Brisket, the pinnacle of comfort foods, offers simplicity and succulent beef bursting with flavor. Whether you opt for smoky barbecue sauce, onions, and carrots, or slow-braising, the key to a good brisket lies in the ample cooking time that results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
While I can easily devour brisket on its own, serving it with a few delightful side dishes enhances the dining experience. Here, you’ll discover 14 savory accompaniments that will elevate your brisket into a feast. From creamy coleslaw and baked beans to corn pudding and scalloped potatoes, there’s something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
1. Coleslaw
Hosting a party can be overwhelming, but serving a delightful and easy-to-prepare side like coleslaw can simplify things. In just 5 minutes, you can whip up a sweet and tangy coleslaw that perfectly complements the richness of brisket. Whether you opt for the classic creamy mayo dressing or a refreshing apple cider vinaigrette, a colorful coleslaw is always a crowd-pleaser.
Pro-tip: Prepare your coleslaw at least 4 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together and serve it chilled for optimal taste.
2. Corn Pudding
Add a twist to your corn pudding recipe by infusing it with savory flavors like thyme and onions. This classic comfort dish completes your brisket meal, offering a delicious balance to the flavors. Remember to check for doneness by poking the center with a knife. The pudding should jiggle slightly, with the knife coming out clean.
3. Baked Beans
Baked beans, with their sweet and smoky flavor, perfectly accompany brisket. Instead of serving canned beans, why not create a homemade version? Infuse your beans with cider-molasses barbecue sauce, bacon, peppers, and onions for a savory feast your guests won’t forget.
4. Scalloped Potatoes
Potatoes are always a hit, and when paired with brisket, scalloped potatoes take the taste experience to the next level. Thinly sliced and layered with creamy, cheesy, buttery, and smoky goodness, these potatoes are a cut above the rest. For uniform slices, a mandolin or slicing gadget ensures perfection.
5. Mac & Cheese
Sweet, savory, and smoky brisket served with a bowl of starchy, rich, and cheesy macaroni and cheese is a match made in heaven. Elevate it further by topping with crispy bacon crumbs or a hearty breadcrumb topping. Mac & cheese is the fool-proof way to enhance any meal, especially brisket.
6. Brussels Sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts a chance! Properly cooked, they provide amazing flavor that pairs wonderfully with brisket. Achieve crispy, caramelized bites by roasting them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes with olive oil, kosher salt, and ground pepper. These little gems are a surprising delight.
7. Grilled Potato Skins
Maximize the grill by making delicious grilled potato skins alongside your brisket. Hollowed-out potato halves slathered with butter and grilled to perfection create a crispy and savory side dish. Top them with sour cream, onions, and bacon for an irresistible treat.
8. Corn on the Cob
Boiled, grilled, or microwaved, corn on the cob is always a crowd-favorite. Slathered in butter, it’s a simple yet satisfying addition. For an extra twist, transform it into elote, a classic Mexican street food. Slather with mayonnaise, sprinkle with chili powder, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of flavor.
9. Dinner Rolls
Pair your saucy brisket with soft and buttery dinner rolls. These rolls not only soak up the delicious sauce but also offer a hearty bite. This combination guarantees a satisfying and complete dining experience.
10. Steamed Asparagus
For a simple and light contrast to the rich flavors of brisket, try steamed asparagus. Flavor it with lemon and pepper or top it with browned butter. Whichever way you choose, the asparagus will provide a refreshing balance to the heavy meat.
11. Carrots
Carrots, often relegated to supporting roles, have a delightful sweet flavor worthy of the spotlight. Cook spring carrots flavored with broth, vinegar, and brown sugar to create an irresistibly delicious side dish that perfectly complements your brisket feast.
12. Brazilian Tomato Slaw
Add an interesting twist to your dinner by serving Brazilian tomato slaw alongside brisket. Combine tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, parsley, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a refreshing burst of flavors that pairs exceptionally well with chili powder, paprika, and cumin seasoned brisket.
13. Creamed Corn
Corn is a fantastic companion for brisket, and creamed corn takes it to another level with its balance of sweet and savory flavors. This irresistible and addictive side dish will disappear quickly, a testament to its deliciousness.
14. Beer Batter Hushpuppies
To round off the list, indulge in the golden crispiness of beer batter hushpuppies. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are infused with jalapeno peppers and onions for added flavor. Impress your guests with this North Carolina staple that is guaranteed to be a hit.
In conclusion, when serving beef brisket, these 14 side dishes transform it into a savory feast. Each side dish adds a unique flavor profile, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. So gather your friends and family and let the smoky, succulent goodness of brisket shine alongside these delectable accompaniments.
For more mouthwatering recipes and barbecue inspiration, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
