10 Best Side Dishes for Smoked Brisket

Smoked brisket is a delicious and flavorful main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. We’ve curated a selection of the best side dishes for smoked brisket.

This photo is from a previous celebration. I forgot to take pictures of the most recent brisket before eating dinner.

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When asked what he wanted for his 18th birthday dinner, my son said smoked brisket, buttered egg noodles, and pasta salad. Since my brother has made smoked brisket many times before, we asked him to be in charge of this meal.

Why Are These the Best Side Dishes for Smoked Brisket?

You will find classic Southern staples and creative twists on traditional favorites. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a family gathering, or simply craving a hearty meal, these delicious recipes and ideas are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave your guests impressed.

These side dishes are considered the best accompaniments for smoked brisket due to their ability to complement and enhance the flavors of the main dish.

Each side dish brings its own unique elements to the table, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience. For example:

Complementary Flavors: Many of these side dishes, such as cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw, offer flavors that harmonize with the smoky, savory profile of the brisket.
Textural Contrast: Side dishes like cole slaw provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the tender texture of the brisket, creating a more dynamic eating experience.
Variety of Tastes: The selection includes a diverse range of flavors, from sweet and tangy baked beans to creamy and indulgent macaroni and cheese, ensuring there is something to please every palate at the table.
Traditional Pairings: Some side dishes, like cornbread and baked beans, have a long-standing tradition of being served alongside barbecue meats like brisket, making them a natural choice for this meal.
Balanced Meal: Together, these side dishes offer a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal that complements the hearty nature of smoked brisket.

Overall, these side dishes have earned their status as the best choices to serve with smoked brisket due to their ability to enhance the dining experience and create a memorable meal for friends and family alike.

Cornbread

A classic Southern side dish that complements the smoky flavor of brisket.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese is a comforting and indulgent choice.

Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish and serve hot.

Coleslaw

A crisp and refreshing side dish that provides a nice contrast to the rich and savory brisket.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Baked Beans

Sweet and savory baked beans are a traditional barbecue side dish that goes well with smoked meats.

Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the navy beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and chopped bacon if using. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot.

Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with mustard, mayo, and pickles adds a cool and tangy element to your meal.

Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
3. Add the cooked potatoes, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Gently toss until well coated with the dressing.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Grilled Vegetables

Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms grilled to perfection make for a lighter side dish option.

Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.), sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: minced garlic, dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried herbs if using.
3. Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until they are tender and charred.
4. Remove from the grill and serve hot.

Green Beans

Whether sautéed, roasted, or grilled, green beans add a fresh and crunchy element to your meal.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic oil.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the green beans are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or roasted corn on the cob with butter and herbs is a classic barbecue side dish.

Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub each ear of corn with softened butter and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and charred in spots.
4. Remove from the grill and serve hot. Add these adorable corn holders so you don’t burn your fingers while eating the corn.

Potato Wedges

Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs and spices are a delicious alternative to traditional fries.

Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wedges are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Texas Toast or Garlic Bread

Buttered and garlic-infused toast or bread is a simple and satisfying accompaniment to smoked brisket.

Ingredients:
- Sliced bread (Texas toast or your preferred bread)
- Butter, softened
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread softened butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder on one side of each slice of bread, to taste.
4. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Optionally, sprinkle dried parsley on top before serving. Serve warm.

Feel free to mix and match these side dishes based on your personal preferences and the occasion. And don’t forget to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when planning your menu.

You may have noticed the two side dishes my son chose are not in the “best sides” list. His dinner, his choice, right?

What is Smoked Brisket?

Smoked brisket is a popular dish in barbecue cuisine, particularly in the southern United States. It involves smoking a beef brisket cut, typically seasoned with a dry rub or marinade, over low heat for an extended period.

Brisket is a tough cut of meat that comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow. It contains a significant amount of connective tissue, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.

Smoking brisket requires patience and skill to achieve the desired tenderness and flavor. It’s often cooked low and slow, at temperatures around 225-250°F (107-121°C), for several hours, sometimes even overnight, depending on the size of the brisket. Popular wood choices for smoking brisket include hickory, oak, mesquite, and pecan, each adding its unique flavor profile to the meat.

10 Best Side Dishes for Smoked Brisket