Brisket, a beloved cut of meat known for its rich flavor and tender texture, is often the star of many meals. Whether you’re smoking it, slow-cooking it, or preparing it in a traditional recipe, the right side dishes can elevate your brisket dinner to a memorable feast.
The perfect brisket sides balance the rich, savory meat with complementary flavors and textures.
You’ll find that classic options like creamy mac and cheese, crisp coleslaw, and hearty baked beans are popular for good reason.
From potato-based sides to fresh vegetable dishes, having the right accompaniments ensures a well-rounded meal that will satisfy everyone at your table.
1. Classic Coleslaw
Classic coleslaw is a perfect side for brisket. The creamy, tangy flavor balances the rich, smoky meat.
A good coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that cuts through the fatty brisket.
The traditional recipe combines shredded cabbage with carrots in a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
For Southern-style coleslaw, make sure it has that sweet and tangy balance. Memphis-style versions are particularly good with brisket.
You can prepare coleslaw ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving for food safety and best texture.
2. Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked mac and cheese adds a delicious depth to your brisket meal. This side dish brings a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the rich beef.
You can easily prepare it alongside your brisket in the smoker. Just place your mac and cheese mixture in a cast iron skillet or aluminum pan.
The dish works well as a hearty side or can even serve as a main course with leftover brisket mixed in.
For extra flavor, consider adding bacon, green chiles, or pulling in some of your brisket.
The creamy cheese sauce with that hint of smoke makes this comfort food irresistible with your barbecue spread.
3. Southern Style Baked Beans
Southern Style Baked Beans are a perfect match for your smoked brisket. These beans combine sweetness and smokiness that complement the rich flavors of beef.
You can make them with canned beans as a base, then add ingredients like olive oil, diced bell peppers, onions, and sometimes ground beef for extra heartiness. Many recipes include a mixture of BBQ sauce, dijon mustard, and spices like smoked paprika.
The best versions have a syrupy consistency with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. For an authentic touch, add a bit of the brisket drippings to your beans before baking them.
4. Buttery Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic BBQ side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. The sweet, buttery flavors complement the smoky, savory meat.
For the best results, use real butter in your cornbread recipe. This creates a rich texture and golden crust that’s hard to beat. A cast iron skillet helps achieve that perfectly crispy edge.
You can customize your cornbread with add-ins like jalapeños, cheese, or corn kernels. Serve it warm with a pat of honey butter for an extra touch of sweetness.
The light, crumbly texture offers a nice contrast to the tender brisket. It’s also great for sopping up any extra barbecue sauce on your plate.
5. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes offer the perfect creamy side for your brisket. The roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor that complements the rich meat without overpowering it.
To make this dish, simply roast a whole head of garlic until soft, then mix it into your mashed potatoes with butter and cream. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with the hearty brisket.
You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when your brisket is ready to serve. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of chives or a bit of sour cream on top.
6. Savory Collard Greens
Collard greens make a perfect side dish for your brisket dinner. This Southern classic brings a balance of earthy flavors that complement the rich, smoky meat perfectly.
You can prepare your collards by cooking them down in bacon grease for extra flavor. Try adding pieces of ham or even leftover brisket to the pot for a heartier side dish.
For an extra kick, add some heat with red pepper flakes or a whole habanero pepper. The spice will sneak up on you and cut through the richness of your brisket.
Cook your greens low and slow until they’re tender. The result is a nutritious, flavorful side that stands up beautifully to your star protein.
7. Zesty Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad is a refreshing side that balances the richness of brisket perfectly. The cool, crisp texture provides a welcome contrast to the tender meat.
For a zesty version, combine thinly sliced cucumbers with red onions and dill. Add a simple dressing of vinegar, a touch of sugar, and salt.
Some variations include adding feta cheese for saltiness or avocado for creaminess. This bright and tangy salad cuts through the fatty brisket flavors.
You can prepare this easy side dish ahead of time and let the flavors develop in the refrigerator until serving time.
8. Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread
Jalapeño cornbread adds a spicy kick to your brisket meal. The combination of heat from the jalapeños and the comforting texture of cornbread creates a perfect balance.
You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños. Leave the seeds in for extra heat or remove them for a milder flavor.
Adding cheddar cheese to the mix creates a delicious savory element. The melted cheese pairs wonderfully with the corn and pepper flavors.
Serve your jalapeño cornbread warm with honey butter for an amazing sweet-and-spicy contrast. This side dish complements the smoky richness of brisket beautifully.
9. Crunchy Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli slaw brings the perfect crunch factor to balance your tender brisket. This refreshing side dish combines shredded broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage tossed in a creamy dressing.
You can prep this slaw ahead of time, making it ideal for cookouts and potlucks. The sweet dressing complements the savory flavors of brisket beautifully.
For extra texture and flavor, add crunchy almonds and dried cranberries. This colorful side dish looks great on the plate and provides a lighter option among heavier barbecue sides.
The versatility of broccoli slaw makes it a reliable choice for any brisket meal, whether casual or special occasion.
10. Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots make a perfect side dish for brisket with their sweet flavor that complements the savory meat. These carrots are simple to prepare yet deliver impressive results.
To make them, toss whole carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until tender. Once roasted, brush with a sticky honey-garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
You can add variety by incorporating spices like cinnamon or a touch of heat with red pepper flakes. For a special occasion, try grilling your carrots with a honey-brown sugar glaze for a smoky-sweet flavor profile.
This kid-friendly side dish brings vibrant color to your plate while providing a healthy vegetable option alongside your brisket.
11. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
Garlic butter corn on the cob makes a perfect side dish for your brisket dinner. The sweet corn kernels coated in rich garlic butter create a delicious contrast to the savory meat.
To prepare this side, start with fresh or frozen corn ears. Boil them until tender, then brush with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and a sprinkle of parsley.
For an extra flavor boost, you can grill the corn after applying the garlic butter. This adds a smoky char that pairs wonderfully with brisket. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese as a finishing touch.
12. Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is a classic side that pairs perfectly with smoky brisket. The creamy texture contrasts nicely with the firm, tender meat.
For the best flavor, mix equal parts mayonnaise and mustard as your dressing base. Add quick-pickled red onions and jalapeños for a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the brisket.
You can customize your potato salad with additions like hard-boiled eggs, celery, or bacon bits. Serve it cold for a refreshing contrast to hot brisket.
Make it ahead of time so the flavors have time to blend. This makes your meal prep easier when serving a crowd.
13. Vinegar-Based Coleslaw
Vinegar-based coleslaw offers a tangy alternative to creamy mayo versions and pairs perfectly with rich brisket. This refreshing side cuts through the fatty meat with its bright acidity.
The simple dressing combines vinegar, sugar, and seasonings for a sweet-tangy flavor profile that won’t weigh you down. Most recipes include a mix of shredded green cabbage, carrots, and onions for the perfect crunch.
You can prepare this side dish ahead of time since it actually improves as it sits. Unlike mayo versions, vinegar slaw holds up well at outdoor gatherings and barbecues.
Try adding green peppers or apple for extra flavor variations that complement your brisket beautifully.
14. Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
Sweet and sour red cabbage is a perfect side dish that complements brisket beautifully. This German-inspired dish balances tangy and sweet flavors that cut through the richness of brisket.
The vibrant purple cabbage is typically braised until tender, creating a flavorful contrast to your smoky meat. It’s similar to a sweet and sour cabbage recipe that many barbecue enthusiasts enjoy.
You can pair this colorful side with other classics like mashed potatoes to create a well-rounded meal. The dish stores well, making it a practical option for preparing ahead of your brisket feast.
15. Savory Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts make a perfect side dish for brisket. When skillet-braised with bacon and garlic, they bring a hint of sweetness that balances the savory richness of brisket.
For the best flavor, try roasting your Brussels sprouts until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. Adding bacon gives them a smoky quality that complements the smokiness in your brisket.
You can also try braising them with balsamic vinegar for a tangy contrast. The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts helps cut through the fatty richness of brisket, creating a balanced meal.
Serve them hot alongside your brisket for a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.
16. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes make an excellent side dish for brisket. They offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that complement the rich, smoky meat.
To make them, simply cube sweet potatoes, toss with butter or oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. Roast at 425°F until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.
You can keep the seasonings simple with just salt, or add garlic powder, paprika, or a touch of cinnamon for variety. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory brisket.
This easy side dish requires minimal prep work and can roast while your brisket rests.
17. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus makes a perfect side dish for brisket. Its smoky flavor complements the rich meat beautifully.
To prepare it, simply brush fresh asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can enhance the flavor by adding a BBQ rub if you have one on hand.
Grill the asparagus for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. The slight char from the grill adds a wonderful dimension that pairs perfectly with brisket.
For extra flavor, try finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice or a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese after grilling.
18. Herb Roasted Vegetables
Herb roasted vegetables make a perfect side dish for brisket. You can use a mix of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Simply toss your vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
The roasted root vegetables offer a healthy contrast to the rich brisket. Their natural sweetness gets enhanced during roasting, complementing the smoky meat perfectly.
This colorful side dish not only tastes great but also adds visual appeal to your plate. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized based on vegetables you have on hand.
19. Cheesy Grits
Cheesy grits are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. The creamy texture and mild flavor complement the rich, smoky meat.
To make them, cook stone-ground grits according to package directions. Then stir in butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and a splash of cream for extra richness.
You can customize your cheesy grits by adding garlic powder, green onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Some recipes suggest adding pimento cheese instead of regular cheddar for a unique Southern twist.
For a more substantial side, try topping your grits with crispy bacon bits or a fried egg.
20. Smoked Corn Pudding
Smoked corn pudding brings a delicious twist to traditional corn casserole. This creamy side dish perfectly complements the rich flavors of brisket.
The subtle smokiness adds depth while maintaining that sweet corn flavor you love. It’s excellent for soaking up those delicious brisket juices on your plate.
You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when your brisket is ready to serve. The creamy texture provides a nice contrast to the hearty meat.
For extra flavor, try adding some cheese or diced jalapeños to your corn pudding. This crowd-pleaser works well for both casual family dinners and special gatherings.
21. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Sautéed green beans with almonds make a perfect side dish for brisket. This classic French-inspired recipe combines crisp green beans with the nutty crunch of almonds.
You can prepare this dish in just 15-20 minutes, making it ideal when you need a quick but elegant side.
The beans are typically sautéed with shallots and garlic for added flavor.
For an extra burst of freshness, add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Some variations include bacon crumbles for a savory touch.
The combination of textures and flavors complements the richness of brisket beautifully. The lightness of the beans balances the heaviness of the meat.
The Importance of Perfect Pairings
Serving the right sides with brisket creates a memorable meal experience. The best companions to your brisket highlight its rich flavors while adding contrasting elements that keep every bite interesting.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
When pairing sides with brisket, think about complementary flavors.
Garlicky roasted red potatoes bring earthy notes that enhance the meat’s savory quality.
Acidic sides like vinegar-based coleslaw cut through the richness of brisket, creating a balanced bite.
Sweet elements can work wonderfully too. Baked beans with a touch of molasses or brown sugar provide contrast to the smoky, savory meat. For wine-braised brisket, consider sides with herbs that echo those in your main dish.
Vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms work perfectly because of their mild flavors. They absorb the meat’s juices without competing with its taste. This is why they’re frequently recommended alongside brisket in Texas BBQ traditions.
Balancing Textures
Texture contrast matters as much as flavor. Your fork-tender brisket deserves crispy or crunchy companions.
Crisp coleslaw or fried okra provides this textural difference that makes each bite more satisfying.
Creamy sides like potato salad offer a soft, cooling element against the firm, sliced meat. This textural interplay keeps your palate engaged throughout the meal.
Consider how temperatures play a role too. Hot brisket paired with cool sides creates a pleasant contrast. Traditional Texas sides like pinto beans provide a different mouthfeel that complements the meat’s texture.
Asparagus delivers a firm yet tender bite that stands up well to brisket’s texture. Collard greens offer both tenderness and substance that work particularly well with the heartiness of the meat.
Understanding Regional Variations
Brisket sides vary widely across different regions of the United States, with each area adding its own cultural flair and traditional ingredients to complement this beloved meat.
Traditional Texan Influences
In Texas, brisket sides reflect the state’s straightforward approach to barbecue.
You’ll find simple, hearty options like pinto beans or charro beans seasoned with bacon, jalapeños, and tomatoes. These beans cut through the richness of fatty brisket.
Texas-style coleslaw differs from other regions by using less mayo and more vinegar for a tangier taste. This helps balance the smoky meat flavors.
Plain white bread is a non-negotiable side in authentic Texas brisket meals. It serves as both utensil and palate cleanser between bites.
Pickled items are essential in Texas brisket spreads. Look for:
- Dill pickle spears
- Pickled jalapeños
- Pickled red onions
Southern Comfort Sides
Southern brisket sides bring more decadence to the table.
Mac and cheese is practically mandatory. It often features multiple cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Collard greens slow-cooked with ham hocks provide earthy flavors and necessary vegetables to balance the meat-heavy meal. The pot liquor (cooking liquid) is considered a delicacy on its own.
You’ll encounter creamed corn and corn pudding more frequently in Southern brisket meals than in Texas. These sweet, creamy dishes complement the savory, smoky brisket.
Brunswick stew, with its mix of vegetables and sometimes additional meats, appears alongside brisket throughout Georgia and the Carolinas. This hearty side has become a signature accompaniment in these regions.
