What Goes with Brisket Sandwiches? The Best Side Dishes and Pairings
Introduction to What Goes with Brisket Sandwiches
Brisket sandwiches are a hearty and flavorful main dish, but the right side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Whether you’re serving these sandwiches at a casual family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a special gathering, pairing them with complementary sides is key to creating a well-rounded and satisfying feast. When deciding what goes with brisket sandwiches, consider sides that balance the richness of the brisket, add a variety of textures, and enhance the overall flavor experience.
From classic comfort foods to fresh, vibrant salads, this guide will help you explore the best pairings for your brisket sandwiches. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional Southern-style spread or a more modern take with health-conscious options, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to satisfy your guests. Let’s dive into the top side dishes that perfectly complement brisket sandwiches and turn your meal into a memorable dining experience.
Benefits and Advantages of Pairing Brisket Sandwiches with the Right Sides
Choosing the right side dishes to serve with brisket sandwiches offers several benefits, including enhancing the meal’s flavor, texture, and presentation. Here’s why selecting the best accompaniments is so important:
1. Balance the Richness of Brisket
Brisket is a rich and flavorful cut of meat, often slow-cooked to achieve tender, juicy perfection. Pairing it with lighter, tangy, or fresh sides helps balance the meal. For instance, crisp coleslaw or a zesty vinegar-based salad can cut through the richness and provide contrast.
2. Add Variety in Texture and Flavor
A brisket sandwich offers hearty, savory notes, but adding sides like crunchy pickles, creamy potato salad, or roasted vegetables introduces diverse textures and flavors that keep the meal interesting. This variety ensures each bite offers something new, preventing the meal from becoming too heavy or monotonous.
3. Cater to Different Dietary Needs
Offering a range of sides allows you to accommodate different dietary preferences. From low-carb roasted veggies to gluten-free cornbread or vegan bean salads, you can cater to everyone’s needs while ensuring that each dish complements the main course.
4. Create a Themed Spread
The right sides help set the tone for your meal. Whether you’re aiming for a Southern-style barbecue, a casual picnic, or a festive holiday spread, side dishes can reinforce your chosen theme. Classic sides like baked beans and mac and cheese create a comforting, homestyle vibe, while grilled vegetables and quinoa salads offer a lighter, more contemporary feel.
5. Ease of Preparation and Versatility
Many of the best sides for brisket sandwiches are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. This allows you to focus on the brisket itself while knowing that your sides will come together effortlessly. Additionally, versatile sides like coleslaw or cornbread can be customized with different ingredients and flavors to suit your personal taste or seasonal availability.
Top Side Dishes: What Goes with Brisket Sandwiches?
Here’s a list of the top side dishes to consider when serving brisket sandwiches. These options cover a range of flavors, textures, and dietary needs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone at the table.
1. Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Classic
Coleslaw is a classic pairing for brisket sandwiches. The cool, crunchy texture and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. Opt for a vinegar-based slaw if you want something lighter, or go for a creamy version if you prefer a touch of indulgence. Coleslaw is also easy to customize with ingredients like shredded apples, raisins, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added flavor.
2. Baked Beans: Sweet and Savory Comfort
Baked beans are a traditional side dish in many barbecue settings, making them a perfect match for brisket sandwiches. Their sweet, smoky flavor complements the deep savory notes of the brisket. You can enhance your baked beans with extra bacon, onions, or even a dash of hot sauce to add a little kick. They’re also great for feeding a crowd, as they can be easily prepared in large batches.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy Indulgence
Few things pair better with barbecue brisket than creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. The rich, gooey cheese sauce contrasts beautifully with the smoky brisket. For added texture and flavor, consider topping your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or mixing in ingredients like roasted garlic, jalapeños, or smoked gouda.
4. Pickles: A Tart and Crunchy Bite
Pickles offer a sharp, acidic bite that cuts through the richness of the brisket, making them an ideal side for brisket sandwiches. Dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or even pickled jalapeños can add a crunchy, tangy element that livens up each bite. You can serve them on the side or even layer them directly onto the sandwich for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Cornbread: A Southern Staple
Cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and a soft, crumbly texture that pairs well with brisket sandwiches. You can bake it in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy edge or make it as muffins for easy portioning. For a savory twist, add ingredients like jalapeños, cheddar cheese, or green onions. Cornbread also pairs nicely with honey butter or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy accent.
6. Potato Salad: A Creamy, Hearty Side
Potato salad is another classic side dish that works well with brisket sandwiches. Whether you prefer a creamy mayonnaise-based potato salad or a lighter, tangy version with a vinaigrette dressing, this side adds a satisfying starch that rounds out the meal. For extra flavor, include mix-ins like bacon bits, dill, or hard-boiled eggs.
7. Grilled Vegetables: A Lighter, Flavorful Option
For a healthier option, consider serving grilled vegetables alongside your brisket sandwiches. Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and mushrooms take on a wonderful smoky flavor when grilled, complementing the brisket without overpowering it. Grilled veggies add a pop of color to your plate and can be dressed with a simple vinaigrette for added brightness.
8. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and Crisp
Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with brisket sandwiches, especially during warmer months. A mix of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy vinegar dressing creates a crisp, cool contrast to the rich brisket. Adding fresh dill or mint takes this simple salad to the next level.
9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and Savory Balance
Roasted sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet counterbalance to the savory brisket. Their caramelized edges and soft interior make them a comforting and nutrient-rich side. You can season them with cinnamon and honey for a sweeter version or go savory with rosemary, garlic, and smoked paprika.
10. Corn on the Cob: A Classic Barbecue Favorite
Corn on the cob is a summer staple that’s perfect for serving with brisket sandwiches. Grilled or boiled, corn adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch. For extra flavor, brush the corn with herb butter, sprinkle it with chili powder and lime juice, or roll it in crumbled cheese for a street corn-inspired twist.
How to Choose the Best Sides for Your Brisket Sandwiches
When deciding what goes with brisket sandwiches, keep these tips in mind:
1. Consider the Occasion:
For a casual cookout, stick to classic barbecue sides like baked beans and coleslaw. For a more upscale gathering, opt for gourmet options like truffle mac and cheese or roasted root vegetables.
2. Balance Flavors and Textures:
Since brisket is rich and tender, balance it out with sides that offer acidity, crunch, or freshness. Salads, pickles, and grilled veggies provide this balance and prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.
3. Accommodate Dietary Preferences:
Make sure to offer a variety of sides that cater to different dietary needs, such as gluten-free cornbread, vegan salads, or low-carb options like roasted vegetables.
4. Prepare in Advance:
Choose sides that can be made ahead of time or require minimal last-minute preparation. This allows you to focus on perfecting your brisket and assembling the sandwiches.
5. Complement Your Theme:
If you’re aiming for a Southern barbecue theme, traditional sides like cornbread and baked beans are a natural fit. For a more modern or global twist, incorporate sides like quinoa salad, couscous, or grilled pineapple.
Conclusion
The key to creating a memorable meal with brisket sandwiches lies in choosing sides that enhance and balance the flavors of the dish. From tangy coleslaw and creamy mac and cheese to crisp cucumber salad and sweet cornbread, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. Whether you stick to traditional pairings or experiment with something new, the right side dishes can turn your brisket sandwich meal into an unforgettable dining experience. So next time you’re serving brisket sandwiches, try out a few of these sides and watch your meal come together with flavors that complement each bite.