When it comes to pairing a slow-cooked brisket with the perfect sides, the key is finding a balance of flavors and textures. The art of slow-cooking a tender, flavorful brisket is an impressive culinary achievement, but it’s not just about the meat itself – it’s about creating a memorable dining experience.
With every bite of that succulent meat melting in your mouth, you want your sides to do the same. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or slow-cooking your brisket, there are countless ways to elevate the dish with complementary side dishes. Hearty comfort foods, refreshing salads, and everything in between – the possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing a delectable side with brisket.
Blackbean Salad
Experience the harmonious marriage between fresh vegetables and greens by whipping up a black bean salad to accompany your brisket. This flavorful combination not only boasts an impressive array of nutritious ingredients but also impresses with its delectable taste, whether enjoyed solo or paired with tender brisket.
Coleslaw
The harmonious balance of flavors in this coleslaw recipe is a perfect complement to the savory and juicy brisket. While the brisket explodes with flavor in every bite, the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast with its clean and healthy taste. What’s more, preparing the slaw only takes about five minutes, allowing you to focus on grilling your brisket without feeling overwhelmed by side dish prep. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – feel free to modify it to your liking without sacrificing flavor or texture. However, do plan ahead and prepare the coleslaw well in advance, as the cabbage and vegetables need time to absorb the flavors and chill before serving. This will ensure a delightful contrast between the hot smoked beef brisket and the cold, refreshing slaw.
Jalapeno Hushpuppies
When it comes to backyard BBQs, hushpuppies are an excellent addition to many dishes, including this classic celebration. To give these tender treats a unique twist, incorporate a dash of jalapenos into the mix for a subtle yet tantalizing kick. This spicy fusion pairs exquisitely with your slow-cooked brisket, making it effortless to create. Consider serving them alongside a tangy remoulade sauce for an added layer of flavor and delight.
Corn Pudding
In the southern United States, a delicious corn pudding is often considered the perfect accompaniment to a hearty plate of barbecue. While it’s typically sweet in nature, there’s no harm in experimenting with new flavors by incorporating herbs like thyme and onions into your recipe. This elevated twist can give your corn pudding a sophisticated touch. When preparing the dish, be sure to check its doneness carefully, as undercooked corn pudding can be unappetizing. A simple fork test will do the trick – if the center of the pudding is cooked through and nothing sticks to the fork, it’s ready to serve.
Creamed Corn
Paired perfectly with a mouthwatering barbecue brisket, this sweet and indulgent treat achieves harmony through the balance of its flavors. When serving, be mindful that guests often take an additional spoonful or two to enjoy with their BBQ – so consider preparing enough for everyone to satisfy their cravings.
Baked Beans
When it comes to pairing dishes with brisket, few options are as iconic as baked beans. The sweet, smoky flavor of these classic accompaniments perfectly complements the rich, barbecued goodness of the meat. While canned beans may be a convenient shortcut, for a truly unforgettable dining experience, consider starting from scratch and crafting your own recipe.
To take your baked beans to the next level, look to bold flavors like cider molasses-based BBQ sauce, which adds depth and complexity to this comforting side dish. Feel free to get creative by incorporating additional ingredients you love, such as melted cheese, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or more – the possibilities are endless!
Brazilian Tomato Slaw
While Brazilian tomato slaw may not be a familiar concept, it’s an incredible accompaniment to slow-cooked brisket. The freshness and herbaceousness of this side dish beautifully balance the rich flavors of the meat. Moreover, preparing the slaw is surprisingly straightforward – simply combine a mix of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, cilantro, parsley, and other ingredients in a large bowl and allow them to meld together for a few hours. As the flavors develop, you’ll be rewarded with a harmonious and delicious accompaniment that’s sure to elevate your meal. If you’re willing to put in the time, the end result is well worth the wait.
Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to pairing potatoes with a delicious dish, there’s no exception – even when serving sliced brisket alongside a healthy plate. Scalloped potatoes offer a creative twist on the classic baked potato, without sacrificing flavor. To elevate this side dish, consider combining potatoes with ingredients like cheese, cream, butter, or chives. The key to achieving perfectly scalloped potatoes is in their size. To get it just right, slice the potatoes meticulously by hand or utilize a machine like a mandolin or handheld chopper, taking care not to make them too thick or too thin.
Carrots
Carrots are often relegated to the role of humble supporting actor in the culinary world, but they’re capable of being the true stars of the show. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until they’re tender and caramelized. The result is a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. To add an extra layer of fun to your meal, try using carrots of different colors – the vibrant hues will make for a visually appealing presentation. With their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, carrots are more than just a side dish; they’re a main event.
Mac & Cheese
The humble combination of mac and cheese is often overlooked as a worthy companion to brisket, but this dish deserves more recognition than that. What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance between a satisfyingly crunchy top layer and a silky, cheesy middle. When you pair the rich flavors of your slow-cooked brisket with the creamy pasta, the result is a match made in heaven – so much so that it’s likely to leave everyone feeling pleasantly full. And for the truly adventurous, adding some crispy bacon or the subtle earthiness of truffle oil can take this dish to new heights. Just be warned: once you go down this path, there’s no turning back! The smoky and savory notes will have you hooked.
Steamed Asparagus
When serving brisket, it’s easy to get carried away with its rich, savory flavor profile. However, striking a balance is crucial to create a harmonious meal experience. This is where a well-paired side dish comes into play, and asparagus steamed to perfection fits the bill beautifully. Not only does it provide a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the brisket, but it’s also a nutritious option that can be elevated with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to Brussels sprouts, many people overlook their nuances, but pairing them with a hearty plate of brisket creates a match made in heaven! For optimal flavor, roasting the sprouts in the oven is the way to go. The key is to achieve a precise temperature that allows the leaves to curl away from the center and develop a subtle caramelization on the edges. This side dish is remarkably simple to prepare, requiring only salt and pepper to bring out its natural goodness.
Dinner Rolls
Indulging in tender bites of juicy brisket is even more satisfying when paired with soft, golden dinner rolls that effortlessly soak up the rich flavors. This clever combination not only elevates the overall dining experience but also provides a thoughtful way to fill your guests’ plates and ensure a generous serving of leftovers throughout the week. Moreover, by repurposing burnt ends into snackable rolls, you can create a tasty and convenient treat that’s perfect for munching on as you go about your daily routine.
Corn on the Cob
When seeking a quick and effortless side dish that complements smoked brisket like a charm, look no further than the classic combination of corn on the cob. For generations, this duo has delighted taste buds, and it’s easy to see why. With grilling already in full swing, take advantage of the opportunity to add some buttery goodness to your corn. Simply slather on a generous amount of butter, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, and let the grill do its magic. For a more elevated side dish experience, consider cutting the kernels off the cob and crafting your own elote-inspired masterpiece. By adding juicy tomatoes, fragrant cilantro, a pinch of chili powder, and a sprinkle of cheese, you’ll be creating a dish so delectable that guests will be begging you to make it at their next gathering.
Grilled Potato Skins
Elevate the humble grilled potato skins by adding a medley of toppings that complement their smoky flavor. Since your grill is already fired up, it’s a quick and effortless step to add these crispy treats. To get started, slice your potatoes in half and scoop out the insides to make room for your chosen toppings. Bacon, chives, sour cream, and butter are all delicious options, but feel free to experiment with other ingredients you love pairing with potatoes – the possibilities are endless.
Final Words
These recipes are a culinary delight, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Gather your family and friends around the table to savor each bite. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these mouthwatering dishes!