What Goes With Brisket? 10 Delicious Options for 2025

Brisket is a slow-cooked masterpiece – rich, tender, and packed with deep, smoky flavor. Whether it’s smoked for hours, braised until fork-tender, or slow-roasted in the oven, it deserves sides that elevate its bold, satisfying nature.

From tangy slaws to crispy, home-cut fries, the right pairings enhance brisket’s savory goodness and create an unforgettable meal. Whether you're serving it at a backyard barbecue or a holiday feast, these side dishes will take your brisket to the next level.

All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

1. Brisket Sandwich With Garlic Aioli, Fries, & Crispy Onions

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your air fryer.

2. Arrange the frozen fries on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

4. While the fries bake, mince the garlic and mix it with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the garlic aioli.

5. Warm the brisket in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Toast the brioche buns lightly in the skillet or oven for 1-2 minutes.

7. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a generous layer of garlic aioli on the buns.

8. Layer each bun with brisket, lettuce, pickle slices, and a sprinkle of parsley.

9. Serve the brisket sandwiches with the crispy fries.

Overview 🔍

Brisket sandwiches with garlic aioli and fries are hugely satisfying. The tender, juicy brisket pairs perfectly with the tangy garlic aioli, creating a rich flavor profile. The crisp, fresh romaine lettuce and pickles bring in a crunchy texture and a burst of acidity, balancing the richness of the meat and aioli.

2. Sweet & Smoky Baked Beans

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

3. Chop the onion and garlic, then sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.

4. Add the navy beans, cooked onions, and garlic to a Pyrex baking dish.

5. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir well to combine.

6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

8. Serve the baked beans hot.

Overview 🔍

Baked beans bring a rich, complex flavor to any meal. The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar creates a sweet and tangy base that complements the smoky paprika and spicy cayenne. The navy beans absorb all these flavors, providing a hearty texture and making the dish both filling and flavorful.

I love this combination because the fries provide a perfect balance to the brisket. Not only do they offer a crispy, salty contrast to the tender, juicy meat, but they’re also a great source of carbohydrates to keep you energized. Baked or air-fried fries are also a lighter, healthier alternative to deep frying.

3. Ketchup & Brown Sugar Brisket With Mashed Potatoes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the sliced beef brisket on a baking sheet and pour the BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.

3. Roast the brisket in the oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

4. While the brisket roasts, heat the mashed potatoes in a microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

5. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Wilt the baby spinach in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

7. Once the brisket is ready, layer the mashed potatoes on serving plates and top with the BBQ brisket.

8. Sprinkle crispy jalapeños on top of the brisket for a bit of crunch.

9. Drizzle a bit of ketchup and sprinkle brown sugar over the top before serving.

Overview 🔍

Brisket with mashed potatoes is a classic, comforting, and hearty meal. The rich, savory brisket paired with the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce provides a delicious balance of flavors. The mashed potatoes, enhanced with sour cream and cheddar, offer a creamy, smooth texture that complements the brisket perfectly.

I think this recipe is a great choice because it combines indulgent flavors with some healthy components. The baby spinach adds a nutritious boost, providing vitamins and minerals, while the mashed potatoes offer a hearty, filling base. The crispy jalapeños give a satisfying crunch, making each bite of brisket and potatoes even more enjoyable.

4. Creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk and cream, cooking until thickened.

3. Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

4. Add cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until smooth. Fold in macaroni and lobster.

5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

6. Combine panko, Parmesan, and olive oil, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.

7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve hot.

Overview 🔍

Mac and cheese with lobster is an indulgent side dish to enjoy with brisket that combines the best of both land and sea. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the rich lobster flavor, while the combination of Gruyère and cheddar adds depth to the dish. This could definitely be considered one of the easiest recipes to make.

I think this recipe is a great choice because it brings the decadence of lobster into a familiar, comforting dish. The richness of the cheese sauce and the slight heat from the cayenne pepper really bring out the lobster's natural sweetness.

5. Brisket “Ropa Vieja” With Corn Salsa

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the meal in the microwave for 3 minutes or in the oven for 15 minutes until hot.

2. Stir and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

Brisket “Ropa Vieja” with Corn Salsa is a flavorful, no-fuss meal. The tender brisket, seasoned with Cuban spices, pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory corn salsa. The poblano-hominy sauté and cilantro crema add a fresh, zesty finish, making each bite satisfying and balanced.

I love this meal because it’s fully prepared and requires just a few minutes of heating. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort!

6. Oven-Roasted Peaches & Cream Corn on the Cob

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat up the barbecue.

2. Place the peaches and cream corn on a baking sheet.

3. Rub corn with unsalted butter and season with salt and pepper.

4. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, or cook on the barbecue until tender.

5. Serve and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

Peaches and cream corn on the cob is a sweet, savory side dish, perfect with brisket. The natural sweetness of the peaches and cream corn is enhanced by the roasting process, creating a tender, flavorful bite. The butter and seasoning bring out the richness of the corn, making it a comforting addition to any meal.

I enjoy this dish because it’s simple and quick to prepare, yet packs a lot of flavor and nutrition. The roasted corn offers a delicious sweetness, and the butter adds a creamy texture, making it the perfect side for any barbecue or cozy dinner.

7. Creamy Cucumber & Grape Tomato Salad With Chive

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Slice the cucumber and grape tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

2. Place the cucumber, grape tomatoes, and chives into a salad mixing bowl.

3. Add the creamy cucumber dressing and season with salt and white pepper.

4. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

This cucumber & grape tomato salad is a refreshing contrast to the richness of brisket. The crisp cucumber and juicy grape tomatoes provide a fresh base, while the creamy cucumber dressing adds a rich and tangy flavor. The chives bring a subtle onion-like bite that balances the salad perfectly.

This is a great salad because it’s really quick yet still tastes great – plus, the abundance of vitamins and minerals can’t hurt! The creamy dressing complements the crunch of the cucumber and the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs well with any main course.

8. Southern-Style Warm Cornbread With Butter

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl – combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl – combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed. Avoid overmixing.

5. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool slightly, then slice and serve warm with butter.

Overview 🔍

Cornbread is great because it soaks up the brisket’s smoky juices while adding a buttery contrast. The warm, crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the tender meat, making every bite more satisfying. 

I love cornbread because it’s simple to make and packs a punch of flavor. The buttermilk keeps it moist, while the slight sweetness balances out the savory notes of brisket. Any cornbread leftovers are also just as delicious on their own or paired with honey for an extra touch of flavor.

9. Corn & Zucchini Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Drain the canned corn using a colander and set aside.

2. Chop the zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

3. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper.

5. Toss gently to mix, then garnish with fresh cilantro.

Overview 🔍

Corn & zucchini salad is a great-tasting, low-calorie side, perfect for balancing out your brisket’s richness. The sweetness of corn pairs well with smoky flavors, while zucchini and cherry tomatoes bring a juicy, fresh bite. The light lemon dressing enhances the overall balance, making this a bright and flavorful side.

I like this salad because it’s fresh, quick to make, and packed with nutrients. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying addition to any meal, and it’s a great way to add extra veggies to the plate.

10. Classic Potato Salad

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

2. Boil the potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and let cool.

3. Chop the red onion, celery, radishes, and parsley.

4. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

5. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.

6. Toss gently to mix and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Overview 🔍

Classic potato salad brings a creamy, tangy contrast to brisket’s deep, smoky flavors. The soft, starchy potatoes absorb the zesty dressing, while crunchy celery and radishes add texture. Red onion gives a mild sharpness, and fresh parsley ties everything together with a bright, herbaceous touch.

I love this salad because it’s both refreshing and not weighed down by heavy mayo. The apple cider vinegar and olive oil keep it light, while the fresh veggies make every bite crisp and flavorful. Just make sure not to overdo it on the oil to keep the calories low!

FAQ

What is a good side dish for brisket?

A good side dish for brisket could contrast its rich, smoky flavor with something fresh or tangy. Lighter options, like a crisp salad or vinegar-based dish, help balance the heaviness of the meat while adding variety to the plate. Personally, I don’t think you can beat a brisket sandwich with a side of fries.

For something lighter, potato salad is a great choice, offering a creamy texture with a slight tang from apple cider vinegar. Its simplicity and well-balanced flavors make it a natural pairing with brisket, cutting through the richness without overpowering it.

What is traditionally served with smoked brisket?

Traditional sides for smoked brisket include baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw, all of which add complementary textures and flavors. Hearty, comforting sides are common in barbecue settings, along with pickles and white bread.

Southern-style cornbread is another classic pairing, bringing a buttery, slightly sweet contrast to the smoky, savory meat. Its soft texture soaks up brisket juices, making each bite even more flavorful.

What tastes good with brisket?

Brisket pairs well with sides that offer a balance of textures and flavors. Lighter dishes with acidity or crunch help cut through the richness, while creamy or buttery sides enhance its depth.

Corn and zucchini salad is a great example, combining sweet corn, fresh zucchini, and bright lemon juice for a refreshing contrast. This mix of flavors keeps the meal from feeling too heavy while complementing the smoky meat.