What to Serve with Brisket? 15 Best Side Dishes

There's just something about brisket. The way it melts in your mouth and the succulent flavor. It's no wonder this hearty, flavorful meat is a staple at BBQs and family gatherings. But what to serve with brisket? What are the best side dishes that go well with it?

No matter what your main dish is, there are always sides that just make the meal. The same can be said for brisket. While the brisket is the star of the show, the sides are there to complement it and make it even better.

First, you need to think about what kind of brisket you are making. Is it a traditional brisket with a barbecue sauce? If so, consider sides that will help to cut the sweetness of the sauce and give you a little bit of crunch.

If you are making a dry-rubbed brisket, sides that will add a little bit of sweetness to the meal are great choices. Finally, if you are making a smoked brisket, then make something that will offset the smokiness of the meat.

To give you ideas, here are 15 side dishes you can serve with brisket.

15 Sides for Brisket

1. Mashed potatoes

This is a classic side dish that goes great with any type of meat, but it is especially delicious with brisket. They soak up all the delicious juices and flavors and are just plain comforting. Just make sure to load up on the gravy! (Get the recipe for Mashed Potatoes)

2. Corn on the cob

Another classic side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to brisket. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the meat. (Corn on the Cob Recipe)

3. Green beans

This is a great way to get your veggies in while still enjoying the deliciousness of brisket. The beans add a nice crunch and a pop of color to the dish. For a more unique option of crunchy veggies, try my air-fried Brussels sprouts. (Recipe for Green Beans)

4. Mac and cheese

This is a comfort food classic for a reason, and it goes especially well with brisket. The cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with the hearty meat. (Mac and Cheese recipe)

5. Simple green salad

If you are looking for a lighter option, a salad is a great choice. The crispness and the bitterness of the greens pair well with the smokiness of the brisket. (Green Salad Recipe)

6. Roasted potatoes

This is a great way to change up your mashed potatoes and add a little bit of crunch to the dish. This is a great option if you want to keep things simple, as the potatoes can be roasted ahead of time and then reheated when the brisket is ready. (A recipe for roasted potatoes)

7. Cornbread

Cornbread is a Southern staple, and there's nothing like a warm slice of this golden-hued bread, straight out of the oven. It's perfect for mopping up gravy, sopping up soup, or just eating on its own with a little butter. Sweet cornbread is perfect with smoky brisket. (Cornbread recipe)

8. Cauliflower mashed potatoes

This is a great alternative for those who are looking for a lighter option or for those who are gluten-free. The cauliflower mash is a good option to get your potato fix while still keeping the dish light. (Recommended recipe for Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes)

9. Sweet potatoes

Another great option for those who are looking for a lighter side dish. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the brisket. (Smashed Sweet Potatoes recipe)

10. Fruit salad

A light and refreshing side, fruit salad is best to balance out the heaviness of brisket. The sweetness of the fruit also pairs well with the smoky flavor of the meat. (Get recipe for Fruit Salad)

11. Potato Salad

Vinegar-based potato salad is the best. It helps tenderize the brisket and adds some extra flavor enhancing your meal. (No-mayo Potato Salad Recipe)

12. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a cool, creamy, and crunchy salad that is the perfect contrast to the rich, smoky, and tender brisket. The vinegar in the coleslaw cuts through the fat of the meat and the sweetness of the coleslaw balances out the savory flavors of the meat. (Coleslaw recipe)

13. Polenta

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you could try serving the brisket with a side of polenta. Polenta is a great option because it has a lot of texture and it's also absorbs the flavors of the brisket. (Creamy Polenta recipe)

14. Bread

Whether it’s a baguette or some hearty sourdough, bread is always a great option for sopping up the delicious juices from brisket. (Here's a recipe for No-Knead Bread)

15. Fruit

A surprising but delicious side dish for brisket, fruit brings a touch of sweetness to the meal. We love adding fresh berries or slices of citrus fruit to our plates. Also, to cleanse the palate, watermelon is your go to fruit after eating any meat dishes. (Try this Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe)

I can name more side dishes that you can serve with brisket but these recipes are my go-to dishes that perfectly go well with not only beef brisket but also any other meat dishes.