30 Simple and easy Thanksgiving brisket sides
It is the most wonderful time of the year and many of us are thinking ahead to Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you are planning on having Thanksgiving brisket, then you are probably already starting to think about what sides you may have with it.
What is traditionally served with brisket?
Traditionally, brisket is often served with the following accompaniments:
- Potato Salad: A classic side dish that complements the richness of brisket. Made with boiled and diced potatoes, mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressing, and garnished with ingredients like celery, pickles, onions, and herbs.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy salad made with shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed in a slightly sweet and creamy dressing. It provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savoury flavours of the brisket.
- Pickles: Pickles, whether dill or sweet, are a popular accompaniment to brisket. Their tanginess and crunch help cut through the richness of the meat, adding a zesty burst of flavour.
- Baked Beans: A classic BBQ side dish, baked beans complement the smokiness of the brisket. They can be made with navy beans, bacon, molasses, brown sugar, and spices, creating a hearty and flavorful addition to the meal.
- Cornbread: A Southern favourite, cornbread is a crumbly and slightly sweet bread that goes well with the robust flavours of brisket. It can be served as a side or used for sandwiches to make mini sliders.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, can add a charred and smoky flavour to the meal. Tossed in olive oil, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, they provide a lighter and healthier side option.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple and classic side dish that pairs well with brisket. Slathered with butter and sprinkled with salt, it adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of colour to the plate.
- Horseradish Sauce: A bold and tangy condiment, horseradish sauce is often served alongside brisket. Its sharp flavour adds a nice kick to the meat, enhancing its taste.
These are just a few traditional accompaniments to serve with brisket but feel free to customize your sides based on personal preferences and regional influences.
When it comes to Thanksgiving brisket sides, you may be looking for something a little more festive and there are numerous options to complement the flavorful and succulent meat. Here are a few traditional and delicious side dish ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side that pairs well with brisket. You can make them with butter, milk or cream, and season them with salt and pepper. You can incorporate roasted garlic, chives, or cheese for added flavour.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash can add colour and natural sweetness to your meal. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary, then roast in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic side dish combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It is a comforting and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving table that adds a pop of green and savoury goodness.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is a popular Southern side dish that complements brisket well. It is typically made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, buttermilk, and baking powder. Serve it warm with a slather of butter for a delightful treat.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce can help cut through the richness of the brisket. You can make a homemade version using fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Alternatively, you can use canned cranberry sauce if you prefer.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can bring a crunchy and vibrant element to your brisket meal. Consider a creamy coleslaw with mayonnaise or a vinegar-based dressing for a lighter touch.
- Baked Beans: Smoky and slightly sweet, baked beans are a hearty side dish that complements the flavours of brisket. You can make them from scratch using navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, and bacon or choose canned baked beans and add your own creative twist.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is another delectable side dish option. You can use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan, and bake until the top gets golden and crispy.
Remember to choose sides that not only complement the brisket but also incorporate a variety of flavours, textures, and colours to make your Thanksgiving meal well-rounded and satisfying.
If you are planning on having beef brisket as your main dish this festive season, you are making a great choice and we have lots of suggestions for an easy side dish to accompany it. Whether you are looking to use your slow cooker, pressure cooker or any of the other different ways to cook your side, we know that some of these suggestions down below are going to be the perfect crowd-pleaser for your special occasion.
30 Simple and easy Thanksgiving brisket sides
30 Simple and easy Thanksgiving brisket sides
Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls are perfectly portioned and a great alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving dressing. Soft and savory on the inside, and crispy on the outside, they’re bursting with flavor and absolutely delicious!
Whole Roast Buttercup Squash (or Any Winter Squash)
Whole Roast Buttercup Squash (or Any Winter Squash) is super easy if you bake it in one piece. Just wash and pop in the oven. When it’s done it will cut with a butter knife!
Healthy Cornbread Muffins
These cornbread muffins are lightly sweetened with honey, plus are moist and have a light and fluffy texture. The perfect side dish!
Sauteed Cabbage and Sauerkraut
My Sautéed Cabbage and Sauerkraut is an even tastier version of my Grandma's Southern Fried Cabbage. It's an easy way to add so much flavor to your plate and delicious with beef, pork, or poultry!
Savory Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pork Rind Crumble
Fluffy, tender, savory twice baked sweet potatoes get topped with a dusting of crispy, salty pork rinds and chives. This salty sweet combo is unstoppable and perfect for your next dinner party!
Honey Roasted Carrots
This recipe for honey roasted carrots is whole carrots, bathed in honey and seasonings, then roasted over high heat until tender and caramelized. A super easy yet elegant side dish!
Green Bean Salad
This cold green bean salad is packed with Italian flavours and so easy to make. Easy to adapt with other ingredients, this is a quick and fresh salad you are going to fall in love with. A new and delicious way to use this vegetable.
Beetroot Salad with Vegan Feta
Our Festive and Healthy Beetroot Salad topped with Vegan Feta Cheese and drizzled with a delicious Balsamic Vinaigrette, checks all the boxes to be on your special menus for this Holiday season.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha
Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts are unbelievably easy, healthy, and packed with yummy flavour. Whenever these roasted Brussels Sprouts are on the dinner table, they disappear fast.
Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes is a traditional Southern side that pairs with all sorts of classic main dishes. It is easy to make, affordable, and perfect for serving up at Sunday suppers, special occasions, and holiday meals.
Garlic Butter Instant Pot Red Potatoes - Budget Delicious
Looking for a simple and comforting side dish you can quickly whip up for as a side for any meal? This dump and start garlic butter Instant Pot Red Potatoes ticks all the boxes and is ready in less than 25 minutes!
Air Fryer Latkes
Air fryer latkes are a finger food fun to serve with brisket. Shredded potatoes crispy on the outside you can pick up and eat
Gruyere Mac and Cheese with French Onion Crust Recipe
This baked Gruyere Mac and Cheese is topped with a combination of buttery panko, parmesan, and crushed-up French onions. Loaded with three types of cheese and this baked mac and cheese is creamy perfection! The best kind of comfort food for the holiday!
Autumn Harvest Salad with Pomegranates
This Autumn Harvest Salad uses the beautiful produce available as the months start to get colder, such as delicata squash, kale, and pomegranates, as well as farro and goat cheese to make a hearty cold weather salad. Then it is all tossed together with a maple apple cider vinaigrette!
Cheesy Air Fryer Potatoes Recipe
Air Fryer Potatoes are tossed in ranch seasoning and air fried to perfection. Topped with mozzarella cheese and broiled for a cheesy twist!
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Filled with bacon, vegetables and herbs, this Southern Cornbread Dressing is a deliciously moist side dish that deserves to be on every holiday table!
Bacon Green Beans
Bacon Green Beans are so easy and have so much flavor with an amazing bacon butter and garlic sauce! Use fresh, canned or frozen green beans to make simple side dish and complete any meal!
Harissa Maple Sweet Potato Tian
This show-stopping side dish is a fun twist on typical Thanksgiving fare. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are combined with a spicy North African chilli paste and sweet maple syrup, then baked in a traditional French style to get a crispy top. This Harissa Maple Sweet Potato Tian is fusion food at its finest.
Carrot Souffle
The carrot souffle is a favorite holiday dish that everyone loves. The fluffy texture and fall flavors are perfect for Thanksgiving.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes in Oven with Feta Dipping Sauce
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are roasted till golden and have an enticing crunch. Serve with a creamy Feta Dipping Sauce for a delicious and impressive appetizer or side dish.
Buttery Herb Stuffing Recipe
This is the classic traditional stuffing recipe that everyone loves! It’s so simple, easy, and delicious – a must on everyone’s Thanksgiving dinner table. You will love the flavors of this buttery, custardy, and herby stuffing that is never dry nor soggy.
Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
These Hasselback potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes that are roasted to golden brown perfection, then topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream and green onions. An easy yet impressive side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken and beef!
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Smoked Cheesy loaded potatoes are similar to a load baked potatoes and pair amazingly with red meats!
Roasted Root Vegetables with Honey-Dijon Drizzle
Oven-roasting adds so much depth of flavor to sweet carrots, nutty parsnips and fluffy red potatoes … plus those yummy, toasty brown edges! A little Honey-Dijon Drizzle brings all the autumn veggie flavors together, and is extra-delightful alongside savory, hearty brisket!
Roasted Turnip And Garlic Mash
This deliciously buttery mash recipe is rich and creamy in flavor, made with turnips and garlic that are oven roasted until golden and sweet. The perfect bed to serve some juicy brisket on!
Baked Green Bean Fries (Easy Green Bean Appetizer)
These baked Green Bean Fries are crispy and ready for dipping sauce. Eat this healthy side dish or green bean appetizer with your fingers!
Creamed Spinach Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less.
Learn how to make creamed spinach with cream cheese in minutes! This easy creamed spinach recipe is rich and creamy, with simple ingredients.
Delicious and creamy scalloped potatoes recipe (gluten-free)
This recipe for scalloped potatoes with heavy cream or au gratin potatoes is foolproof and everyone will love it.
Easy Pesto-Roasted Potatoes
These are called easy for a reason! Potatoes tossed with savory pesto and roasted until tender, then topped with some grated pecorino cheese and broiled until crispy is a fun and delicious addition to most any meal.
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
These roasted potatoes and carrots are coated in butter, garlic and herbs, then cooked until golden brown and tender. An easy and economical side dish that pairs well with chicken, beef and seafood.
If you are planning ahead or maybe even cooking for a crowd for the first time, lots of these suggestions above are easy sides to compliment your brisket. To save yourself a little stress though, it is worth stocking up on some essentials, should you change your mind or have last-minute guests.
Tomato sauce – Not only great for lots of the easy sides above but can be adapted to many other dishes too.
Fresh herbs – Always add that little bit extra to a dish and a perfect choice for so many mains and side dishes.
Potatoes – Whether you are making the perfect potato dish such as potato skins or creamy mash or going for something such as a potato salad, these are so versatile, that they are a must in any household.
Fresh veggies – Not only great in salads, roasted or even in a sauce, but they are also great to add to things such as a coleslaw recipe or even soup!
Don’t forget that smoky brisket is the ultimate comfort food the next day too, try serving it with some of the delicious side dishes above or even simple green beans. It doesn’t need to be complicated, as long as it is done the right way, you can enjoy food heaven for a few more days with minimal effort!
If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to check out our other great posts such as:
Slow cooker beef stew and dumplings
