Brisket is a flavorful and tender cut of beef, perfect for slow cooking and BBQ. Whether you’re smoking it low and slow, braising it in the oven, or making brisket tacos like the recipe we love, the question always arises: What To Serve With A Brisket? Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your brisket from a simple main course to a complete and unforgettable meal.
This guide will explore a variety of side dishes that perfectly complement brisket, ensuring a balanced and delicious dining experience. We’ll cover everything from classic BBQ sides to fresh and vibrant options, helping you create the perfect brisket feast.
Classic BBQ Sides for Brisket
When serving brisket, especially if it’s smoked or BBQ brisket, classic BBQ sides are always a hit. These dishes are familiar, comforting, and designed to pair perfectly with rich, smoky flavors.
Coleslaw: Creamy and Crunchy
Coleslaw is a must-have at any BBQ, and it’s a fantastic side for brisket. The creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage provide a refreshing contrast to the tender, savory meat. A vinegar-based coleslaw can also cut through the richness of the brisket, offering a palate-cleansing bite. For a twist, consider adding fruits like apples or pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
Potato Salad: A BBQ Staple
Potato salad is another quintessential BBQ side dish. Whether you prefer a creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salad or a tangy, mustard-based version, it’s a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to brisket. Adding ingredients like bacon, eggs, or pickles can further enhance the flavor and texture of your potato salad.
Mac and Cheese: Cheesy Comfort
For ultimate comfort food, mac and cheese is an excellent choice. The creamy, cheesy pasta is a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with the smoky brisket. You can elevate your mac and cheese by using a blend of cheeses, adding breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, or incorporating roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Baked Beans: Sweet and Savory
Baked beans, especially those with a smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile, are a natural partner for brisket. The sweetness of the beans complements the savory brisket, and their hearty texture makes them a substantial side dish. Consider adding bacon or ham to your baked beans for extra depth of flavor.
Fresh and Vibrant Sides to Balance Brisket
While classic BBQ sides are delicious, incorporating fresh and vibrant side dishes can balance the richness of brisket and add brightness to your meal.
Corn on the Cob or Corn Salad: Sweet Summer Flavor
Corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, is a simple yet delightful side dish that brings a touch of summer sweetness to your brisket meal. Alternatively, a Mexican street corn salad (Esquites) with its creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors, can be an exciting and flavorful corn option. The original article even suggests a Mexican street corn salad as a fantastic pairing.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Light and Refreshing
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of brisket. Choose crisp greens and add vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. A vinaigrette with a touch of acidity will cut through the fat of the brisket and cleanse the palate.
Roasted Vegetables: Healthy and Flavorful
Roasted vegetables are a versatile and healthy side dish option. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes roast beautifully and offer a natural sweetness that complements brisket. Green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans, roasted with olive oil and herbs, provide a vibrant and nutritious side.
Cabbage Slaw: Crunchy and Tangy
As mentioned in the original brisket taco recipe, a quick cabbage slaw is an excellent side. Its crunchy texture and tangy dressing provide a wonderful contrast to the tender brisket. Experiment with different slaw variations, such as adding jalapeños for heat or cranberries for sweetness. The bright purple cabbage, as noted in the original article, can also add visual appeal to your meal.
Grain and Bean Sides for a Hearty Meal
To make your brisket meal even more substantial, consider adding grain or bean-based side dishes.
Rice: Versatile and Simple
Rice is a versatile and easy-to-prepare side dish. Cilantro lime rice, as suggested in the original article, is a flavorful option that pairs well with brisket, especially if you are serving brisket tacos. Plain white rice or brown rice are also good choices, providing a neutral base to complement the brisket and other flavorful sides.
Refried Beans: Creamy and Flavorful
Refried beans, whether pinto or black beans, are a classic Mexican side dish that works beautifully with brisket, particularly in a taco setting. The original article mentions both refried black beans and refried pinto beans as great options. Their creamy texture and savory flavor complement the brisket and add a satisfying element to the meal.
Consider Your Brisket Style
The best side dishes for brisket can also depend on how your brisket is prepared.
- Smoked Brisket: Classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, and baked beans are ideal.
- Braised Brisket: Heartier sides like mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and creamy polenta can be excellent pairings.
- Brisket Tacos: Mexican-inspired sides such as cilantro lime rice, refried beans, Mexican street corn salad, and cabbage slaw are perfect.
Creating Your Perfect Brisket Meal
Ultimately, the best side dishes for brisket are the ones you and your guests enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of sides to create a balanced and flavorful meal. Consider offering a variety of options, including both classic and fresh choices, to cater to different tastes and preferences. With a little planning, you can easily create a brisket feast that is both delicious and memorable.
