The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Sides with Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is a quintessential centerpiece for many celebrations and potlucks. When slow cooked, this tough cut of meat becomes fall-apart tender and full of robust beefy flavor. But a good brisket is only as good as its accompaniments. The sides you choose can make or break the entire meal.

So what exactly goes well with beef brisket? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best side dish pairings that complement brisket perfectly. From classics like mashed potatoes and coleslaw to creative options like fried green tomatoes, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover 20+ sensational sides that will bring your brisket dinner to the next level!

The Classics: Potatoes, Beans and Slaw

Some sides have stood the test of time for good reason. When hosting a brisket dinner you can’t go wrong rounding out the meal with these timeless classics

Baked Potatoes

A hot, fluffy baked potato is the perfect vessel for soaking up rich brisket juices. Go classic with a Russet or switch it up with sweet or purple potatoes. Load it up with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon and green onions for an indulgent treat.

Mashed Potatoes

For ultimate creaminess and comfort, serve your brisket with a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds whip up lighter than Russets, but both taste delicious with a pat of butter and splash of milk. Or skip the dairy for a vegan version made with vegetable broth.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a staple at any summer cookout but it’s also fantastic alongside brisket year-round. Opt for a mayo-based version or a warm German potato salad dressed in bacon vinaigrette. Potatoes provide a neutral base that complements the beef beautifully.

Beans

No barbecue meal is complete without a hearty pot of beans. Baked beans, pinto beans, black beans and others taste right at home with smoky, tender brisket. Make them from scratch or use canned beans for easy prep.

Coleslaw

Cool and crunchy, coleslaw balances out the richness of brisket. Make it creamy with mayo or tangy with apple cider vinegar. Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots or switch it up with broccoli or kale. Customize it with your favorite seasonings and textures.

Mac and Cheese

Is anything more comforting than oozey, cheesy mac and cheese? This crowd-pleasing carb is a surefire hit alongside sliced brisket. And the sauce mingles so nicely with the beef juices. Go for classic cheddar or kick it up a notch with unique additions like barbecue sauce, jalapeños or chili.

Vegetable Sides for Balance

Beyond the basics, brisket also pairs deliciously with fresh, seasonal veggie sides. Bright colors and textures enliven the plate, while vitamins and fiber provide balance.

Roasted Vegetables

Brisket’s intensity stands up well to roasted veggies. Try small potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, beets or squash. Toss in olive oil and seasonings and roast at a high temp until caramelized. The subtle sweetness makes a perfect brisket complement.

Green Beans

Simple sautéed green beans lend color to the plate and taste wonderful next to fatty brisket. Roast them in the oven for deeper flavor or quickly steam for a crisper bean. Dress with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper or get creative with herbs and spices.

Leafy Greens

Don’t forget the greens! Collard greens, kale, spinach and other hearty greens taste phenomenal next to smoky brisket. Sauté them in olive oil or cook low and slow in broth. Season with smoked paprika, garlic, onions and pepper flakes.

Roasted Carrots

Brisket’s richness can handle the natural sweetness of carrots. Roast carrot sticks or coins in the oven to intensify their sweet, earthy flavor. Coat with honey, brown sugar or maple syrup during the last few minutes for irresistible caramelized carrots.

Creamed Corn

For buttery richness, make a casserole with fresh corn, cream and eggs. Bake until set and bubbly for the perfect brisket buddy. Or opt for an easy stovetop creamed corn side. Just simmer corn kernels in heavy cream or half and half on the stovetop.

Creative Pairings for Excitement

Once you’ve covered the basics, explore creative sides to add excitement to the table. Brisket welcomes both common and unexpected pairings.

Cornbread

Warm cornbread studded with corn kernels and baked to the perfect golden brown makes an iconic match for brisket. The grainy crunch soaks up meat juices brilliantly. Serve it plain or kick it up with cheese, jalapeños, or other add-ins.

Fried Green Tomatoes

For a true Southern delight, fry up tangy green tomatoes to enjoy alongside your brisket. The firm texture and tart zing pair playfully with the rich meatiness of the brisket. Bread and fry sliced green tomatoes for a crispy, craveworthy treat.

Cucumber Salad

Fresh cucumber salad lends brisket a refreshing bite. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with red onion, vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs like dill, mint or parsley. Chilling the salad allows time for the flavors to meld.

Fruit Salads

Juicy, sweet fruit brightens up a brisket feast. Make a simple salad with berries, grapes, citrus segments, melons or pineapple. Or grill peaches, pineapples or plums to concentrate their sugars. The sweet-tart flavors interplay deliciously with the hearty protein.

Cauliflower Mash

For a low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes, whip up a “mash” with cauliflower florets. Simply pulse cauliflower in a food processor until smooth, then mix in butter, cream and seasoning. Roast the cauliflower first for a toasty depth of flavor.

Tzimmes

This Jewish stew of sweet potatoes, carrots and dried fruit is traditionally served during Rosh Hashanah and other holidays, but it also makes a stellar brisket sidekick any time of year. The natural sweetness balances the meaty flavors.

Planning Your Pairings

With so many fantastic sides to choose from, planning your menu may seem daunting at first. But keep these tips in mind as you pull together the perfect plates to complement your brisket:

• Pick 2-3 sides to accompany the main dish without overshadowing it. Select at least one starchy option and one vegetable or salad.

• Go for color contrast – brisket is brown, so opt for greens, reds, oranges and other bright hues.

• Vary textures – include something creamy, something crunchy, and something tender.

• Balance flavors – if brisket is intensely savory and salty, bring in something sweet, tart or tangy.

• Prep ahead – look for make-ahead sides like potato salad to save time on the big day.

• Season simply – let the flavors of the brisket be the star and go easy on strong seasonings for sides.

With the right sides, brisket transforms from everyday meal to extraordinary occasion. So next time this cut of beef is on the menu, help it reach its full potential by pairing it with complementary, crave-worthy sides. From cozy potatoes and greens to surprising fried green tomatoes or grilled peaches, the options are limitless. Now go forth and create a brisket dinner to remember!