Brisket—aka a cut of beef taken from the breast or lower chest of the cow—is a reliable crowd-pleaser and barbecue favorite. Plus, the leftovers, if you have any at all, can be repurposed for breakfast hashes, sandwiches and more. But what sides go with brisket? Here are our favorite recipes (hasselback butternut squash, greens mac and cheese and a fresh kale and brussels sprouts slaw, to name a few) that play extra nicely with that tasty hunk of meat you’ve got on the menu.
36 Sides for Brisket to Serve No Matter the Season
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Published Sep 14, 2023
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, low carb, <500 calories
Brisket pairs perfectly with a classic potato salad. This low-carb substitute—featuring cauliflower lightly dressed with a combination of Greek yogurt, sour cream, dijon and fresh herbs—is a winning update on a picnic staple that delivers all the same flavor without weighing you down.
Katherine Gillen
2. Cacio e Pepe Zucchini
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe, low-carb
This low-carb twist on a classic relies on copious amounts of hard cheese and black pepper as a summer squash seasoning to create a lighter version of the beloved Italian pasta dish.
Ana Cuba/The Modern Cook’s Year
3. Kale and Brussel Sprouts Caesar Slaw
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
A slow-cooked cut of beef like brisket is practically begging for a palate-cleansing serving of greens. This side dish boasts a delightful combination of shredded kale and brussels that’s enhanced by the rich flavor of everyone’s favorite salad dressing and a sprinkling of blue cheese.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
4. Hasselback Butternut Squash
- Time Commitment: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, <500 calories, <10 ingredients
You’ve heard of this uniquely Swedish (and seriously cool looking) potato side. But give the same treatment to a butternut squash and you’ll be rewarded with an eye-pleasing, seasonal accompaniment to brisket that’s just right for the fall and winter months.
Katherine Gillen
5. Blistered Green Beans with Bacon Vinaigrette
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <500 calories, crowd-pleaser
Brisket and bacon are a match made in heaven. Just enjoy the latter in the form of a clever vinaigrette for green beans and you’ll feel less guilty for indulging your inner carnivore.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
6. Asparagus Caesar Salad
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, crowd-pleaser, low carb
Homemade Caesar dressing is, yet again, an appealing flavor match…but why not mix things up a little and skip the snoozy salad in favor of a crisp-tender springtime veg instead?
Kristin Perers/Round Ours
7. Smoky Barbecued Corn
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, <500 calories
Given that brisket is a classic barbecue meat for the low-and-slow grill master, it only makes sense to serve it up with a side of smoky corn you can throw on the grill, too. Definitely be generous with the Mexican street food-inspired toppings, though, ‘cause that’s where the flavor is.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
8. Zucchini Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <500 calories, <30 minutes, low carb, no cook, vegetarian, gluten-free
Here, delicate ribbons of summer squash combine with punchy dijon mustard and fresh savory herbs to create a no-cook side dish that’s simple, elegant and downright delicious. Note: no spiralizer required, but we recommend a high-quality EVOO for best results.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
9. Crispy Green Bean “Fries”
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: baking sheet recipe, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Forget snoozy green bean casserole and French fries, too. These Parm and paprika-spiked fries cover both bases while putting a green veggie on the plate that’s seriously addictive, to boot.
Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Erin McDowell
10. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Shishito Peppers
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Give your brisket dinner a bold upgrade with the kicky Southwest flavor of blistered shishito peppers and pimento cheese. Psst: This spicy side also works great as a party appetizer.
Colin Price/Dinner Then Dessert
11. Balsamic-Brown Sugar Carrots
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
For a hearty, comfort-food dinner, pair your brisket with this blessedly simple side. The carrots in question are steamed instead of roasted, and the beautifully balanced balsamic glaze is slightly sweet, tangy and totally to die for.
Katherine Gillen
12. Cabbage-Fennel Salad with Honeycrisp Apples
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, one bowl, low carb, no cook
More of a slaw than a salad, this cabbage and fennel number is a light and refreshing side dish that harmonizes nicely with a brisket dinner (preferably al fresco in the late summer or fall). It’s also a total breeze to make ahead—just don’t slice those honeycrisp apples until it’s ready to be served, lest they turn an unsightly shade of brown.
Kristin Teig Salad Seasons: Vegetable Forward Dishes All Year
13. Arugula Salad with Whole-Lemon Vinaigrette
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no cook
Sometimes you just need a break. You know, like when you’ve spent somewhere between five and 15 hours slow-cooking a brisket to perfection. Good news: This simple side salad of peppery arugula and zingy lemon vinaigrette can be tossed together in the blink of an eye and is guaranteed to please every palate.
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Katherine Gillen
14. Bacon Roasted Rainbow Carrots
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Not to sound like a broken record, but it doesn’t get any better than bacon and brisket. And when you pair the former with a platter of brightly-colored roasted carrots, there’s absolutely no shame in your game.
Nicole Franzen/To the Last Bite
15. White Wine Braised Leeks
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, <500 calories
Is there anything that doesn’t go well with leeks braised in butter, wine and herbs? We think not. In other words, make a big batch, because you can eat this side with brisket, and then again the next day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
16. Kale Salad with Persimmons, Crispy Chickpeas and Fried Shallots
- Time Commitment: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, vegetarian, <500 calories
Kale, the sometimes too familiar bitter green, gets a new lease on life. It has some help from stone fruit and spiced chickpeas that are so crispy, you’ll be hard-pressed not to eat them by the handful before the garnish hits the plate.
Emily Dorio/The Saltwater Table
17. Charred Cauliflower with Crunchy Garlic Chile Oil
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, low-carb
While this recipe is amazing when prepared as-is, folks who are short on time can absolutely sub a healthy amount of store-bought chili crisp in for the homemade garlic-chile oil. It’s a hack that yields similarly delicious results (provided you take your time charring the cauliflower, that is).
Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Katherine Gillen
18. Bitter Greens Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
Sensing a theme? When it comes to side dishes for brisket, bitter greens coated in creamy dressing are kind of a no-brainer. This simple salad, featuring a homemade ranch that’s loaded with fresh herbs, is no exception to the rule.
Eva Kolenko/Bread Toast Crumbs
19. Spicy Broccoli Sauté
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, <10 ingredients
A pinch of red pepper flake (or as much as you can handle), plus the crumbs of a stale loaf of bread are pretty much all you need to produce a no-waste broccoli side that goes well with damn near everything.
Quentin Bacon/Modern Comfort Food
20. Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccolini & Cheddar
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy
Here, tender broccolini takes on a softer and sweeter flavor profile when roasted. As for the melted cheddar—that’s the umami goodness that pulls it all together.
Katherine Gillen
21. Utica Greens
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, low sugar, <500 calories, low carb
Unless you’ve spent time in Central New York, Utica greens, a regional favorite, might be entirely new to you. If that’s the case, just trust that this boldly-flavored combination of cooked escarole, pecorino, hot cherry peppers, prosciutto and breadcrumbs is a comfort food recipe that spells brisket dinner success.
Katherine Gillen
22. Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, vegetarian, low carb
Bet you’ve never had Brussels like this before. Our beloved cruciferous veggie is flattened with a cup, then roasted and tossed with Parm and red pepper flakes. (They’re so crispy and cheesy, they’re even toddler approved.)
Nicole Franzen/To the Last Bite
23. Celery Salad with Walnuts and Pecorino
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Celery (the humblest of veggies, typically relegated to one part of a mirepoix trio, or worse, a vehicle for peanut butter in your kid’s lunch box) finally gets its day in the sun. Our tastebuds approve.
Dominique Lafond/Salad Pizza Wine
24. Roasted Broccoli with Olive and Almond Pesto
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, low carb
We’re big fans of broccoli as a side dish for pretty much any dinner, brisket included. That said, the same old garlic and olive oil stir-fry does get a little snoozy after a while. Slather the broccoli with toasted almond pesto and never look back.
Ty Mecham/Delicious Gatherings
25. Miso Honey Brussels Sprouts
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
We’re always looking for new dishes to file under “looks fancy, but so easy.” This super simple recipe, featuring roasted Brussels sprouts in a sweet, salty and oh-so umami glaze definitely fits the bill.
Laura Edwards/From the Oven to the Table
26. Roasted Indian-Spiced Vegetables with Lime-Cilantro Butter
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe, vegetarian
If you’re looking for a more offbeat and exciting accompaniment to brisket, this easy side of cumin- and coriander-spiked roasted veggies fits the bill. Serve the whole dinner with basmati rice for a twist on a classic BBQ dinner that will really take you places.
Erin McDowell
27. Crispy Prosciutto-Wrapped Cauliflower Bites
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, <500 calories, special occasion-worthy
Offer up these salty prosciutto-wrapped morsels as an appetizer before the brisket is ready, or serve them as a side along with a hasselback sweet potato (see above). Either way, your guests will be so impressed.
Erin McDowell
28. Sweet Potato Salad
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make-ahead, <500 calories, crowd pleaser
Potato salad just got a Thanksgiving makeover, featuring pecans, cranberry and sage. It’s sweeter, for sure…but in more ways than one, since the sugar and spice play nicely with (you guessed it) brisket.
Aran Goyoaga
29. Fall Roasted Vegetable and Lentil Salad with Pine Nut Cream
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, vegan, special occasion-worthy
This combination of seasonal, roasted veggies and hearty legumes can stand up to beef like nobody’s business. Double up on the pine nut cream for brisket-dipping purposes.
Taylor Peden and Jen Munk/Cook This Book
30. Green Beans with Garlicky Pistachio Vinaigrette
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Green beans are green beans, but this garlicky pistachio vinaigrette is a flavor-enhancer that will make pretty much any vegetable dish or salad on the menu come to life.
Aubrie Pick/Kitchen Remix
31. Minty-Fresh Zucchini Salad with Marinated Feta
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes (+marinating time)
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make-ahead, low carb, vegetarian
Here, the palate-cleaning taste of fresh mint mingles with salty feta and summer-fresh zuke to make a particularly perky and blessedly healthy side dish that pairs well with most any kind of protein.
David Loftus/Ultimate Veg
32. Greens Mac and Cheese
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Ready to lean into comfort food? Jamie Oliver’s decadent mac and cheese recipe has enough greens to be guilt-free…but, you know, without losing the plot.
Katherine Gillen
33. Quick-Pickled Onions
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, vegetarian, <10 ingredients, make ahead
Precious few ingredients are required to whip up a condiment that’s dying to tango with the main course. Better still, most if not all of brisket’s menu buddies will benefit from the zingy, acidic boost, too.
Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell
34. Crock-Pot Corn Chowder
- Time Commitment: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: slow-cooker recipe, beginner-friendly, crowd pleaser
In addition to being a bowlful of creamy comfort, this Crock-Pot corn chowder allows you to set it and forget it so you can focus on turning out a tender cut of beef instead.
Chelsea Kyle/For the Table
35. Marinated White Bean and Tomato Salad
- Time Commitment: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <500 calories, <10 ingredients
Fresh, summery and surprisingly hearty, this combination of creamy canned cannellini beans and ripe tomatoes is a breeze to make and a winning match for brisket. (Make it when tomatoes are in season for best results.)
Photo: Eric Moran/Styling: Erin McDowell
36. Zucchini “Fries”
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe, kid-friendly
Much like green bean fries, these panko- and Parm-crusted zucchini fries are a highly snackable side that dinner guests are sure to devour.
