What to Serve with Beef Brisket?
Serving beef brisket is about crafting a complete experience. The best side dishes offer a balance of flavors and textures, complementing the rich, smoky, and intensely savory meat with acidity, sweetness, and a variety of mouthfeels. Think bright slaws, creamy potatoes, and hearty vegetables to create a truly memorable meal.
Understanding the Brisket Canvas
Beef brisket, especially when smoked low and slow, is a culinary masterpiece. But it’s also very rich. The high fat content, while contributing to its tenderness and flavor, necessitates accompaniments that can cut through that richness and provide palate cleansing contrasts. Consider the overall flavor profile of your brisket – is it heavily seasoned with a peppery rub? Does it have a pronounced smoky flavor? The answers to these questions will guide your side dish selections. We want sides that enhance, not overpower, the star of the show.
Classic and Timeless Pairings
Some pairings are classics for a reason. They consistently deliver delicious results and are crowd-pleasers at any barbecue.
- Coleslaw: A must-have for its crispness and acidity. Consider variations like a vinegar-based slaw, a creamy slaw, or even a fruit-infused slaw for added interest.
- Potato Salad: Another staple. A traditional potato salad is always a good choice, or try a German potato salad with bacon and vinegar for a bolder flavor.
- Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food. Choose a recipe that’s creamy and cheesy but not too heavy. A lighter béchamel-based sauce can be a great option.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky, and hearty, baked beans are a perfect complement to brisket.
Bright and Refreshing Options
To balance the richness of the brisket, incorporate sides that offer brightness and acidity.
- Pickled Onions: Their sharp, tangy flavor helps cut through the fat and cleanse the palate. They are incredibly easy to make at home.
- Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, a cucumber salad with vinegar and dill provides a cool contrast to the warm, smoky brisket.
- Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad with tomatoes, peppers, and a lime vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Watermelon Salad: For a truly unexpected and refreshing side, try a watermelon salad with feta cheese, mint, and balsamic glaze.
Hearty and Substantial Sides
Sometimes you need a side dish that can stand on its own. These hearty options add substance to the meal without overshadowing the brisket.
- Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread is a classic barbecue accompaniment. Consider adding jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a healthy element to the meal.
- Collard Greens: A Southern staple, collard greens cooked with bacon and vinegar provide a savory and slightly tangy counterpoint to the brisket.
Don’t Forget the Bread!
While often overlooked, the bread you choose is an essential element.
- Simple Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up the juices from the brisket and other sides.
- Texas Toast: Buttery and garlicky, Texas toast is a classic barbecue staple.
- Brioche Buns: Offer a richer, more decadent experience with soft, buttery brioche buns.
Building the Perfect Brisket Plate: A Balancing Act
Creating a balanced brisket plate is about more than just choosing delicious sides; it’s about considering how those sides work together. Aim for a variety of flavors, textures, and temperatures. A plate with a rich brisket, a creamy potato salad, a bright coleslaw, and some warm cornbread offers a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture | Complements Brisket By: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleslaw | Tangy, slightly sweet | Crisp, crunchy | Cutting through richness |
| Potato Salad | Creamy, savory | Soft, slightly chunky | Adding heartiness |
| Baked Beans | Sweet, smoky | Soft, slightly thick | Enhancing smoky flavors |
| Pickled Onions | Tangy, acidic | Crunchy, slightly soft | Cleansing the palate |
| Cornbread | Sweet, buttery | Soft, crumbly | Adding a comforting element |
| Roasted Vegetables | Sweet, savory | Tender, slightly crisp | Offering a healthy option |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of coleslaw to serve with brisket?
The best coleslaw is often a matter of personal preference, but a vinegar-based slaw is generally considered the most effective at cutting through the richness of the brisket. Creamy slaws can be delicious, but they may add to the overall heaviness of the meal.
Can I serve a green salad with brisket?
Absolutely! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to the brisket. Avoid heavy, creamy dressings that will compete with the brisket’s richness. Consider adding some crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.
What is a good vegetarian side dish option?
Roasted vegetables, especially root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, are an excellent vegetarian option. Their natural sweetness and hearty texture make them a satisfying complement to the brisket.
How can I make my sides ahead of time?
Many side dishes, like coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans, can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, allowing these sides to sit overnight often improves their flavor as the ingredients meld together. Store them properly in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.
What is the best way to reheat brisket if I have leftovers?
The best way to reheat brisket is to wrap it tightly in foil with a little bit of beef broth or water and warm it in a low oven (around 250°F) until heated through. This will help prevent it from drying out.
What kind of pickles pair well with brisket?
Dill pickles are a classic pairing with brisket, offering a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich, smoky meat. Sweet pickles can also be a good option if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
Can I serve fruit with brisket?
Yes! Grilled pineapple, peach chutney, or a watermelon salad can all be delicious and unexpectedly complementary to brisket. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit can cut through the richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.
What if I don’t like coleslaw?
There are plenty of other options for cutting through the richness of brisket! Consider a cucumber salad, pickled onions, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette.
Is it better to serve warm or cold sides with brisket?
A mix of warm and cold sides is ideal. Warm cornbread or roasted vegetables pair well with cold coleslaw or potato salad.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I serve with brisket?
The best BBQ sauce depends on your personal preference. A classic Texas-style sauce is typically thinner, tangier, and less sweet than sauces from other regions.
How many sides should I serve with brisket?
Aim for at least three side dishes to provide a variety of flavors and textures. Consider offering a mix of classic, bright, and hearty options to cater to different tastes. Adjust the quantity of each side based on the number of guests.
What drinks pair well with brisket?
Iced tea, lemonade, beer (especially lagers and IPAs), and red wine (especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel) all pair well with brisket.