15 Best Brisket Sides for Your Next BBQ
Brisket sides bring balance and flavor to any cookout, elevating this hearty main with delicious accompaniments. These side dishes offer a mix of textures and tastes that pair perfectly with the richness of brisket.
From light, refreshing options to warm, savory bites, each side dish complements brisket’s smoky flavors. Many of these recipes are easy to prepare, making them convenient for outdoor gatherings or family dinners.
Together, these sides make any brisket meal feel complete and satisfying. Take a look at our 15 best brisket sides for your next cookout:
Blackbean Salad
Black bean salad offers a vibrant and nutritious complement to any cookout, featuring an array of fresh vegetables and greens that enhance the meal.
This dish stands out with its colorful blend of ingredients, delivering both flavor and health benefits.
As you indulge in this salad, you'll appreciate how it can be enjoyed independently or serve as a refreshing topping for your brisket.
It brings variety to your table while ensuring every bite is satisfying and full of life.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing side that perfectly complements the rich, smoky flavors of brisket. Its crisp texture and tangy taste provide a delightful contrast to the savory meat, enhancing your meal experience.
Preparing this dish takes minimal effort; just five minutes are needed to whip it up while your brisket cooks on the grill. The beauty of coleslaw lies in its versatility, you can easily adjust ingredients or add unique elements like apples or nuts for an interesting twist.
Allowing time for the cabbage and veggies to marinate is essential as it enhances flavor depth and ensures a chilled serving that balances beautifully with warm smoked beef brisket.
Jalapeno Hushpuppies
Jalapeno hushpuppies are a delicious addition to any cookout, offering a delightful kick that enhances traditional flavors. Infused with jalapenos, these golden-brown bites deliver just the right amount of heat alongside your brisket.
The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the fluffy interior, making them hard to resist at gatherings. Pairing these treats with remoulade sauce elevates their appeal and adds a creamy element that balances the spice perfectly.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe as an essential side dish for outdoor feasts.
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a cherished dish that pairs perfectly with barbecued meats, especially during cookouts.
This comforting side features tender corn infused with sweet or savory flavors, depending on your preference.
By incorporating herbs like thyme and sautéed onions, you can enhance its appeal for a more sophisticated palate.
Ensuring it’s cooked to perfection is crucial; simply check the center with a fork, if nothing adheres, it's time to enjoy this creamy delight alongside brisket or ribs.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn complements barbecue brisket beautifully with its rich sweetness and creamy texture. This dish offers a wonderful contrast to the smoky, savory notes of grilled meat, enhancing your cookout experience.
The combination of tender kernels and velvety cream creates a satisfying side that invites seconds, making it an essential addition to any gathering. As you prepare this comforting classic, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or spices for added depth in flavor.
You’ll find that creamed corn quickly becomes a crowd favorite at your outdoor feasts.
Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is a quintessential side dish, perfectly complementing brisket with its creamy texture and satisfying crunch.
The recipe features a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the gooey interior, creating an inviting experience for your taste buds.
Pairing this cheesy delight with the smoky essence of brisket enhances both dishes, making it a memorable addition to any cookout.
For those looking to elevate their mac and cheese even further, adding bacon or truffle oil introduces an extra layer of richness that's hard to resist.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a timeless accompaniment that perfectly complements brisket, adding both sweetness and a hint of smokiness.
Crafting them from scratch elevates the dish beyond the ordinary, creating an unforgettable flavor experience for your guests.
Incorporating thick BBQ sauce infused with cider molasses enhances their rich taste while personalizing them with ingredients like cheese, onions, or crispy bacon adds layers of texture and depth.
As you prepare these baked beans alongside your brisket at the cookout, they transform into more than just a side; they become a memorable highlight on every plate.
Steamed Asparagus
Steamed asparagus is a perfect complement to the rich flavors of brisket, offering a light and nutritious contrast. The gentle steaming process preserves its vibrant color and crisp texture while enhancing its natural taste.
A drizzle of lemon juice paired with salt and pepper elevates this simple side dish into something truly delightful. This green vegetable not only brings freshness but also adds essential nutrients to your meal, making it an ideal choice for any cookout alongside hearty meats like brisket.
Its subtle flavor allows you to enjoy each bite without overshadowing the star of the grill.
Grilled Potato Skins
Grilled potato skins are a fantastic addition to any cookout, bringing both texture and flavor that perfectly complement beef brisket.
These crispy delights become even more enticing with your choice of toppings, allowing for endless personalization.
Preparing them is effortless when the grill is already fired up; simply halve the potatoes and scoop out their insides before loading them with your favorite ingredients.
Whether it’s savory bacon, fresh chives, creamy sour cream or rich butter you decide on, each variation offers its unique twist on this classic side dish.
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are a classic accompaniment that enhance any brisket meal, providing the perfect vessel for savoring rich juices.
Their fluffy texture and golden crust make them an inviting choice at cookouts, effortlessly complementing hearty dishes.
You can easily share these warm treats with friends while ensuring no delicious sauce goes to waste.
Think about saving those flavorful burnt ends; placing them inside a roll creates a simple yet satisfying snack throughout the week.
Carrots
Carrots are an unexpected highlight that can elevate any cookout spread. Transforming these root vegetables into a standout dish is simpler than you think; just roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to unlock their natural sweetness.
Adding a variety of colored carrots not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings different flavor notes to your table. This approach turns what might typically be a mere side into an exciting culinary experience that draws attention away from other dishes while complementing brisket beautifully.
Roasted carrots provide both taste and charm for your gathering without requiring elaborate preparation or ingredients.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a surprisingly mouthwatering side that complements brisket beautifully.
Their unique flavor profile becomes even more pronounced when roasted, enhancing their natural sweetness and earthy notes.
Achieving the perfect roast involves cooking them at an optimal temperature until some leaves start to peel away and exhibit slight charring on the edges.
This simple preparation requires just salt and pepper for seasoning, making it a hassle-free addition to any cookout spread.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes elevate your meal with their creamy texture and cheesy goodness, perfectly complementing a hearty plate of brisket. This dish transforms the classic baked potato into an indulgent side that’s rich in flavor and comfort.
Incorporating ingredients like cheese, cream, butter, or fresh chives adds a delightful touch to each layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Achieving the ideal thickness is essential; using a mandolin or hand-held chopper ensures even slices for optimal cooking.
These scalloped treasures promise to be a standout addition at your next cookout while seamlessly pairing with tender brisket.
Brazilian Tomato Slaw
Brazilian tomato slaw is a refreshing accompaniment that complements the rich flavors of brisket beautifully.
This vibrant dish bursts with freshness, featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers all tossed together in a mix of herbs like cilantro and parsley.
Preparing this side is simple; just chop your ingredients and allow them to marinate for several hours so the flavors can meld harmoniously.
The result is a zesty salad that adds an invigorating contrast to hearty meats, making it an excellent choice for your next cookout.
Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic accompaniment that perfectly complements smoked brisket, making it an essential side at any cookout.
This versatile dish can be prepared effortlessly on the grill while you focus on your main course.
A generous spread of butter and a sprinkle of seasoning elevate its taste, enhancing the smoky flavors from the brisket.
For those looking to impress with something extra special, cutting kernels off the cob to create elote adds a delightful twist; mixing in tomatoes, cilantro, chili powder, and cheese will surely leave guests raving for more at their next gathering.