Over 35 of the best sides to serve with brisket for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. From classic comfort side dishes to hearty vegetable recipes, we’ve compiled a list of easy sides that will perfectly complement your juicy, smokey brisket dinner.
From classics like herb roasted potatoes and classic buttermilk cornbread to healthier options like broccoli slaw and roasted green beans there will be no shortage of perfect side dish ideas for your brisket dinner.
BBQ Brisket is tender, juicy and a go to at barbecue joints. If you need a recipe, my crockpot BBQ Brisket is packed full of real Texas BBQ flavor! With each perfectly smoked and tender BBQ brisket bite, people won’t believe you didn’t get it from a restaurant!
Classic Sides to Serve with BBQ Brisket
Classic side dishes complement brisket by providing a balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a list of classic sides that pair well with brisket:
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes – You only need 3 ingredients to transform your red potatoes to something crazy delicious!
- Grandma’s Mac n Cheese – You know it’s good if Grandma made it!
- Classic Buttermilk Cornbread – This is a family favorite!
- Broccoli Slaw
- Coleslaw – A crisp and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the savory and fatty flavors of brisket.
- Ingredients: 4 C shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple). 1 C shredded carrots, 1/2 C mayonnaise, 2 TBSP Dijon mustard, 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar, 2 TBSP honey or sugar (adjust to taste), Salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill.
- Baked Potato Wedges – The special seasoning blend used adds loads of flavor that bakes right in as the Potato Wedges cook.
- Cowboy Baked Bean – Baked beans are a classic barbecue side that goes perfectly with the smokiness of brisket.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – If you want perfect mashed potatoes, you found them!
What Vegetables to Serve with Brisket
Adding a veggie side dish to your brisket creates a more well-rounded and nutritious meal. Whether you choose roasted, grilled, or fresh vegetables, the key is to find a balance that complements the robust flavors of the brisket, while adding a touch of variety and nutritional goodness.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley – Seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, roasted to perfection, add a touch of freshness and color.
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli – My kids LOVE when I make broccoli this way..
- Roasted Green Beans
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Add some crispy bacon for a savory side.
- Jiffy Corn Casserole – If you want them to be a little “extra” try adding 1 can of green chiles.
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Green beans in a skillet – It doesn’t get any easier!
- Green Bean Casserole – Anytime I use this as a side, the meal feels a little more special and comforting.
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or Crockpot Corn on the Cob – Corn with butter and a sprinkle of salt adds a sweet and juicy element to your brisket meal.
Salads to Serve with BBQ Brisket
Pairing a BBQ Brisket with refreshing and flavorful salads can balance out the richness of the meat. Here are some salad ideas to serve alongside brisket:
- Classic green salad with this homemade ranch – You’ll want to use this ranch on everything!
- Caprese Salad – A great balance with a heartier main dish.
- Rotini Pasta Salad
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
- Jalapeno Slaw or Sriracha Slaw if you are looking to spice things up.
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad – Healthy, crunchy and loaded with lots of flavor.
- Kale Salad
- Chickpea Salad – Add some mediterranean flair to your BBQ Brisket meal.
- Broccoli Salad – This crunchy salad is so satisfying.
Soups to Serve with BBQ Brisket
Looking for more easy side dishes? Soups are hearty and very filling which means it’s a great way to stretch your brisket. If you have guests over, are feeding a crowd and want your brisket to go further or you are feeding your family and are hoping for leftover brisket, add a delicious soup as a side dish!
- Tomato Soup – Top with parmesan cheese and you have the perfect soup to go with your beef brisket.
- Baked Potato Soup – Made in the crockpot and so simple. Just remember to add the sour cream and cheddar!
- Roasted Garlic auliflower Soup – Comforting, but light enough to complement the rich flavors of the brisket,
Breads to Serve with Brisket
Bread is great to serve alongside brisket because it offers a great texture. Make a sandwich with sourdough bread or use the rolls as a side. Here are some ideas:
- Mexican Style Cornbread – A great side dish that is unexpected but a crowd favorite.
- No Yeast Dinner Rolls – I promise you don’t need to be intimidated by these.
- Pesto Cheese Bread – The pesto takes the bread up a flavor notch.
- Garlic Cheese Bread – You will probably want to make 2 because everyone will keep coming back for more!
- Sourdough or Ciabatta Bread
Heartier Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket
Heartier side dishes go well with briskets. Here are a few ideas that will bring out the rich flavors of your brisket:
- Doctored up canned black beans have never tasted so good!
- Cracker Barrel Style Hashbrown Casserole – This is so tasty with it’s creamy, cheesy inside and crispy top.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Fill it up with classic toppings or even the shredded brisket!
- Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness provides a nice contrast to the savor flavors of the brisket.
Is BBQ brisket the same thing as beef brisket?
When people say “brisket”, they are referring to “beef brisket.” Beef brisket is a large cut of meat from the breast or the lower chest of a cow.
What side dishes go well with brisket?
Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes and broccoli slaw are classic side dishes
What do Texans serve as a side with their brisket?
We enjoy a little ZING in our dishes. Mexican style cornbread and corn casserole with a can of green chiles added would make a Texan very happy 😉
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 32 ounces canned baked beans, (2 cans)
- 12 ounces Heinz chili sauce, 1 bottle
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Garnish (optional)
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon over medium high heat. Flip occasionally until the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet to a paper towel lined plate.
- Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat and liquid and return beef to the skillet
- Add the baked beans, chili sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Mix to combine. Crumble the crispy bacon and sprinkle it over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are bubbling. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.Note: If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the beans to a casserole dish to bake in the oven.
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