potato Salad
Unlike the chilled, creamy, mayo-dressed picnic staple were familiar with, German potato salad is served warm, or even hot, with a bacon vinaigrette. I repeat, bacon vinaigrette. If youve never made a dressing with bacon fat, youre in for a treat. The best part of this is that theres no need to wait for the potatoes to get to room temperature before tossing everything together and heaping it on your plate. Get the Hot German Potato Salad recipe.
These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the most delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. We like pistachios and black and white sesame seeds, but feel free to swap in your favorites. Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
No summer potluck is complete without a big bowl of coleslaw, and we happen to think our recipe is the absolute best. Whether you’re hungry for a last-minute side dish or the perfect topping (we’re looking at you, chicken burgers), follow our top tips to ace this dish. Get the Best Homemade Coleslaw recipe.
Golden and crispy, these roasted potatoes a perfect base for any and every flavor combo, making them an ideal side dish. For herbs, we suggest parsley, rosemary, and thyme as a classic and simple way to season the potatoes, but really, any herbs or spices are welcome here. Get the Herb Roasted Potatoes recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Texas Smoked Brisket Recipe | Over The Fire Cooking by Derek Wolf
FAQ
What is traditionally served with brisket?
What tastes good with beef brisket?
What To Serve With Brisket Serve the brisket pot roast with a side of potatoes (mashed, roasted or boiled), buttered egg noodles, polenta, or simply some crusty bread like an Italian or French rustic loaf. For a green, serve with some boiled green beans on the side, or a lightly dressed green salad.
What do Texans serve with brisket?
What should I serve with Texas BBQ brisket? Traditional sides include potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and pickles.
What is the 3/2:1 rule for brisket?
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1. Initial Smoke:The brisket is placed on the smoker and cooked unwrapped for 3 hours at 225°F (or similar low temperature). This stage allows the brisket to absorb smoke and develop a nice bark.
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2. Wrapped Cooking:The brisket is then wrapped in foil and continued to be cooked for 2 hours. During this stage, the brisket will tenderize and the juices will stay in the meat.
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3. Unwrapped Finishing:Finally, the brisket is unwrapped and cooked for 1 hour to develop a crispier bark and ensure it’s fully cooked.
What to serve with smoked brisket?
Whip up this quick and simple slaw as a bright side to your slow-cooker brisket. Master the classic side dish made with tender red-skinned potatoes, crunchy celery, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s the perfect side for smoked beef brisket. Sweet and smoky baked beans is a classic side to serve with smoked brisket or oven-baked Texas-style brisket.
What to eat with beef brisket?
This easy method for crispy smashed potatoes will be your new go-to side dish for beef brisket. A simple formula for roasting any mix of root vegetables — be it carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, or rutabagas. Serve this bright and tangy salad alongside smoked brisket or oven-baked Texas-style brisket at your next barbecue!
What side dishes go well with brisket?
From scalloped potatoes and potato salad to green beans and corn on the cob, the options are endless for delicious side dishes. Try serving a variety of dishes if you are expecting a crowd. This will ensure everyone has something to enjoy. What vegetable goes well with brisket?
Is BBQ Beef Brisket a good side dish?
So fire up the smoker and get cooking! BBQ beef brisket is smokey, hearty, meaty and of course, delicious. It’s most likely going to be the main course and star of the show at your party or gathering. You definitely want to make sure you pick out a delicious side dish (or two) to go along with it.
What cheese goes well with brisket?
For a more intense cheese flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar and a smoky cheese like gouda. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cornbread light and fluffy. Here are 14 savory side dishes that will transform your brisket into a savory feast. From creamy coleslaw to corn pudding, we’ve got you covered.
Should I add a veggie side dish to my brisket?
Adding a veggie side dish to your brisket creates a more well-rounded and nutritious meal. Whether you choose roasted, grilled, or fresh vegetables, the key is to find a balance that complements the robust flavors of the brisket, while adding a touch of variety and nutritional goodness.