Brisket is a tasty main dish for many meals. It’s a big cut of beef that’s slow-cooked until tender.
But what should you serve with it? The right sides can make your brisket meal even better.
Good side dishes add flavor and balance to brisket. They can be veggies, starches, or salads.
Some classics are potatoes, beans, and coleslaw. But there are many more options to try. Let’s look at some great sides to serve with your next brisket.
1. Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a perfect match for brisket. Its cool, crisp texture balances the rich, smoky meat.
You can make it easily with shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix in a creamy dressing of mayo, vinegar, and sugar.
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Some people like to toss in celery seeds for extra flavor.
Chill your coleslaw before serving. This lets the flavors blend together. It also keeps the slaw crisp and refreshing next to your hot brisket.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect match for brisket. They offer a creamy, comforting side that balances the rich meat.
To make them, boil peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and roasted garlic cloves.
Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.
These potatoes soak up gravy beautifully. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the brisket’s chew.
Serve a generous scoop alongside your brisket for a satisfying meal. The garlic adds depth without overpowering the star of the plate.
3. Jalapeño Cornbread
Jalapeño cornbread is a tasty side that goes great with brisket. It adds a spicy kick to the classic cornbread flavor.
You can make it easily at home with cornmeal, flour, and diced jalapeños.
For extra flavor, try adding shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. This creates a cheesy, spicy bread that complements smoky brisket perfectly. Bake it in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust.
Serve your jalapeño cornbread warm, cut into wedges. It’s great for soaking up brisket juices or barbecue sauce. The mix of textures and flavors makes this side dish a crowd-pleaser at any brisket dinner.
4. Spicy Pickles
Spicy pickles are a zesty side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. Their tangy crunch cuts through the rich, fatty meat.
You can make your own spicy pickles at home. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to a basic pickle brine for extra heat. Let the cucumbers soak for at least 24 hours before eating.
For a quick option, look for brands like Famous Dave’s Hell-Fire Pickles at the store. These pack a fiery punch that complements smoky brisket. Serve them on the side or chop them up to top your sandwich.
5. BBQ Baked Beans
BBQ baked beans are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. They offer a sweet and savory flavor that complements the smoky taste of the meat.
You can make your own BBQ baked beans from scratch or use canned beans as a shortcut. Add some chopped onions, bacon, and BBQ sauce to give them extra flavor.
For a unique twist, try adding some leftover brisket to your baked beans. This adds a meaty texture and enhances the smoky taste.
Baked beans are not only tasty but also provide protein and fiber to your meal. They’re a filling side that will satisfy your guests.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus makes a tasty side for your brisket. It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes.
To grill asparagus, start by washing and trimming the tough ends. Toss the spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Place the asparagus directly on the grates.
Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly charred and still slightly crisp.
Serve your grilled asparagus right away for the best flavor and texture.
7. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries add a delicious twist to your brisket meal. Their natural sweetness balances the savory meat perfectly.
You can easily make them at home. Cut sweet potatoes into strips, toss with oil and spices, then bake or air fry until crispy.
For extra flavor, try different seasonings like cinnamon, paprika, or garlic powder. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to please everyone’s taste buds.
Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to regular fries. They’re packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious side dish.
8. Classic Macaroni Salad
Classic macaroni salad is a perfect side for your brisket. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
You can make it easily with cooked macaroni, mayo, vinegar, and chopped veggies. Mix in diced celery, red onion, and bell peppers for crunch.
Add some shredded carrots for color and sweetness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
For extra flavor, try adding diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice. You can also mix in some diced ham or bacon bits if you want a meatier salad.
Make your macaroni salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours.
9. Southern Collard Greens
Southern collard greens are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. You’ll love the savory, smoky flavors in this traditional recipe.
Start by cooking ham hocks until tender. Then add chopped collard greens and simmer until soft. The greens absorb rich flavors from the meat as they cook.
Season your collards with vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. The result is silky, flavorful greens that complement the rich taste of brisket.
This hearty side brings a taste of the South to your plate. It’s sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or family dinner.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for brisket. You can easily prepare them in your oven.
Cut the sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
They’ll turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, while staying tender inside.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar before roasting. You can also sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top when they’re done.
Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy choice to pair with your brisket.
11. Tangy Cucumber Salad
A tangy cucumber salad is a refreshing side for brisket. You can make it quickly with cucumbers, red onions, and a vinegar dressing.
The cool, crisp cucumbers contrast nicely with warm, rich brisket. The vinegar adds a zesty kick that cuts through the meat’s fattiness.
To make it, slice cucumbers and red onions thinly. Mix them with vinegar, a little sugar, and some dill. Let it sit in the fridge for an hour before serving.
This light, crunchy salad balances out the heaviness of brisket. It’s a tasty and easy side dish for your next barbecue.
12. Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded potato skins are a tasty side dish to pair with your brisket. They’re easy to make and customize.
Start by baking potatoes until tender. Cut the potatoes in half and scoop out most of the flesh.
Brush the skins with butter and bake until crispy. Fill the skins with chopped brisket and shredded cheese.
Return them to the oven to melt the cheese. Top with green onions and a dollop of sour cream.
You can add other toppings like bacon or jalapeños too. Loaded potato skins are great for sharing and complement the rich flavor of brisket nicely.
13. Sweet Corn Fritters
Sweet corn fritters make a tasty side dish for brisket. These golden, crispy patties burst with corn flavor and offer a nice contrast to the rich meat.
You can easily whip up corn fritters using fresh or canned corn, flour, eggs, and seasonings. Pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides.
The fritters’ slight sweetness pairs well with smoky brisket. Their crispy exterior and soft interior add textural variety to your meal.
Try topping the fritters with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle them with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Corn fritters are versatile and work well for casual backyard barbecues or fancier dinner parties. They’re sure to be a hit alongside your brisket.
14. Smoked Gouda Grits
Smoked gouda grits are a tasty twist on classic Southern grits. They make a great side dish for brisket burnt ends.
To make them, bring broth, milk, and butter to a boil. Add grits and simmer on low heat, stirring often. This takes about 5-10 minutes.
Once the grits are cooked, stir in shredded smoked gouda cheese. The cheese adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with barbecue.
You can serve these grits creamy or let them set up a bit for a firmer texture. Either way, they provide a savory, cheesy complement to your brisket meal.
15. Buttery Garlic Bread
Buttery garlic bread is a perfect side for brisket. You can make it easily at home.
Start by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and parsley. Spread this mixture on both sides of bread slices.
Then grill or toast the bread until it’s golden and crispy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese to your garlic butter mix. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
If you’re short on time, you can wrap the prepared bread in foil and bake it. This method works well for larger batches.
16. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. You can easily make this dish by roasting fresh carrots in the oven.
Start by melting butter in a saucepan and mixing in honey, rosemary, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Coat the carrots with this mixture and spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast the carrots at 400°F until they’re tender and caramelized. The honey glaze will create a delicious golden-brown exterior.
For added freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.
This colorful and flavorful side dish will complement your brisket beautifully. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when needed.
Understanding Flavor Profiles
Brisket sides can make or break your barbecue experience. The right combinations enhance the meat’s taste and create a balanced meal.
Balancing Savory and Sweet
Brisket has a rich, meaty flavor. You’ll want sides that complement this taste.
Try mixing savory and sweet elements. Coleslaw with a touch of sugar works well. Baked beans offer a sweet contrast to the smoky meat.
Corn on the cob brushed with honey butter adds sweetness. For a savory option, roasted garlic mashed potatoes are perfect. They soak up the brisket’s juices nicely.
Consider mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It brings creamy, salty flavors that pair well with brisket.
Incorporating Texture
Texture is key in side dishes. Crunchy sides balance the tender brisket.
Crisp pickles or pickled vegetables add a satisfying crunch. They also cut through the fatty meat with their acidity.
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus offer a crisp-tender bite. Potato chips or crispy onion strings can add a fun textural element.
For a softer texture, creamed corn or braised greens work well. They provide a smooth contrast to the meat’s chew.
Don’t forget about bread. A crusty roll or soft cornbread can soak up juices and add another textural layer to your meal.
Nutritional Considerations
Brisket’s rich flavor comes with some important nutrition factors to keep in mind. Balancing your meal and adapting it for different diets can help you enjoy this tasty meat as part of a healthy eating plan.
Caloric Balance
Brisket packs a lot of calories into each serving. A 3-ounce portion has about 240 calories. Most of these come from fat, with protein making up the rest.
To keep your meal balanced:
- Choose leaner cuts when possible
- Trim visible fat before cooking
- Use smaller portions (3-4 ounces)
- Fill half your plate with veggies
Adding lighter sides like salads or roasted vegetables can help offset brisket’s richness. This lets you enjoy the flavor without going overboard on calories.
Incorporating Dietary Restrictions
You can still enjoy brisket even with certain dietary needs. Here are some tips:
For low-carb diets:
- Skip the sugary BBQ sauce
- Pair with non-starchy veggies
- Try cauliflower “rice” instead of potatoes
For gluten-free needs:
- Check sauce ingredients carefully
- Use corn tortillas for tacos
- Serve with naturally gluten-free sides like beans or quinoa
If you’re watching sodium, look for low-salt rubs or make your own. You can also balance the meal with fresh fruits and veggies that are naturally low in sodium.