Tasty Pairs: 9 BEST Side Dishes for Brisket

It’s hard to beat a good brisket.

Whether it’s served with savory barbecue sauce or braised in a hearty stew, the cut of beef is superior to most other choices.

The brisket is an extremely versatile cut of meat.

It can be served as a whole piece or divided into two cuts: the flat and the point cut.

The flavor of beef brisket is pronounced but somewhat less bold than other cuts, like ribeye.

The fat content in the cut also lends it to become very tender after cooking for an extended period.

The best way to get the most out of your beef brisket is to cook it slowly and make sure you give it enough time.

Many people are tempted to serve smoked brisket immediately after taking it off the smoker, but the meat needs time to absorb all of its flavors fully.

Since the meat is so versatile, it can be served in an assortment of side dishes.

The side dishes that go best with beef brisket can complement its natural flavors without competing against them.

So, here are the best eight side dishes to serve with beef brisket to make your next dinner party a rousing success.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Brisket?

The brisket is a popular cut of beef that is brined, seasoned, and cooked for hours.

Often served during the holidays on platters with sides, it’s no wonder this dish has become so popular.

Not only is it great with sides, but people love to pick at the leftover bits off of their plates once they’re done eating.

The flavor of brisket is meaty and flavorful but may get lost when served with starchy side dishes like mashed potatoes.

However, the ever-versatile side dish of veggies can help keep the focus on the main event without detracting from its richness.

Side dishes for this cut should be something that will enhance the experience rather than distract from it.

Another thing to consider when pairing side dishes with brisket is the texture.

Often, the meat itself will be soft and tender while having a crispy exterior.

For this reason, you don’t want to serve something that will make it soggy.

Also, it’s important to consider the side dish’s flavors.

A starchy side like potatoes will only distract from the meat itself, while a flash sauteed vegetable can bring new, interesting flavors in each bite.

What to Serve with Brisket? 9 BEST Side Dishes

Once you’ve considered all of the above, it’s time to serve up those side dishes.

Here are some of the most popular and best-served options.

1 – Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

This dish is a great complement to the brisket because the sweetness from the sauce brings out new flavors in each bite.

While it requires a little more prep time, it’s worth the extra effort.

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium-high heat before adding mushrooms and onion slices to make this side dish.

Stir frequently until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Then add parsley and garlic before stirring in balsamic vinegar.

Turn down to low and cook for just a few moments before serving.

2 – Garlic Parsley Bulgur Pilaf

Bulgur is an easy side dish that can be paired with just about anything, including brisket.

Toast it in a pan with olive oil and garlic before adding vegetable broth for the best flavor.

Then add parsley for a burst of freshness with each bite.

For an added kick, toast the bulgur before creating this side dish for a more complex flavor.

Just remember to use low heat, so it doesn’t burn.

Once the bulgur is done toasting, it’s time for the next step.

Add the vegetable broth before bringing it to a boil, stirring frequently.

Then cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

Finally, add parsley and lemon zest before turning off the heat.

Let it sit covered for 10 minutes before serving.

3 – Creamy Cauliflower Puree

Adding cauliflower to this side dish makes for a creamy consistency that pairs perfectly with beef brisket.

For best results, choose pre-riced or frozen cauliflower to cut down on prep time.

Bring a small pot of water to boil before adding the pre-riced or frozen cauliflower to make this side dish.

Cook until tender, about 5 minutes, then drain into a colander and return it to the pot.

Mash with milk or broth until smooth before stirring in parsley.

Add salt and pepper to taste before serving with your favorite dish.

4 – Asparagus with Lemon

While this side dish takes just a few ingredients, it’s important to prep the asparagus correctly so that it can be served warm.

To start, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit before lining a baking sheet with foil and spreading the asparagus out on it.

Drizzle olive oil over the spears before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cook until tender, about 10 minutes, then remove from oven and sprinkle lemon zest on top before serving.

5 – Garlic Green Beans Almandine

Short of time, but want to do something special with those green beans? This side dish combines sauteed vegetables and butter for a delicious pairing that takes just minutes to make.

Making this side dish starts with sauteing sliced garlic in butter until fragrant before adding green beans.

Add salt and pepper before cooking for just 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Once the beans are tender, it’s time to plate.

Drizzle everything with lemon juice or fresh parsley before serving.

You can also add roasted almonds for a crunchy texture.

6 – Butternut Squash with Pecan Crunch

This side dish uses several spices to create a delicious blend of flavors.

For best results, use freshly chopped or canned butternut squash to save time.

Start by melting butter in a large saucepan before stirring in vanilla and brown sugar.

Add spices and stir everything together before adding butternut squash.

Cook for several minutes, stirring frequently.

Then add maple syrup and pecans before cooking until the mixture is thickened, about 10 minutes.

You can stir occasionally, but be careful not to break up the squash too much.

7 – Herbed Polenta

Polenta is an easy side dish that’s ready in just about 30 minutes flat.

It also makes a filling meal that can be served as a main or as an aside.

To start, bring chicken broth and water to a boil in a large pot before adding salt and pepper.

Gradually add polenta, constantly stirring, to avoid lumps.

Once the mixture is smooth, turn the heat down slightly to not boil over while cooking.

Cook for another 10 minutes or until thickened before turning off the heat and stirring in butter and herbs.

That’s all there is to it.

8 – Honey-Glazed Carrots with Pecans

Want to take your carrots up a notch? This side dish does just that by adding pecans and honey for a sweet-and-savory combo that’s easy to make.

To start:

• Bring water to a boil in a saucepan before adding carrots.
• Boil until tender before draining into a colander and returning them to the pot.
• Add honey, butter, salt, pepper, and pecans.
• Let everything simmer for several minutes before serving.

If desired, add honey and butter to the saucepan before adding carrots and heating everything through.

9 – Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives

It’s easy to forget about spuds when the beef brisket is being served.

However, baked potatoes are a filling side dish that goes great with just about everything.

To start, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before cutting whole potatoes in half.

Line a baking sheet with foil and place the potatoes on it skin-side down before covering them with the vegetables.

Drizzle olive oil over everything, then season with salt and pepper—Bake for about 35 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Remove from oven and top with sour cream and chives before serving.

It’s important to preheat the oven beforehand because there is no specific mention of how long they should be cooked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, brisket is a wonderful, hearty dish that can be served on its own or with various side dishes.

Some people prefer more traditional fare, while others like to spice things up with a flavorful array of side dishes.

Whatever you choose, these eight options are among the most delicious and satisfying accompaniments for beef brisket.

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