Making brisket for Thanksgiving instead of (or in addition to) roasting a turkey? Although many traditional Thanksgiving sides still go wonderfully with both brisket and turkey, you may want to make some changes to that “traditional” menu to select dishes that will perfectly complement your brisket.
The secret to a successful Thanksgiving dinner is planning ahead. Knowing which dishes you want to make, what you can make ahead of time, and how you’re going to organize day-of preparation and execution can help you feel more in control of your holiday plans. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food or dishes with modern twists, here are some of my favorite ideas for your Thanksgiving brisket sides.
Why You Should Serve Beef Brisket for Thanksgiving
Brisket is a great choice for Thanksgiving dinner, whether you’re serving it alongside a roasted turkey or in place of one. Hearty, delicious, and cozy, brisket goes so well with a wide variety of dishes, making it easy to build a menu around. The richness of the brisket pairs with the richness of other delicious traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Plus, everyone loves it! It’d be a great choice for your Thanksgiving feast this year.
The Best Thanksgiving Brisket Side Dishes
Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t Thanksgiving dinner without a bevy of delicious side dishes. These dishes range from cozy and comforting to light and fresh, but all are super flavorful and pair oh so well with brisket.
1. Scalloped Squash
Although scalloped potatoes might be what you’re used to, this scalloped squash recipe is a great way to change things up and incorporate more veggies into your Thanksgiving meal.
2. Roasted Veggies with Herb Gremolata
Roasted vegetables are the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving meal, no matter what you’re serving as your main dish. This gorgeous dish includes a bright, fresh herb gremolata to balance the rich flavor of the brisket and other heavier wintry sides.
3. Fall Harvest Salad
It might be controversial, but a fresh green salad is a great option for Thanksgiving dinner. It doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of some of those once-a-year dishes that everyone loves, but when you’re feeling weighed down by all of the rich flavors on the table, you’ll be glad to have something lighter.
4. Leeky Rice
Everything Thanksgiving spread needs a delicious, carby side. This leeky rice combines a few simple ingredients into the perfect pairing for your tender brisket.
5. Baharat Roasted Squash
Easy side dishes for the win! This flavorful roasted squash dish couldn’t be simpler, which is frankly just what you need on a busy holiday.
6. Beet Salad
I love salads for healthier options alongside plenty of classic side dishes in a holiday dinner spread. This beet salad is earthy and perfect for fall, while also providing great flavor and texture contrast to the Thanksgiving brisket.
7. Pomegranate Blistered Green Beans
These pomegranate-blistered green beans will be one of your new favorite recipes. This delicious combo of pomegranate molasses, garlic, and the smoky flavor from the blistered green beans is the perfect accompaniment to your brisket meal.
8. Dilly Beans
Looking for something simple but delicious? You’re in the right place. These dilly beans are one of my favorite side dishes because they’re so versatile and easy to make. They’re a great addition to just about any holiday meal.
9. Modern Day Tzimmes
This easy recipe is a real crowd pleaser, putting a bit of a twist on the classic dish. It’s packed with so much flavor and gorgeous vibrant colors that will really pop on your holiday table.
10. Roasted Carrots with Herb Wash
Roasted carrots can be served all different ways, but this herb wash really takes them to the next level. The spiced and roasted carrots are tossed with an herb wash made from fresh parsley and other herbs, then sprinkled with sunflower seeds for a little bit of crunch at the end. Delish.
11. Braised Cabbage
Any big cooking holiday needs at least one “set it and forget it” kind of dish. That’s this cabbage. It’s a simple dish that you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
12. Sesame Silan Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a must at Thanksgiving and these are more special than your average sweet potato casserole. You’ve got to try them.
13. Warm Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
A kick of something spicy is a great choice for Thanksgiving or any other meal where you know you’ll be serving lots of heavy, rich foods. The spice from this salad (or any other spicy dish) will help cut through the fat of some of the other dishes on your table, striking a perfect balance.
14. Shaved Brussels Salad with Maple Curry Vinaigrette
This is a great recipe for those looking for something that might be a little different than what they normally make. Full of warming spices and classic fall flavors, this shaved Brussels salad is a bit of a labor of love (though you can buy pre-shredded Brussels sprouts or shred them in your food processor for an easier prep).
15. Balsamic Garlic Broccolini
Simple yet classic, this delicious recipe will be a hit amongst your guests this year.
16. Radicchio Salad with Pears and Roasted Eggplant
This side dish, like spicy or tangy side dishes, will also help cut through the richness of other dishes and give your meal some balance. The mix of fresh vegetables and fruit with roasted eggplant is delicious. The bitter radicchio and sweet pear are a great pairing with your main course.
17. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Dates
Earthy Brussels sprouts and sweet dates go so well together. This dish is quick and easy, as all the best sides are.
18. White Wine Braised Brussels Sprouts with “Bacon” and Raisins
Topped off with crisp bacon (made from beef) and sweet raisins, these white wine-braised Brussels sprouts are an elevated veggie side that everyone will love.
How to Select Thanksgiving Brisket Sides
When you’re planning a menu for a holiday meal or party, you want to make sure you’re thinking about it as a whole, instead of just thinking about individual recipes you might want to serve. For a meal centered around brisket, you’ll want to aim for flavors and textures that are different from what you’re getting from the brisket. Think: tart or spicy flavors to cut through the brisket’s rich flavor, and crunchy dishes that will provide a contrast to the tender meat.
Plus, you may want to break up some of the heaviness of a holiday meal with lighter, brighter sides like leafy salads and roasted vegetables. The perfect holiday dinner menu takes a lot of planning!
Thanksgiving Menu Tips
- Prep Ahead of Time: Tons of Thanksgiving dishes can be prepared (or even fully cooked) ahead of time. Sit down and plan your timeline for prepping and cooking everything so that you can take advantage of anything that’s well-suited to being made ahead of time. Then you’ll be able to spend more time focusing on last-minute cooking the day of.
- Select Dishes Thoughtfully: Although it can be tempting to choose whatever sounds good without giving it too much thought, making sure you have a complete menu with different tastes and textures will make the meal more delicious and satisfying.
- Let the Brisket Shine: The brisket is the star of your show. Don’t overpower the brisket by choosing sides that compete with it. Let the brisket shine on your Thanksgiving table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I serve with my Thanksgiving brisket?
There are so many great options for Thanksgiving brisket sides. Try a green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, dilly green beans, scalloped squash, and more.
What’s the best way to keep brisket tender after cooking?
To keep your Thanksgiving brisket moist and tender after cooking, you’ll want to be sure to give it time to rest before slicing it up. Then, when you’re ready to slice, you want to slice against the grain. Slicing with the grain will make the meat tough and stringy—not what you want.
Can I make Thanksgiving brisket sides ahead of time?
You can make many of your Thanksgiving side dishes ahead of time and then simply finish cooking them or reheat them the day of so that they’re ready to serve. This makes Thanksgiving Day cooking so much less stressful and hectic because you’ve already done a lot of work ahead of time.
These side dishes—a mix of classics and dishes with modern twists—are the perfect things to serve alongside your Thanksgiving brisket. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or having a quiet family meal, these sides are sure to be crowd-pleasers
Hey, I’m Dini Klein. I’m a cookbook author (you can shop my book here!) food host, former private chef, wife, and mama to some cute and very energetic kids.
Prep + Rally™ is my solution to getting a wholesome dinner on the table on those busy week nights when juggling mommy-ing and work life feels almost impossible. Prep + Rally is the system helping busy moms all over the world get through it with ease!
