Brisket is a favorite main dish for many meat lovers. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it a star of any meal. But to truly shine, brisket needs the right supporting cast of side dishes.

You have many tasty options to pair with brisket.

From classic potato sides to crisp salads and roasted veggies, the choices can please any palate. The best sides complement the brisket’s savory taste without overpowering it.

With some planning, you can create a full, balanced meal around this beloved beef dish.

1. Coleslaw with Apple

Coleslaw with apple adds a sweet crunch to your brisket meal. Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and thinly sliced apples in a large bowl.

For the dressing, blend mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt.

Pour it over the veggie mix and toss well.

Chill the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together. The crisp apples and tangy dressing pair perfectly with rich, smoky brisket.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. You’ll love the creamy texture and rich flavor they bring to your meal.

To make them, boil peeled potatoes until tender.

Mash them with butter, milk, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For extra flavor, try roasting whole garlic cloves and mixing them in. This gives a milder, sweeter garlic taste.

Serve your garlic mashed potatoes hot alongside your brisket. The smooth potatoes will soak up the meat’s juices, creating a delicious combination on your plate.

3. Jalapeno Cornbread

Jalapeno cornbread adds a spicy kick to your brisket meal. It’s easy to make and tastes great. You can bake it in a cast-iron skillet or muffin tin.

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter.

Stir in diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

Pour the batter into your pan and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. The cornbread is done when it’s golden brown on top. Serve it warm with your brisket for a tasty combo.

4. Honey Butter Glazed Carrots

Honey butter glazed carrots make a tasty side dish for brisket. To make them, peel and slice carrots into sticks or rounds.

Cook the carrots in a pan with water until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Drain the water and add butter and honey to the pan.

Stir gently to coat the carrots in the sweet glaze.

The honey and butter create a rich flavor that pairs well with savory brisket.

You can also roast the carrots in the oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes. Drizzle with melted butter and honey before baking for a caramelized exterior.

5. Smoked Baked Beans

Smoked baked beans are a tasty side dish for your brisket. You can make them in a skillet on your smoker while the brisket cooks.

Start by cooking bacon in the skillet. Add onions, jalapeños, and garlic for flavor.

Mix in canned pork and beans with barbecue sauce, molasses, and mustard.

Smoke the beans at 225-250°F for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to keep them from drying out.

The result is smoky, sweet, and savory beans that pair perfectly with your brisket. The long cooking time lets the flavors meld together nicely.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a delicious side dish for brisket. To prepare them, preheat your oven to 425°F.

Cut the sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread the seasoned sprouts on a baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. They’re done when tender and golden brown.

For extra flavor, try adding garlic, Parmesan cheese, or cooked bacon bits before roasting.

The crispy, caramelized edges contrast nicely with the tender insides.

Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for best results.

7. Classic Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Classic elote is a tasty side dish that pairs well with brisket. You can grill corn on the cob until it’s lightly charred. This takes about 10-15 minutes, rotating often.

Once grilled, brush the corn with a mix of mayo and sour cream. Sprinkle on chili powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for extra flavor.

For a twist, you can cut the kernels off the cob and serve it in a cup. This version is called esquites. It’s easier to eat and just as delicious.

Elote brings a nice contrast to rich brisket. The sweet corn and tangy toppings add freshness to your meal.

8. Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad is a fresh and light side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket. This simple salad brings a cool crunch to balance the rich meat.

To make it, slice cucumbers and tomatoes, then add thinly sliced red onions. Toss everything in a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Some recipes include crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

This salad holds up well at outdoor gatherings. You can prepare it ahead of time and let it sit out for a while. The vinegar-based dressing helps keep the vegetables crisp.

For a twist, try adding diced avocado to the mix. The creamy texture complements the other ingredients nicely.

9. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a perfect side for brisket. Its creamy texture complements the smoky meat wonderfully. You can make it extra special by adding some chopped brisket right into the dish.

Start with a basic mac and cheese recipe using your favorite cheeses. Cheddar and mozzarella work great. Cook the pasta, make a cheese sauce, and combine them.

For a smoky twist, try smoking the cream before making the sauce. Add some spices like paprika or mustard powder for extra flavor. Top with more cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

10. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on regular fries that go well with brisket. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a naturally sweet flavor.

You can make them in the oven or air fryer for a healthier option. Coat them in olive oil and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and salt before cooking.

The sweetness of these fries balances out the rich, savory taste of brisket. They also add a pop of color to your plate, making the meal more appealing.

Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch, honey mustard, or even BBQ sauce work great with sweet potato fries and brisket.

11. Texas Toast

Texas Toast is a perfect side for brisket. It’s thick-cut bread, usually about twice as wide as regular slices. You toast it with butter for a crispy outside and soft inside.

The big slices are great for soaking up brisket juices. Some places offer garlic butter on top for extra flavor. You can also find it with cheese melted on top.

At barbecue joints, Texas Toast often comes with a tasty spread. Apricot jam is a popular choice that adds sweetness to balance the smoky meat.

12. Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Creamy horseradish sauce is a perfect match for brisket. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and grated horseradish in a bowl.

Add some Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar for extra flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce gives it depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk everything together until smooth. Let it chill in the fridge before serving. This sauce adds a zesty kick to your brisket that your guests will love.

13. Pickled Red Onions

Pickled red onions add a tangy, crisp bite to your brisket sandwich. They’re easy to make at home too.

Slice red onions thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin. Mix apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and salt in a pot. Heat until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Pour the warm liquid over the onions in a jar. Make sure they’re fully covered. Let them cool, then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

These bright pink onions bring color and zesty flavor to your brisket plate. They cut through the rich meat perfectly.

14. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Buttermilk ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy kick to your brisket meal. You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a bowl. Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill for flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning.

Whisk everything together until smooth. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. This helps the flavors blend.

Your homemade ranch will keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Drizzle it over your brisket or use it as a dip for veggies on the side.

15. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a quick and tasty side dish for your brisket. It takes just 15 minutes to make and needs only a few ingredients.

Start by preheating your grill to 400°F. Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Put the spears in a shallow tray and drizzle with olive oil.

Add salt and use your hands to coat the asparagus evenly. Place the spears directly on the grill grates. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once.

The asparagus is done when the ends are lightly browned but the stalks are still crisp. Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Nutritional Value of Brisket Sides

Brisket sides can vary greatly in their nutritional content. Some offer lean proteins and fiber, while others are higher in calories and fats. Knowing the nutritional makeup of side dishes helps you make smart choices for a balanced meal.

Understanding Caloric Content

Brisket sides range from low to high in calories. Vegetable-based sides like grilled asparagus or steamed broccoli are typically under 100 calories per serving. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals.

On the other hand, creamy potato salads or mac and cheese can have 300-500 calories per serving. These dishes often contain fats from dressings or cheese.

Corn on the cob is a popular side that falls in the middle, with about 150 calories per ear. It provides fiber and some vitamins.

Baked beans are another common choice, usually around 200 calories per half-cup serving. They offer protein and fiber but can be high in sugar.

Integrating Balanced Ingredients

To create nutritious brisket sides, focus on adding a mix of food groups. Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice provide complex carbs and fiber. These keep you full longer.

Leafy green salads offer vitamins A and C with few calories. Add nuts or seeds for healthy fats and extra protein.

Roasted vegetables are a great way to boost nutrition without many calories. Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini are tasty options. They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

For creamy sides, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo to cut fat and boost protein. This works well in coleslaw or potato salad recipes.

Cultural Influences on Brisket Sides

Brisket sides vary greatly across cultures and regions. Different traditions shape the flavors and ingredients used to complement this classic dish.

Regional Variations

In Texas, you’ll often find simple sides like white bread and pickles with brisket. These help cut through the rich meat.

Southern states pair brisket with cornbread or mac and cheese for a hearty meal.

In the Midwest, you might see German-inspired sides like sauerkraut or potato salad. These reflect the area’s immigrant history.

Coastal regions add seafood twists. You could find coleslaw with shrimp or crab cakes as brisket sides.

In the Southwest, spicy bean dishes or chili often join brisket on the plate. These add heat and protein to round out the meal.

Traditional Accompaniments

Jewish cuisine has long-standing brisket traditions. You’ll typically see potato kugel or tzimmes served alongside.

Kugel is a baked casserole made with potatoes, eggs, and onions. It’s crispy outside and soft inside.

Tzimmes is a sweet dish with carrots, dried fruits, and sometimes meat. It balances the savory brisket.

In Korean barbecue, you’ll find brisket served with banchan. These are small side dishes like kimchi, pickled veggies, and steamed eggs.

British Sunday roasts often feature brisket. You’ll see it with roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and steamed vegetables.