Brisket is a flavorful cut of meat that shines as the star of any meal. When served alone, however, it’s missing the supporting cast that makes for a truly memorable dining experience.
The right side dishes can complement brisket’s rich flavor and make your meal complete. From classic potato dishes and coleslaw to roasted vegetables and hearty beans, you have many options to round out your brisket dinner.
These sides can add contrasting textures, fresh flavors, and traditional touches that will satisfy everyone at your table.
1. Classic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese pairs perfectly with smoked brisket, creating a delicious contrast to the rich, smoky meat. The creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta offer a comforting side that complements the bold flavors of brisket.
Elevate your mac and cheese by using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or smoked gouda. This adds depth and complexity to the dish.
For extra flavor, add a crispy breadcrumb topping or stir in some caramelized onions. Mix in small pieces of leftover brisket for a hearty variation that uses up any extras.
2. Smoked Gouda Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes provide the perfect base for savory smoked Gouda cheese and tender brisket. Start with large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and baked until the insides are fluffy.
Slice open your baked potatoes and fluff the insides with a fork. Add a generous amount of shredded smoked Gouda, letting it melt into the hot potato.
Top your potato with warm brisket slices or chopped brisket. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions for brightness.
For extra flavor, drizzle with some of the brisket juice or barbecue sauce.
3. Southern Style Collard Greens
Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. Slow-simmer fresh collard greens, onion, garlic, and smoked meat like ham hocks in broth until the greens soften.
The slight bitterness of collard greens balances the rich, fatty flavors of brisket. In the South, people often serve this dish with a splash of vinegar or hot sauce on top for extra zing.
4. Texas-Style Cornbread
Texas-style cornbread is a must-have side dish for brisket. It has a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of jalapeño heat that balances the smoky meat.
The best Texas cornbread is made in a cast-iron skillet that creates a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside moist. Many Texans add jalapeños, cheese, and sometimes creamed corn for extra moisture and flavor.
Serve it warm with a pat of butter on top. The sweetness and heat from the cornbread complement the savory brisket.
5. Tangy Vinegar Slaw
Vinegar slaw offers a refreshing contrast to rich, smoky brisket. This simple side dish combines shredded cabbage and onions with a sweet and tangy vinegar-based dressing.
Unlike creamy coleslaws, vinegar slaw stays crisp longer and cuts through the fatty flavors of brisket. Prepare it quickly with just four basic ingredients for a classic Southern approach.
For extra flavor, add toasted pecans and golden raisins to your slaw. The cider vinegar provides that perfect tangy bite while a touch of sugar balances the acidity.
Make your slaw a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld together while maintaining its crunchy texture.
6. Baked Beans with Brown Sugar
Baked beans with brown sugar bring sweet and smoky flavors to your plate. The brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, creating a rich sauce that coats each bean.
Start with canned beans and upgrade them with bacon, onions, and green peppers. BBQ sauce and spices like smoked paprika and chipotle add depth to the dish.
Use a slow cooker for an easy version and let the flavors meld together. The beans develop a syrupy texture that complements the savory brisket.
You can prepare this dish ahead of time, making it ideal for barbecues and potlucks.
7. Cheesy Grits
Cheesy grits make a perfect Southern-inspired side dish for your brisket. This creamy, comforting classic pairs wonderfully with the smoky, rich flavors of beef.
The buttery texture and mild corn flavor of grits create an excellent foundation for sharp cheddar cheese. Customize your cheesy grits by adding pimento for a classic Southern twist.
Some folks serve leftover brisket on top of cheesy grits the next day for a hearty breakfast. For the best results, use stone-ground grits and high-quality cheese for maximum flavor and texture.
8. Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
Air fryer carrots bring exotic flavors to your brisket meal in just minutes. Toss baby carrots with oil and Moroccan spices like cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and paprika, then air fry until tender with crispy edges.
The cooking process takes only 7-9 minutes, making this a quick side dish option. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
Use regular carrots cut into sticks if you don’t have baby carrots on hand. This healthy roasted vegetable side brings color and bold flavor to your plate.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts and bacon make an amazing side dish for brisket. The tender roasted sprouts develop a slight sweetness that balances the smoky, savory bacon.
Skillet-braise your Brussels sprouts with bacon and garlic for the best results. This cooking method brings out their natural flavors and adds a delicious crispy texture.
Elevate this dish with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a sweet-savory combination. Some recipes also include a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess.
10. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes make an ideal companion for your brisket. The smooth texture and rich flavor complement the smokiness of the meat.
Enhance your potatoes with roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Use russet potatoes, butter, milk or cream, and garlic.
For extra creaminess, add cream cheese as some recipes suggest. These potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and store and reheat well without losing their delicious texture.
11. Corn Fritters with Jalapeño
Corn fritters with jalapeño bring the perfect spicy crunch to your brisket meal. These golden-brown treats combine sweet corn kernels with spicy jalapeños for a balanced flavor experience.
Mix corn, flour, egg, and diced jalapeños with seasonings, then fry until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Some recipes add cheese for extra richness.
Prepare these fritters ahead of time and reheat them in an oven or air fryer when your brisket is ready. Serve them with a garlic aioli or sour cream for dipping.
12. Braised Greens with Smoked Ham Hock
Braised greens with smoked ham hock bring a Southern touch to your brisket meal. These tender greens soak up smoky flavors from the ham hock while cooking down to a silky texture.
Use collard greens as the traditional choice, but kale or cavolo nero work well too. Start by sautéing onions, then add your greens in batches with chicken stock until they wilt down.
The ham hock adds rich flavor as everything simmers together. Some recipes include white beans for extra texture or a touch of sugar to balance the bitter greens.
13. Mom’s Potato Latkes
Potato latkes make a perfect side dish for brisket, offering a crispy contrast to the tender meat. These traditional Jewish potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
A secret ingredient in Mom’s Potato Latkes is saltine crackers, which replace flour in the recipe. This unexpected addition helps create the perfect texture.
Serve your latkes hot with traditional toppings like sour cream or applesauce. For a modern twist, top them with your brisket for an amazing flavor combination.
14. Roasted Iowa Root Vegetables
Roasted Iowa Root Vegetables bring earthy flavors that complement brisket perfectly. This hearty side dish features local produce like onions, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes kohlrabi or sweet potatoes.
Toss your chosen root vegetables with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. The honey helps the vegetables caramelize as they roast, creating a delicious sweet-savory flavor.
Customize this dish based on what’s in season. The vegetables roast until they’re tender inside with crispy, golden edges that provide a wonderful texture contrast to your juicy brisket.
15. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a delightful and comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with brisket. The sweet, creamy texture creates a perfect contrast to the savory, smoky meat.
Blend mashed sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A sprinkle of brown sugar and candied pecans on top adds a delicious crunch.
Prepare this dish ahead of time if needed. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the rich flavors of brisket.
16. Vinagrete (Brazilian Tomato Slaw)
Vinagrete is a vibrant Brazilian tomato slaw that pairs perfectly with brisket. This colorful side dish combines fresh tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and onions for a refreshing contrast to rich, smoky meat.
Toss the vegetables with lime juice, olive oil, and vinegar to create a tangy dressing. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add bright flavor notes.
Prepare this dish quickly, making it ideal for busy dinner preparations. The crisp texture and acidic profile cut through the fattiness of brisket, cleansing your palate between bites.
17. Fried Okra with Ranch Dip
Fried okra is a classic Southern side that pairs beautifully with smoky brisket. The crispy coating and tender interior create a delightful textural contrast to your meat.
For the best results, choose fresh, young okra pods and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Coat them in cornmeal batter seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for extra kick.
Serve your fried okra piping hot alongside a cool, creamy ranch dip. The tangy ranch balances the richness of both the okra and brisket.
You can prepare the ranch dip ahead of time to let the flavors develop while you focus on the brisket.
18. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter
Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter brings a zesty kick to your brisket meal. This side dish combines smoky grilled corn with a flavorful butter that’s easy to prepare.
To make the lime butter, mix soft butter with lime zest, lime juice, and optional additions like chili powder or cayenne for heat. Some recipes also include chopped cilantro for a fresh herb flavor.
Grill your corn until slightly charred, then brush generously with the lime butter mixture. The tangy, creamy butter melts into the sweet corn kernels, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
19. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Jalapeño cheddar cornbread brings a spicy kick to your brisket meal. The combination of sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños creates a flavorful contrast to the smoky meat.
This cornbread is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with BBQ, especially brisket. Many barbecue fans consider it a must-have side dish for any proper Texas-style feast.
You can easily customize it to match your heat preference by adding more or fewer jalapeños. For extra richness, some recipes suggest adding honey for a sweet note that balances the spice.
Serve it warm to complement the tender brisket and other sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw.
20. Sauteed Radishes with Herbs
Sauteed radishes offer a surprising twist as a brisket side dish. When cooked, radishes lose their sharp bite and develop a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
To prepare this simple side, slice radishes in half and cook them cut-side down in melted butter over low heat. Season with salt and black pepper for basic flavor.
For an herb-enhanced version, add fresh chives, thyme, or dill in the final minute of cooking. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth to the dish.
21. Classic Potato Salad
Classic potato salad is a perfect match for brisket. You’ll want to use tender gold potatoes as your base.
Mix equal parts mayo and mustard for the dressing. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, briny pickles, and crunchy celery for texture.
Red onions add a nice zing. For a kick, include sliced jalapeños quick-pickled in red wine vinegar and sugar.
Choosing Sides That Complement Brisket
Selecting the right side dishes can make your brisket meal truly memorable. The ideal sides enhance the smoky, rich flavors of brisket while providing contrast through complementary textures and flavors.
Balancing Flavors and Textures
When pairing sides with brisket, think about creating balance on the plate. Brisket is rich and savory, so sides that offer acidity or freshness work particularly well.
Consider vinegar-based slaws like Brazilian Tomato Slaw to cut through the fatty richness. Creamy sides provide excellent contrast to the firm texture of sliced brisket.
Classics like mashed potatoes or corn pudding create this textural balance. For something different, try blue cheese and caramelized onion polenta.
Crunchy elements add another dimension to your meal. Potato latkes offer a crispy exterior with soft centers.
Sautéed radishes retain some crispness while taking on a mild flavor when cooked. Avoid overly heavy sides if your brisket is particularly rich.
Instead, include at least one lighter option like roasted green beans or a fresh broccoli slaw.
Pairing With Regional BBQ Styles
Different regional brisket styles call for specific side pairings. Texas-style brisket, simply seasoned with salt and pepper, pairs wonderfully with classic sides like buttermilk cornbread, pinto beans, and simple potato salad.
For Kansas City-style brisket with its sweet and tangy sauce, balance the flavors with sides that can stand up to the bold sauce. Try collard greens, mac and cheese, or coleslaw with a vinegar kick.
Central Texas brisket is often served with just white bread, pickles, and onions. This minimalist approach lets the meat shine.
If you want more substantial sides, Spanish rice or roasted Iowa root vegetables make excellent additions. East Coast brisket preparations often have Jewish culinary influences.
Pair these with traditional sides like potato kugel, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad with light vinaigrette.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve your brisket sides matters almost as much as how they taste. The right portion sizes and thoughtful presentation can elevate your entire brisket meal from good to memorable.
Ideal Portion Sizes
For a balanced brisket meal, aim for about 4-6 ounces of sides per person for each side dish you serve. If offering multiple sides (3-4 options), reduce to 3-4 ounces per side dish per person.
Cold sides like coleslaw or potato salad: serve ½ cup per person. Hot vegetables or roasted potatoes: allow ⅔ cup per guest.
Beans or hearty sides: ½ cup works well for most appetites. For larger gatherings, prepare 25% extra to accommodate second helpings.
Remember that rich, fatty brisket pairs best with reasonable side portions—you don’t want to overwhelm your guests. Plan ahead by calculating total amounts needed based on your guest count to avoid running short.
Plating for Visual Appeal
Create contrast on the plate by varying colors and textures. Place bright slaws or vegetable sides like roasted carrots next to your brisket for visual pop.
Use white or neutral plates to make your colorful sides stand out. Consider family-style serving in attractive bowls for casual gatherings.
Arrange hot sides like roasted potatoes in one area and cold sides like coleslaw in another. This setup creates temperature zones that enhance the dining experience.
Add height to your presentation by stacking or leaning components. Prop brisket slices against a small mound of potato salad or vegetables.
Finish with fresh herbs as garnish. Parsley, cilantro, or chives add color and freshness to hearty brisket sides.
