Brisket at Thanksgiving is something more people should try. Whether you’re serving it alongside a turkey or letting it take center stage, it makes for a seriously satisfying holiday meal — and not everyone is a turkey fan anyway.
The good news is brisket pairs well with most classic Thanksgiving sides — think mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cornbread, and baked beans — plus plenty of lighter vegetable dishes to balance things out. Here are our favorite sides to serve alongside your Thanksgiving brisket
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Bacon Mac and Cheese
Classic mac and cheese elevated with crispy bacon throughout and baked until golden and bubbling. A rich, indulgent Thanksgiving side that’s hard to resist alongside brisket.
Recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese
Grilled Garlic Bread
Crusty bread slathered in garlic butter and grilled until perfectly golden and smoky. An essential side for soaking up every last bit of brisket drippings on the plate.
Recipe: Grilled Garlic Bread
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, baked until golden on top. A Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser that holds its own next to even the most impressive main.
Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Cornbread
Soft, slightly sweet cornbread cooked on the grill for a smoky, golden crust. A warm, comforting Thanksgiving side that rounds out any brisket spread perfectly.
Recipe: Grilled Cornbread
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Tender potatoes smoked low and slow, then smothered in a gooey blend of sharp and medium cheddar. Rich, comforting, and the kind of side that steals the show at the Thanksgiving table.
Recipe: Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Baked Queso Dip
A rich and gooey blend of cream cheese, fontina, white cheddar, and pepper jack baked until golden and bubbling. A great pre-dinner appetizer to keep guests happy while the brisket rests.
Recipe: Baked Queso Dip
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Ultra creamy and cheesy with a crispy top, taken to another level with a hint of smoke. A BBQ all-rounder that belongs on every Thanksgiving brisket table.
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers with a crispy exterior and gooey cream cheese center. A fiery pre-dinner bite that keeps the crowd happy while the brisket finishes up.
Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Grilled Broccoli
Broccoli florets tossed in olive oil and grilled until lightly charred and tender. A simple, no-fuss vegetable side that adds color and freshness to the Thanksgiving plate.
Recipe: Grilled Broccoli
Baked Sweet Potatoes
A whole sweet potato baked until fluffy and tender with naturally caramelized skin. A wholesome Thanksgiving classic that adds a touch of sweetness alongside smoky brisket.
Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Tender carrots grilled and finished with rich browned butter for a sweet, nutty depth of flavor. A simple but elegant Thanksgiving vegetable side.
Recipe: Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Smoked Baked Beans
Rich, smoky baked beans slow cooked until thick and full of deep BBQ flavor. A hearty Thanksgiving side that pairs perfectly with sliced brisket.
Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans
Grilled and Smoked Zucchini
Zucchini grilled and smoked until tender with a light char. A lighter vegetable option that balances out the richness of the Thanksgiving spread.
Recipe: Grilled Smoked Zucchini
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy, golden parmesan-crusted potatoes made in the air fryer in minutes. An easy, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side that requires almost no effort.
Loaded Baked Potato Slices
Tender baked potato slices topped with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. A fun, crowd-friendly Thanksgiving side that’s easy to prep ahead.
Garlic Butter Smoked Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn smoked low and slow and finished with garlic butter for a rich, smoky flavor. A Thanksgiving BBQ table isn’t complete without it.
Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob
Roasted Eggplant with Lemon
Small fairytale eggplants roasted until caramelized and sweet, finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon. A light, elegant vegetable side to balance the richness of the brisket.
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
A refreshing coleslaw pasta salad with creamy dressing and satisfying crunch. A great make-ahead Thanksgiving side that cuts through the richness of smoked brisket.
Easy Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Soft, pull-apart sourdough rolls perfect for mopping up every last drop of brisket juices. A Thanksgiving table essential.
Smoked Cornbread
Classic cornbread given a smoky twist on the smoker for a golden, lightly crispy crust. A warm, comforting Thanksgiving side that pairs perfectly with brisket.
Recipe: Smoked Cornbread
Slow Cooker Dauphinoise Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes slow cooked in rich cream until melt-in-your-mouth tender. An unctuously delicious Thanksgiving side that practically makes itself.
Slow Cooker Dauphinoise Potatoes
Radish Slaw
A fresh, crunchy radish slaw with herbs and a light dressing. A bright, palate-cleansing side that balances the smoky richness of Thanksgiving brisket.
Smoked Broccoli
Broccoli florets smoked until lightly charred and tender with a rich, smoky depth of flavor. A simple, healthy vegetable side for the Thanksgiving spread.
Recipe: Smoked Broccoli
Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Tender, fluffy potatoes with golden-brown spots cooked in foil packets on the grill. An easy, hands-off Thanksgiving side that pairs well with just about everything on the table.
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Vanilla Dressing
Sweet grapes tossed in a creamy, vanilla-kissed cream cheese dressing. A refreshing, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side that offers a sweet contrast to smoky brisket.
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Vanilla Dressing
Deviled Eggs with Bacon
Perfectly cooked eggs stuffed with a creamy filling and topped with crispy bacon. A classic Thanksgiving appetizer that’s always one of the first things to disappear.
Easy Corn on the Cob in the Husk
Corn steamed inside its husk until juicy, sweet, and full of natural flavor. One of the easiest Thanksgiving sides you can make with almost zero effort.
Easy Corn on the Cob in the Husk
Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon
Rich, slow-cooked baked beans with deep molasses flavor and crispy bacon. A hearty, slightly sweet Thanksgiving side that complements brisket beautifully.
Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon
Blue Cheese Potato Salad
A bold upgrade on classic potato salad — loaded with blue cheese, bacon, and green onion. A flavorful, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side with a bit of attitude.
Jiffy Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Classic Jiffy cornbread mix loaded with jalapeños, cheddar, and buttermilk and baked into golden muffins. A spicy, cheesy Thanksgiving side that pairs perfectly with smoked brisket.
Jiffy Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Skillet Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust
Creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese in a cast iron skillet, topped with a crispy crushed Cheez-It crust. An indulgent Thanksgiving side that takes comfort food to the next level.
Skillet Mac and Cheese with Cheez-It Crust
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Sweet corn grilled in foil until perfectly tender and juicy, finished with jalapeño lime aioli and parmesan. A bold, flavorful Thanksgiving BBQ side ready in just 20 minutes.
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Kale Slaw
Sweet, tangy, and crunchy kale slaw with a light dressing. A fresh, make-ahead Thanksgiving side that balances out a rich, smoky brisket spread perfectly.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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