20 Must-Try Sides for Brisket: Ultimate Pairings for Every Occasion
Explore 20 versatile and delicious sides that will elevate your brisket for weeknight meals, BBQs, and festive holidays.
Few main dishes evoke a sense of celebration quite like brisket. Whether it’s gracing your table for a cozy weeknight meal, anchoring a festive BBQ, or starring at a holiday spread for Rosh Hashanah or Christmas, brisket invites a gathering with its hearty, savory depth. To truly let brisket shine, you’ll want equally standout side dishes—from simple roots to show-stealing salads, every combination brings a new nuance to your meal.
Why the Right Side Dishes Matter With Brisket
Brisket’s rich, meaty flavor calls for sides that can balance, complement, or even contrast its robust essence. Classic starchy vegetables, vibrant salads, and a range of roasted or braised vegetables can all highlight brisket’s best qualities. The following 20 sides offer a wide variety for any occasion, meal, or season.
Table of Contents
Hearty Potato Sides
When in doubt—pick a potato! These classics provide both comfort and a satisfying balance to brisket’s savory depth:
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
Simple, sweet, and a touch earthy, baked sweet potatoes offer a colorful, nutrient-rich counterpoint to brisket, especially when topped with a little butter and fresh herbs. - Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
For ultra-crispy texture, toss fingerlings with a cornstarch slurry before roasting. A mix of rosemary and garlic adds an aromatic finish that works beautifully with brisket. - Herb Roasted Potatoes
Classic roasted potatoes with a choice of herbs—rosemary, thyme, or parsley—make a reliably crowd-pleasing partner for brisket. Their sturdy texture soaks up flavorful pan juices perfectly. - Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes
This dish marries crisp roasted potatoes with a creamy whipped feta base, lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a sophisticated twist on the staple side. - Smashed Potatoes
Boil then flatten potatoes, bake until crispy, and top with your choice of cheese or fresh herbs. They’re perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or casual meals alike.
Colorful Vegetable Sides
- Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
A blend of North African spices transforms ordinary carrots into a spicy, aromatic treat. Use your air fryer for a healthy, vibrant side—great for BBQs or anytime you want to liven up your plate. - Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Lightly sautéed and tossed with a spicy, slightly sweet dressing, these Brussels sprouts pack a punch. They make a unique side for fall dinners or holiday meals. - Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage
Braising imparts deep flavor to cabbage, with tangy vinegar and a hint of sweetness. This side dish offers both palate-cleansing acidity and a splash of jewel-toned color to the plate. - Air Fryer Carrots
Incredibly quick to prepare and deeply flavorful with just a few spices, these carrots are proof that vegetables can be just as exciting as the main dish. - Sugar Snap Peas
Light, crisp, and barely dressed, sugar snap peas are a refreshing counter to hearty brisket. Perfect for springtime meals or to brighten up a rich winter dinner.
Fresh Salads & Slaw
- Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shredded Brussels sprouts combine with toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds for a crunchy, bright salad ideal for autumn and winter feasts. - Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad
Earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese (or feta), and ripe avocado make this salad both substantial and refreshing. Roasting beets intensifies their natural sweetness. - Farro Salad
Nutty farro pairs perfectly with brisket, especially when tossed with roasted vegetables and a simple vinaigrette. This hearty grain salad is excellent for soaking up brisket juices. - Coleslaw
No BBQ plate is complete without some rendition of slaw. Whether creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw offers cool, crunchy contrast to the richness of brisket.
Holiday-Worthy & Seasonal Classics
- Tzimmes
This traditional Jewish dish of sweet roasted root vegetables—often carrots, sweet potatoes, and sometimes dried fruit—brings a subtle sweetness to the table, perfect for Rosh Hashanah or Passover feasts. - Cacio e Pepe Sweet Potato Noodles
A noodle-like alternative for Passover or gluten-free diets, these spiralized sweet potatoes are tossed with black pepper and cheese for decadence without the wheat. - Baked Beans
Deeply savory and just slightly sweet, baked beans are a BBQ staple that never fails to pair well with smoked or oven-roasted brisket alike.
Creative Inspirations for Brisket Sides
- Garlic Bread
Rich, buttery, and packed with garlic, this bread is an indulgent accompaniment—perfect for sopping up brisket’s savory juices. - Creamy Polenta
Luxuriously creamy and endlessly adaptable, polenta provides a buttery base for slices of brisket and any sauces. - Farro Grain Bowls
Layered with roasted veggies and a citrusy dressing, farro bowls make an excellent, filling side or even a light main course when paired with brisket leftovers.
Quick Comparison Table: Hot vs. Cold Sides for Brisket
| Hot Sides | Cold Sides |
|---|---|
| Smashed Potatoes | Coleslaw |
| Roasted Fingerling Potatoes | Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad |
| Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage | Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad |
| Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots | Farro Salad |
| Creany Polenta | Cacio e Pepe Sweet Potato Noodles (serve warm or room temperature) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What kinds of side dishes work best with brisket?
A: Brisket pairs particularly well with starch-based sides like potatoes and grains, but also benefits from vegetable-based dishes that provide acidity, crunch, or a touch of sweetness—such as slaw, beets, braised cabbage, or salads.
Q: Are there make-ahead side dishes for brisket?
A: Yes. Dishes like baked beans, braised red cabbage, and roasted beets can all be prepared in advance and reheated gently. Grain salads and slaws also hold up well if dressed shortly before serving.
Q: What sides should I serve for a holiday brisket meal?
A: For holidays, opt for crowd-pleasers like tzimmes, creamy whipped potatoes, sweet & sour cabbage, or roasted carrots. These offer a festive touch and complement traditional brisket recipes perfectly.
Q: What are lighter/brighter vegetable options to cut brisket’s richness?
A: Light sides such as sugar snap peas, Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad, or simple roasted vegetables (like carrots or beets) offer needed contrast to brisket’s richness.
Q: Can I include bread or grain sides with brisket?
A: Absolutely. Creamy polenta, garlic bread, farro salads, or even barley-based sides work exceptionally well to round out a brisket meal.
Final Tips for Pairing and Serving
- Plan for a mix of textures: combine creamy, crisp, and fresh elements for the best overall experience.
- Include at least one vegetable and one starch; this keeps your meal balanced and satisfying.
- Prepare sauces or dressings ahead so you can focus on carving and serving your brisket when it’s done.
- Don’t forget fresh herbs and citrus zest—small finishes lift sides and bring the plate together beautifully.
With this diverse selection of sides for brisket, you’ll be prepared for any occasion—the tough part will be choosing which ones to make! Whether you’re after classic comfort, seasonal freshness, or a modern twist, these dishes promise flavor-packed harmony with every tender bite of brisket.
