What to Serve with Brisket – 15 Delicious Sides
We all know that the star of any BBQ spread is a perfectly cooked, tender brisket. But you also need the best sides for brisket to make the meal complete. After all, what’s a brisket without its delicious sides? Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving some comfort food, we’ve got the best sides for the job.
Brisket is a cut of beef that’s tough and flavorful and it’s typically cooked low and slow to make it tender and juicy. Brisket can be prepared in a variety of ways, like smoking, braising, or roasting, and is usually used in dishes like barbecue, stews, and pot roast. No matter how you make brisket, you can find the perfect side dish for your main dish in this list of best side dishes for brisket.
1. German Potato Salad
Unlike traditional potato salad, this German version is made with a tangy vinaigrette dressing instead of mayonnaise. It’s a light and refreshing option to balance out the heavy flavors of brisket. It’s an easy recipe and great if you want to bring something different to the BBQ.
For a more traditional Southern variation you can also try deviled egg potato salad as well.
2. Butternut Squash Casserole
This creamy and flavorful casserole is a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with tender chunks of butternut squash, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping. The flavors pair so well with barbecue sauce so it’s a great choice for a BBQ.
3. Zesty Baked Beans
These beans are a little bit of a twist on the classic side dish. They’re packed with flavor thanks to a tangy BBQ sauce, diced onions, and a hint of spice. The perfect balance of sweet and smoky, they add a satisfying bite to any brisket dish.
4. Roasted Carrots with Maple Glaze
The simple ingredients in this easy recipe pack a big flavor punch. These tender and sweet roasted carrots are glazed with honey and a dash of cumin for a pop of warm, earthy flavor. They’re a colorful addition to any plate and a delicious way to get your veggies in.
5. Southern-style Collard Greens
These traditionally southern greens are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar to create a flavorful and hearty side dish. Their slightly bitter taste cuts through the richness of the brisket for a well-balanced meal.
6. Brazilian Tomato Slaw
This zesty and colorful slaw is a refreshing addition to any plate. It’s made with crunchy cabbage, ripe cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing that makes a great addition to your smoky brisket meal.
7. Mac and Cheese
Indulge in some creamy, cheesy goodness with a side of mac and cheese. This classic comfort food is always a crowd-pleaser and goes great with the bold flavors of brisket. The cheddar cheese flavor works well with smoked beef brisket or BBQ sauce covered brisket.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Simple but satisfying, oven-baked sweet potatoes are a great side dish to balance out the rich flavors of brisket. You can finish them in so many different ways, top them with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon brown sugar for a delicious treat, or make them savory with butter and salt.
9. Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
Get some greens in with this tasty and refreshing salad. Crunchy broccoli and cauliflower are coated in a creamy dressing and topped with crispy bacon bits for a tasty twist on a traditional salad. This easy side dish is great for a large meal because it’s so easy to throw together in bulk.
10. Potato Skins
These crispy potato skins are filled with gooey melted cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream. They’re the ultimate comfort food and a delicious side to go alongside a hearty brisket dish. This is a great way to add bulk to the meal in a unique way.
11. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a great option for serving alongside brisket and they are so easy to make. Hard-boiled eggs are cut in half and the yolks are combined with mayonnaise and mustard then piped back into the egg white halves. Top with a sprinkle of paprika and you’re done! For extra flavor try bacon jalapeño deviled eggs.
12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy option to pair with brisket. The brown sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tangy flavor. These will easily steal the spotlight as the star of the show, even beside brisket. They’re a really easy side dish for backyard BBQs or a regular sit down meal.
13. Cajun Style Dirty Rice
Add some Cajun flair to your meal with this flavorful dirty rice. It’s bursting with spices, sausage, and vegetables, making it a satisfying and hearty side dish.
14. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Take your cornbread to the next level and wake up your taste buds with this bacon jalapeno cheddar version. It’s slightly spicy and wonderfully cheesy, making it a delicious accompaniment to brisket.
15. Corn Pudding
This sweet and creamy corn pudding (also called corn casserole) is a Southern favorite that adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. It’s a perfect blend of corn, cream, and spices, making it a popular side dish with brisket.
