35+ BEST Sides for Brisket (What to Serve with Brisket)

Wondering what sides go best with brisket? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.

Tender Smoked Brisket + Amazing Side Dish = PERFECTION!

When hosting a cookout, there are 4 essentials:

  1. An amazing brisket sauce and brisket dry rub.
  2. Napkins. Lots of napkins. Especially if juicy brisket is involved.
  3. Wine. Here are 7 wines that pair perfectly with barbecue.
  4. And, of course, some really stellar side dishes.

From classics such as mac & cheese and potato salad to healthier options such as vinegar coleslaw (my personal favorite) and quick pickles, there are so many options.

So, let’s dig in!

Keep reading to discover 35+ easy side dishes that pair with brisket!

Sides for Brisket

These are some of the best side dishes to serve with beef brisket:

But the list goes on! Keep reading to find even more delicious sides to serve at your cookout.

What to Serve with Brisket

Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
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Overhead close up of prepared pickles in weck jar with dill sprigs and red pepper slices.
These ​​Quick Pickled Cucumbers are ready to eat in 1 hour! There’s no canning required and they stay crisp for months.
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Hasselback potatoes on grey plate dolloped with sour cream.
These easy air fryer Hasselback potatoes are drenched in garlic herb butter, giving you an almost addictive crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-inside snack or side dish in no time.
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Peppers with grill marks scattered on counter.
Learn how to make perfectly tender and blistered Grilled Bell Peppers at home! It’s one of the best and easiest side dishes you can add to burrito bowls, fajitas, or pair with grilled meats.
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Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot pinto beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these beans can be ready in under an hour with no soaking required.
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Overhead shot of mac and cheese in speckled bowl with spoon and grated cheddar scattered about.
This is the BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with a secret ingredient plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese. It can be made in just 4 minutes with your electric pressure cooker.
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Side view of pickled red cabbage in jar against dark background.
You’ll want to keep a jar of this Pickled Red Cabbage in your fridge at all times. Not only is it fast and easy, but you can use it on anything! Pile it onto tacos, burgers, pork sandwiches, and so much more.
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This delicious warm German Potato Salad combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. It’s tangy, creamy and the perfect side dish for the summer grilling season. 
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Shirazi salad centered in frame with serving spoon.
This simple Shirazi Salad recipe features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors!
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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
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Hand holding stick of watermelon next to cut up melon.
This easy-to-follow watermelon cutting hack will show you How to Cut Watermelon Into Sticks and Cubes with almost no mess! Enjoy the sticks for snacking and the cubes in a salad. It’s the ultimate summer treat!
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Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
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Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
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These copycat Din Tai Fung Green Beans are deliciously crispy and coated with lots of savory garlic and a spicy chili crisp. It’s the best umami-forward side dish to pair with all of your takeout-inspired favorites!
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Close up of apple slaw in serving bowl.
Apple Celery Root Slaw is an exciting twist on your basic coleslaw. Crisp apples and celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions. It's sure to be a stand out side dish!
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Overhead shot of Thai Cucumber Salad in green bowl with spoon next to bunch of cilantro.
This Thai Cucumber Salad with Peanuts is crunchy, sweet & tangy. It's a refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for the warm summer months.
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Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
This Couscous Corn Salad puts a salad twist on Mexican Street Corn. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
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Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
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Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Arugula Salad ready to be served.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
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Side shot of jar of pickled onions with pink background.
Quick Pickled Onions are so easy to make at home. With just 5-minutes you can have your red onions pickling. Let them cool to room temperature before using and then you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks! 
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Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
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Overhead shot of peach caprese salad on grey plate next to wooden cutting board.
This fresh and tangy Peach Caprese Salad features sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes. A perfect blend of summery flavors, this simple yet delicious salad is the ideal late summer side dish!
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Pasta salad in bowl on wooden cutting board next to bowl of pepper flakes.
This Zucchini Pasta Salad recipe may be the best I've tried to date! Packed with sauteed zucchini, loads of parmesan cheese, fresh dill and crunchy walnuts.
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Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Close up of green bean fries on baking sheet lined with parchment.
Crispy parmesan Green Bean Fries are baked in the oven for a healthy, delicious treat. Served up with three dipping sauces – green goddess, honey mustard & creamy sriracha. A secret ingredient makes them extra delicious! Air Fryer directions included. 
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Baked Potato Bar

This Baked Potato Bar is perfect for any occasion, including parties, potlucks, and tailgating events! The topping ideas are endless, and each guest will love customizing their own potato.

Baked potatoes on wooden tray surround with toppings.
Overhead shot of smashed potatoes on baking sheet topped with blue cheese, hot sauce, jalapenos and chives.
Crispy Smashed Buffalo Potatoes are crazy good! Crispy smashed potatoes are topped with vinegary, spicy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing.
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Fennel salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
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Hand scooping into spoon bread.
Spoon Bread with Cheddar Cheese combines the savoriness of cornbread and the softness of a souffle in one delicious dish! Made with savory scallions and sharp cheddar cheese, you won’t be able to get enough of this classic Southern recipe.
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Overhead close up of bowl of grilled potato salad.
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious! 
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Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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These are the BEST Glazed Carrots! Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned & perfectly glazed. They make an amazing side dish that both kids & adults love. | platingsandpairings.com
These are the BEST Glazed Carrots – Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned, and perfectly glazed. These carrots make an amazing side dish that both kids and adults can’t get enough of!
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Hand holding bowl of chickpea salad.
This Chickpeas and Avocado Salad has all the traditional elements of a great guacamole and makes a healthy, protein and fiber-filled dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it comes together easily in just 10 minutes!
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Baked Beans

These are the BEST Baked Beans! Brown sugar and bacon make this baked beans recipe extra delicious. 

Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
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This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
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More Side Dish Recipes:

Did you Make Any of These Brisket Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for beef brisket. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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PS – Don’t forget about these amazing sauces for brisket!

Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.

35+ BEST Sides for Brisket

Over 35+ EASY side dishes for brisket – including vegetable side dishes, slaws, potatoes, salads, and more. One of my favorite recipes is this Vinegar Coleslaw.
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add cabbage and carrot to a large bowl.
  • Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil and salt. Pour over cabbage mixture.
  • Toss well to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

In place of the cabbage and carrot, you can use a 16-ounce package of shredded cabbage mix. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1276IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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