After you spent half the day babysitting a smoker and your brisket finally hits that perfect tenderness, don’t mess it up with boring sides. Brisket deserves real company. Sides that match its smoky, rich flavor and make your plate look like a true BBQ feast.
Let’s talk about some of my favorite sides to have with brisket. From the classics that never fail to a few twists that will surprise your guests.
Classic BBQ Sides That Never Miss
Some sides just belong next to brisket. They’ve been at backyard cookouts longer than I have been grilling, and that is saying something.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Creamy, smoky, cheesy This is the brisket’s best buddy. Throw it on your smoker for a half hour if you want that extra kick of smoke.
Eddie’s Tip! If you’re smoking mac and cheese, use a mild wood like apple or cherry. Hickory can overpower the cheese and make it taste like you dropped it in the firebox.
Potato Salad
Cool, creamy, and a little tangy. It’s the perfect balance against that hot, smoky meat.
Baked Beans
Sweet, savory, and full of flavor. If you toss in a few chunks of leftover brisket, nobody’s complaining.
Cornbread
Soft inside, crispy edges, and it soaks up all that brisket juice like a champ.
Fresh and Light Sides That Balance the Smoke
Brisket, just as all beef, can be heavy on the stomach for some people. You need something fresh to keep the meal from knocking everyone out on the couch.
Coleslaw
The crunch and tang cut right through the richness of the meat. I like my Coleslaw mayo based, but vinegar-based slaw is lighter, sharper, and a little more refreshing.
Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini, peppers, and asparagus are great sides for brisket. They char up nicely and bring color to the plate.
If you really want to go all the way than have a look at my grilled and stuffed summer squash boots recipe.
Garden Salad
Sometimes simple wins. A crisp salad with a smoky vinaigrette fits right in with BBQ flavors.
Eddie’s Tip! Don’t serve all your sides piping hot. Cold sides like coleslaw or macaroni salad keep your guests refreshed and balance out the heavy brisket.
Hearty Comfort Sides That Stick to Your Ribs
Now, if you are going full comfort food mode, these sides that go with brisket make the meal feel like Sunday dinner at grandmas house.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Warm, smooth, and perfect next to a few slices of brisket.
Macaroni Salad
Creamy, easy to make ahead, and great for feeding a crowd.
Click on this link to have a look at my Macaroni Salad Recipe.
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and pure comfort. It usually is the kind of side that disappears first.
Unique Twists to Try With Your Brisket
Want to mix things up and get adventurous? Try one of these instead of the usual suspects:
Smoked Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Grilled corn with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. This side dish is smoky, creamy, and a little sweet.
Pickled Onions or Jalapeños
A quick and easy side that cuts through the fat and adds color.
Dutch Oven Potatoes
With my Dutch background, this, layered with butter, onions, and cheese, is a favorite. This is a hearty side that feels right at home outdoors.
Got some leftover brisket? Don’t waste it, but check out my brisket breakfast ideas to turn it into a hearty morning meal.
My First Pick for the Best Side with Beef Brisket
If I could only pick one, I would grab smoked mac and cheese every time. It is rich, smoky, and flat out addictive. I have made it hundreds of times, and not once did anyone leave a spoonful behind.
Eddie’s Tip! If you are cooking for a crowd, mix up a few hot and cold sides. That way, you can prep some ahead of time and keep your stress level lower than your smoker temperature.
Sides to Have with Brisket – My Experience
After years of cooking for friends, family, and even running my own restaurant, I learned that good sides are just as important as the brisket itself.
You need a balance and a little freshness, a little comfort, and a whole lot of flavor.
By the way, these brisket sides also work for when you have smoked chuck roast.
So whether you’re sticking with the classics or trying something new, these sides to serve with brisket will make your BBQ spread look and taste complete.
If you need more inspiration, you can have a look at all my BBQ side recipes and pick the ones you like to use for your next cooke out.
Eddie van Aken – The Grilling Dutchman
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Eddie van Aken is the founder of The Grilling Dutchman, where he teaches practical, no-nonsense BBQ and outdoor cooking. With years of hands-on experience working with grills, smokers, and live fire, he focuses on techniques that actually work in real backyards.
When he’s not cooking, Eddie tests and reviews outdoor gear and equipment for PracticalBackyard.com. Learn more about Eddie van Aken.