Brisket is a classic meat dish that is often the centerpiece of any BBQ or a home-cooked meal. This slow-cooked, tender cut of beef is not only delicious on its own but also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. From traditional sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes, to more unique options like roasted carrots, garlic bread, and cornbread, the options for side dishes for brisket are endless. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best side dishes to accompany a juicy and flavorful brisket, so you can create the perfect meal for any occasion.
What is Brisket?
Brisket is a cut of meat taken from the breast or lower chest of beef or veal. It is a tough and flavorful cut that is often slow-cooked for several hours to tenderize the meat and bring out its rich, savory flavor. Brisket is commonly used in barbecue and slow-cooking dishes and is popular in cuisines such as Texan BBQ and Jewish deli fare. It can be prepared in various ways, including smoking, braising, and oven roasting, and is often served as a main dish or as a key ingredient in stews, sandwiches, and other dishes.
10 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Brisket
1. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish that complements the richness of the brisket perfectly.
A little sweet, a little tangy, and plenty of crunchy bits, these baked beans will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).
2. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a delicious side dish that can be made with just about any vegetable you like. It’s crunchy, tangy, and creamy, with a dressing that’s made from mayonnaise and other ingredients. The most common types of coleslaw are cabbage-based, but you can also use other vegetables like carrots or red onions for added crunch and flavor.
3. Roasting Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meal.
Carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables are greatly roasted alongside brisket in the oven. Roasted vegetables are a great way to use up some of the fewer tender parts of your brisket, like the fat cap and any tough pieces of meat that might not have been cooked quite enough during the braising process.
The best part about roasting vegetables is that it’s incredibly easy and requires very little prep on your end. Just cut up whatever root vegetables you want and toss them in with your already-cooked brisket. Bake them at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until they’re soft enough to eat.
4. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a popular side dish that pairs well with brisket. The buttery, garlicky flavor and toasted texture of garlic bread complement the richness and savoriness of the brisket, making it a great option for any meal. Whether served as a stand-alone side or as a means of soaking up the flavorful sauce from the brisket, garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser and a staple at many BBQs and home-cooked meals.
5. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish that provides a perfect contrast to the rich and savory flavor of brisket. They also have the ability to soak up the flavorful sauce from the brisket, making each bite even more delicious. Whether seasoned with garlic, herbs, or cheese, mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes, and are a staple at many home-cooked meals and BBQs.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple of Southern cuisine, and its sweet and slightly crumbly texture provides a great contrast to the richness and savoriness of brisket. Cornbread is also great for sopping up the flavorful sauce from the brisket, making each bite even more delicious. Whether made with a mix or from scratch, cornbread is a quick and easy side dish that can be customized with different ingredients, such as jalapenos, cheese, or honey, to suit individual tastes.
7. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is sweet and juicy, and its crunchy texture provides a great contrast to the richness and savoriness of brisket. Grilled corn is also a great way to add a pop of color to the plate, making the meal look as good as it tastes. Whether served on the cob or sliced off the cob and mixed into a salad, grilled corn is a healthy and flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
8. Biscuits
Biscuits are light, flaky, and have a slightly crunchy texture that provides a great contrast to the richness and savoriness of brisket. Biscuits are also great for sopping up the flavorful sauce from the brisket, making each bite even more delicious. Whether served plain or topped with butter, honey, or gravy, biscuits are a classic side dish that can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made, making them a quick and easy option for any meal.
9. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese are creamy, and comforting, and have a rich and savory flavor that complements the richness and savoriness of brisket. Whether made with cheddar, gouda, or any other cheese, mac, and cheese is a staple of American cuisine that can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether made from scratch or purchased pre-made, mac, and cheese is a quick and easy side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.
10. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a healthy and flavorful option that provides a great contrast to the richness and savoriness of brisket. Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and nuttiness, making it a great option for adding some extra vegetables to the meal. Whether seasoned with lemon, garlic, or parmesan cheese, roasted asparagus is a simple and delicious side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many delicious side dishes that pair well with brisket. From classic options like garlic bread and mashed potatoes to healthier options like roasted asparagus and grilled corn, there is a side dish to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a comforting, creamy option, or a light and crunchy option, there is a side dish for brisket that will satisfy your taste buds. These side dishes are quick and easy to make, making them a great option for busy weeknights, special occasions, or just a family dinner at home. So, next time you’re serving up delicious brisket, consider adding one of these popular side dishes to your meal.