Skip to Content

What to Serve with Brisket? 14 Best Side Dishes to Try

If you’ve ever attempted to prepare a brisket, you know that it can be both an intimidating and extremely rewarding experience.

The intense flavors of the meat require equally bold accompaniments in order to really bring out its intrepid character – but what exactly should you serve with brisket?

In this post, we’ll explore 14 side dishes that take any brisket from average to absolutely spectacular.

With tips on everything from pairings and preparation methods, you’ll have all your bases covered when planning the perfect meal for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day. Let’s get started!

What to Serve with Brisket? 14 Best Side Dishes to Try

1. Smashed Potatoes

There are few things more comforting than a big plate of mashed potatoes.

They’re warm, creamy, and usually pretty darn delicious.

But if you’re looking for a change from the traditional mashed potato recipe, why not try smashed potatoes?

Smashed potatoes are basically what they sound like: potatoes that have been boiled or roasted until soft then smashed with a fork or masher.

The result is a rustic, homey dish that’s perfect for any comfort food lover.

One of the best things about smashed potatoes is that they can be flavored however you like.

If you want to keep it simple, season them with salt and pepper.

Or, you could add in some shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even a dollop of sour cream.

Really, the possibilities are endless.

2. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious mac and cheese recipe, look no further than the Instant Pot.

This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

The best part about making mac and cheese in the Instant Pot is that it’s a one-pot meal, so clean-up is a breeze.

The key to making great mac and cheese in the Instant Pot is to use high-quality ingredients.

I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for its bold flavor and avoiding pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t melt as well.

For the pasta, I like to use elbow macaroni or shell pasta.

And of course, don’t forget the salt and pepper to taste.

Here are some tips for making the perfect Instant Pot mac and cheese:

  • Always cook your pasta al dente according to package directions.
  • Add milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.

3. Grilled Potato Skins

When it comes to side dishes, there are few that are as classic and popular as potato skins.

Grilled potato skins are a great way to enjoy this dish, and they can be easily customized to suit your taste.

One of the great things about grilled potato skins is that they can be flavored in a variety of ways.

You can go for classic cheese and bacon toppings or try something new like BBQ chicken or pulled pork.

The possibilities are endless.

If you’re looking for tips on how to make the perfect grilled potato skins, here are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure to choose potatoes that are small and uniform in size.

This will help them cook evenly on the grill.

Second, don’t forget to preheat your grill before adding the potatoes.

This will help them get nice and crispy on the outside.

And finally, don’t skimp on the toppings.

Be generous with your cheese, bacon, and other toppings of choice.

4. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

This recipe for air fryer sweet potatoes is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.

Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

They are also low in calories and fat.

This dish is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or main course.

The sweet potatoes are cooked in the air fryer until they are soft and tender.

They are then coated with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

This gives them a delicious flavor that is perfect for any meal.

If you are looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe, then this air fryer sweet potato dish is perfect for you.

It is sure to become a family favorite.

5. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for your next barbecue or picnic.

It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor.

The dill pickles add a nice tangy flavor, and the pasta salad is also lightly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

If you’re looking for a flavorful yet simple pasta salad recipe, this is the one for you.

It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

Here are a few tips for making the best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad:

  • Use good quality olive oil for the dressing. This will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Add some chopped fresh parsley to the salad for a pop of color and extra flavor.

6. Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

This quinoa and chickpea salad is a great recipe to try if you’re looking for something healthy and flavorful.

Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs.

It’s also rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, and they add a delicious nutty flavor to the dish.

The salad is tossed with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

This gives it a light and refreshing flavor that goes well with the heartiness of the quinoa and chickpeas.

You can also add in some other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onions, or cucumbers.

And if you want to make it a bit more filling, you can add in some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Here are some tips for making this dish:

  • Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
  • Rinse the chickpeas well before adding them to the salad.
  • Add the dressing ingredients to a jar and shake well before adding to the salad.
  • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta

If you’re looking for a new side dish to try with your next brisket, look no further than this spinach tomato salad with feta.

This salad is the perfect combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The key to this salad is using fresh, in-season ingredients.

The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, and the spinach should be crisp and vibrant.

If you can find good quality feta cheese, that will make all the difference in this dish.

And don’t forget the dressing.

A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar will bring all the flavors together perfectly.

To make this salad ahead of time, simply prepare all of the ingredients and store them in a container in the fridge.

When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together and enjoy.

8. Sauteed Asparagus & Mushrooms

Asparagus and mushrooms are a classic combination that makes for a delicious and healthy side dish.

This recipe is simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

You can use any type of mushroom you like or even mix different types together.

I like to use a mixture of oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and button mushrooms.

The asparagus and mushrooms are sauteed in olive oil and garlic until they are tender and lightly browned.

I like to add a little bit of fresh thyme right at the end for some extra flavor.

You could also add other herbs like rosemary or parsley.

This dish is best served hot, but it’s also good at room temperature or even cold.

Here are a few tips for making this dish:

  • Be sure to clean the asparagus well before cooking. I like to snap off the ends and then give them a good rinse under running water.
  • If you can’t find fresh thyme, you can substitute dried thyme or another herb of your choice.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve it.

9. Cider Roasted Parsnips

If you’re looking for a new side dish to try with your next brisket, why not cider roasted parsnips? This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor.

The parsnips are roasted in a cider-infused syrup, which gives them a sweet and tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich beef brisket.

To make this dish, start by peeling and slicing the parsnips into thin pieces.

Then, in a small saucepan, heat up some apple cider until it comes to a boil.

Add a bit of sugar to the cider and stir until it dissolves.

Once the syrup is made, put the parsnips in a roasting dish and pour the syrup over top.

Roast the parsnips in a preheated oven until they are tender and slightly browned.

This dish is best served warm, alongside your favorite brisket recipe.

If you have any leftover syrup, you can drizzle it over the parsnips before serving.

10. Cajun Corn on the Cob

This Cajun corn on the cob recipe is a great way to add some flavor to your next cookout.

This dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients, but it packs a punch when it comes to flavor.

The Cajun seasoning gives the corn a nice spice, while the butter and cheese add a creamy richness.

This dish is perfect for summertime cookouts, but it can be enjoyed any time of year.

If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your corn on the cob, this Cajun recipe is a great option.

The key to making this dish successful is to use fresh corn and not overcook corn.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that your corn turns out perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

11. Smoked Baked Beans

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty side dish to accompany your brisket, look no further than smoked baked beans.

This dish is packed with flavor, and the smoky taste pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of brisket.

Plus, it’s easy to make.

The key to making this dish is to use good-quality beans.

I prefer using black beans or kidney beans, but you can really use any type of beans that you like.

You’ll also need some bacon, onion, and garlic for flavor.

And of course, you’ll need barbecue sauce and smoke for that authentic smoked flavor.

To make this dish, simply cook the bacon in a pan until it is crisp.

Then add the onions and garlic and cook until softened.

Add the beans and barbecue sauce and mix everything together.

Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with smoke.

Bake in a preheated oven until heated through, about 30 minutes.

12. Homemade Onion Rings

Onion rings are one of those classic American side dishes that just hit the spot.

They’re perfect for game day, a backyard barbecue, or just about any other occasion.

And while you can certainly buy onion rings at the store or from a restaurant, there’s nothing quite like making them yourself.

One of the great things about homemade onion rings is that they can be tailored to your own taste.

If you like them extra crispy, you can make them that way.

If you prefer a softer onion ring, that’s easy to achieve as well.

And of course, you can choose your own dipping sauce.

Whether you go with ketchup, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or something else entirely is up to you.

If you’re looking for a delicious recipe for homemade onion rings, look no further.

This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.

Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for something crispy and savory.

13. Broccoli Cranberry Salad

This broccoli cranberry salad is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal.

It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and it’s also absolutely delicious.

The sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds pair perfectly with the savory broccoli and bacon.

Plus, this salad can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy your holiday dinner stress-free.

If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish to add to your holiday menu, look no further than this broccoli cranberry salad.

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

Cranberries are also high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and they have been shown to promote heart health.

Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

And the bacon-well, let’s just say that everything tastes better with bacon.

To make this salad, simply combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Be sure to use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.

If you’re short on time, you can use frozen broccoli florets that have been thawed.

This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for later.

Enjoy.

14. Creamy Coleslaw

Looking for a delicious side dish to go with your next cookout? Then you need to try this creamy coleslaw recipe.

This dish is packed with flavor and is the perfect addition to any meal.

This coleslaw recipe is creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness.

It’s a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only get better as it sits.

And it’s super easy to make, which is always a bonus.

To make this dish, simply combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until everything is evenly combined.

Then refrigerate for at least an hour so that the flavors can meld together.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

This coleslaw is best served within a day or two but will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

So make a big batch and enjoy.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the 14 best side dishes to try with brisket.

All of these dishes are great options to add to your next barbecue or cookout.

Try out a few of these dishes, and let us know which ones are your favorites.

And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more great cooking tips and recipes.

What to Serve with Brisket? 14 Best Side Dishes to Try

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Smashed Potatoes
  • 2. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
  • 3. Grilled Potato Skins
  • 4. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
  • 5. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
  • 6. Quinoa u0026 Chickpea Salad
  • 7. Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta
  • 8. Sauteed Asparagus u0026 Mushrooms
  • 9. Cider Roasted Parsnips
  • 10. Cajun Corn on the Cob
  • 11. Smoked Baked Beans
  • 12. Homemade Onion Rings
  • 13. Broccoli Cranberry Salad
  • 14. Creamy Coleslaw

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!