15 Irresistible Sides to Serve with Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef brisket is a classic comfort food that is most popular around St. Patrick’s Day. The salty, beefy flavor of corned beef makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. However, the right side dishes can take your corned beef brisket from great to spectacular.

Choosing sides that complement and balance the strong flavor of the brisket is key. The good news is that corned beef pairs well with a wide variety of sides. Below are 15 of my absolute favorite pairings that will make your corned beef brisket dinner truly memorable.

1. Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a no-brainer with corned beef brisket The smooth, rich potatoes are the perfect complement to the salty meat. For best results, opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes Boil them until fork tender, then mash them with butter, warm milk, and just a touch of garlic. Creamy and simple, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit alongside your brisket.

2. Tangy Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a classic accompaniment to corned beef and for good reason – its tangy, salty flavor balances the strong meat beautifully. Serve prepared sauerkraut warmed through, or go the extra mile by sautéing fresh sauerkraut with onions, garlic, and apple. The sweetness of the apple offsets the tartness of the kraut.

3. Roasted Root Vegetables

A medley of roasted root veggies like carrots, parsnips, and turnips adds brightness and texture to a corned beef meal Toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast them in a hot oven until caramelized The natural sweetness of the roots pairs nicely with the salty brisket.

4. Braised Cabbage

While boiled cabbage is traditional, braised cabbage elevates this classic side. Sauté green or red cabbage wedges slowly with onions, garlic, broth, and vinegar. The cabbage softens and absorbs tons of flavor. A touch of caraway or fennel seed enhances the flavor. Hearty, tender braised cabbage is fantastic with corned beef.

5. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Warm, soft dinner rolls can round out your brisket dinner. Look for easy homemade recipes, or cheat by thawing frozen rolls. Slather the rolls with butter for a simple side that soaks up the delicious juices from your corned beef. Fresh from the oven, these buttery rolls complete the meal.

6. Crispy Potatoes Lyonnaise

For delicious texture contrast, try potatoes lyonnaise. Thinly slice potatoes and onions, then sauté them in butter over medium-high heat until browned and crispy The potatoes absorb all the lovely butter and onion flavors as they fry Crispy outside and tender inside, this potato side is delightful with corned beef.

7. Sweet Glazed Carrots

Buttery glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness to balance the strong corned beef. Peel and slice carrots on the bias, simmer until almost tender, then toss them with brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. The natural sugars in the carrots caramelize as they cook, making a tasty accompaniment to your brisket.

8. Warm German Potato Salad

Warm potato salad is an excellent alternative if you want to change things up from mashed. Boil diced potatoes just until tender, then gently toss them with bacon bits, sautéed onion, fresh parsley, and a hot mustard-cider vinegar dressing. The potatoes absorb the smoky, tangy flavors. It’s a delicious match for corned beef.

9. Fresh Green Bean Casserole

For a lighter side, a fresh take on green bean casserole is tasty with brisket. Blanch green beans briefly, then mix them with sautéed mushrooms and onions, broth, and just a touch of cream. Top with crunchy fried shallots instead of canned onions. It has all the comforting flavors but with a fresher twist.

10. Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy, warm buttermilk biscuits make a fine accompaniment for brisket. The tang of the buttermilk pairs well with the corned beef. For extra flavor, add cheddar cheese, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs to the biscuit dough. Serve biscuits hot from the oven with plenty of butter – they’ll soak up the juices perfectly.

11. Simple Sautéed Kale

Iron-rich kale provides a healthy balance to a rich brisket meal. Sauté chopped kale quickly with olive oil and garlic until just wilted. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and flaky salt. The kale adds texture and soaks up flavors well. Plus, the slight bitterness balances the strong corned beef taste.

12. Pickled Beets

For a vibrant pop of color and tangy flavor, pickled beets are a stellar brisket side. Canned pickled beets are an easy option, or make your own by boiling beets, then marinating them in a vinegar brine spiced with cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. The sweet, earthy beet flavor offsets the brisket beautifully.

13. Bacon-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For the perfect crisp, salty complement to corned beef, bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts can’t be beat. Toss halved sprouts with diced bacon, olive oil, S&P, then roast at high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender. The salty bacon enhances the sprouts’ nutty flavor – an ideal match for brisket.

14. Skillet Cornbread

Warm cornbread is a comforting addition to any brisket dinner. Bake up a skillet of moist, lightly sweet cornbread spiked with corn kernels, cheddar cheese, and scallions. The hint of sweetness balances the strong corned beef flavors. Crumble leftover cornbread over brisket hash the next day!

15. Irish Soda Bread

No corned beef dinner is complete without a slice of Irish soda bread. The traditional yeast-free quickbread has a dense, wheaty texture and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with brisket. Make an easy no-knead version with flour, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, and raisins. Slice while warm and slather with butter.

With so many tasty sides to choose from, you can serve corned beef brisket all year long and never get bored! From hearty roasted veggies to flaky breads and biscuits, these 15 sides offer delicious balance and complement the robust corned beef flavors. With the right sides, your brisket dinner will be amazing. Now it’s time to get cooking!