Christmas is a time for gathering with family and enjoying delicious meals. One of the most popular main dishes for holiday celebrations is brisket, but what about the sides?
Side dishes are a crucial part of any meal, and Christmas brisket calls for some tasty options.
Here is the scoop on the best Christmas brisket sides!
What is Brisket?
Savory brisket is a tougher cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of a cow. It's often cooked for a long time to break down the connective tissue, resulting in a tender and juicy dish. Brisket is popular in Jewish holidays and barbecues but also makes for a delicious Christmas dinner main course.
The best way to make brisket is on a smoker, and you can get one from Amazon for no additional cost of shipping.
Making Your Brisket
When cooking brisket, it's best to use a flat cut and slow cook with high heat. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, slice the top of the brisket before transferring to a roasting pan or slow cooker.
If you are making your brisket in a smoker, be sure to keep the fat side down. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, transfer brisket to your serving tray.
Don't forget to save those tasty browned bits in the pan, they make for great additions to any side dish. Check out this beef brisket recipe to start making yours today!
Whether you are making your brisket to devour at Christmas dinner, or you plan to make brisket sandwiches with your leftover brisket the next day, a flat cut brisket is delicious!
Now, let's get to the best brisket side dishes!
Best Christmas Brisket Sides
1. Sour Cream Potato Skins
A great potato side and choice for a crispy and creamy side dish, potato skins are a crowd pleaser. Using a slow cooker or air fryer to cook the thin slices of potato skins, top with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions for a tasty bite.
2. Green Beans
A delicious holiday side dish, garlic green beans are cooked with sliced garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a little heat. Top with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
3. Potato Salad
This potato dish is a classic that goes well with any main, including Christmas brisket. Use red potatoes, add diced celery, and green onion, and top with a tangy dressing. Option to add in hard boiled eggs or bacon bits for additional flavor.
4. Corn Pudding
When it comes to Christmas brisket sides, corn pudding is a great choice for a comforting and creamy dish. Mix together corn, eggs, milk, butter, and seasonings before baking until golden brown and set.
5. Brazilian Tomato Slaw
If you're looking to add a bit of brightness to your Christmas brisket meal, try this Brazilian tomato slaw. Mix together tomatoes, onions, vinegar, parsley, and jalapeno for a fresh side dish.
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic Christmas brisket side dish, and can be easily made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Mix together beans, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, diced onions, and bacon for a delicious side dish.
7. Roast Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural flavors and add some color to your Christmas brisket meal. Mix together carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, some green vegetables, and parsnips with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender and serve!
8. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Herb Dressing
Hard-boiled eggs may not be the first choice that comes to mind for Christmas brisket sides, but they add a tasty protein-packed option. Top with a homemade or store-bought herb dressing for added flavor.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish. Mash them up with some butter, garlic, and brown sugar for a sweet and savory Christmas brisket side dish.
10. Asparagus with Lemon Juice and Rosemary
Another great choice of the best side dishes for Christmas brisket, asparagus pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and rosemary before roasting in the oven for a delicious Christmas side dish. Bonus points if you add some Parmesan cheese on top!
11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add some vibrant color to your Christmas brisket sides with roasted brussels sprouts. Roast them in bacon grease for added flavor, and top with shredded Parmesan cheese for a tasty Christmas side dish.
12. Broccoli Salad
This easy side dish adds some crunchy texture to the meal with broccoli, bacon bits, and red onion. Mix in a creamy dressing made from mayo, sugar, and white vinegar, and top with dried cranberries for a sweet touch.
13. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of our favorite things to pair with Christmas brisket. Use butter, milk, and plenty of salt and pepper for a creamy and comforting side dish. Top with some shredded cheese or chives for added flavor to this easy recipe.
14. Carrots with Brown Sugar and Butter
If you're looking for a sweet and savory Christmas brisket side, try out this carrot dish. Cook carrots in butter and brown sugar until tender, then top with a touch of salt and pepper.
15. Cheesy Garlic Bread
What goes better with a savory dish like Christmas brisket than cheesy garlic bread? Use your favorite store-bought or homemade bread, top with butter, garlic, and shredded cheese. Place under the broiler for a warm and gooey side dish.
16. Braised Red Cabbage
For a flavorful Christmas brisket side, try braising red cabbage with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a touch of salt and pepper. The result is a tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket.
17. Mac and Cheese
No holiday meal is complete without a creamy and cheesy side dish, and what better option than mac and cheese? Use your favorite recipe or go for a store bought version, then add in bacon bits or diced jalapenos for an extra kick.
18. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These fries are the perfect side dish for the holiday season. Cut sweet potatoes into fry shapes, toss in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook in the air fryer until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
19. Cornbread Stuffing
No Christmas meal is complete without some stuffing, and cornbread stuffing adds a unique twist. Mix together cornbread, vegetables, herbs, and broth before baking in the oven until golden brown and crispy on top. Serve alongside your Christmas brisket for a delicious holiday meal.
20. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a staple Christmas side dish, and goes well with Christmas brisket. Mix together green beans, a creamy soup base, and crispy fried onions before baking until hot and bubbly. Serve as is, or top with shredded cheese for added flavor.
21. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite, but it's also a delicious addition to your Christmas brisket meal. Use your Instant Pot to quickly cook the corn, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and black pepper for a tasty side dish. Bonus points if you add some chili powder or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
22. Baked Apples
For a sweet addition to your Christmas brisket meal, try out baked apples. Core apples and fill with a mixture of brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and butter before baking in the oven until tender. Serve as is, or top with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
23. Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Add some creamy texture to your Christmas brisket sides with this corn casserole. Mix together corn, cream cheese, green onions, and a bit of sugar with a wooden spoon before baking until hot and bubbly. Top with shredded cheese for an added touch of flavor.
24. Gravy
Over medium heat, melt butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in flour until well combined, then slowly add in beef broth while continuously stirring. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a delicious addition to your Christmas brisket.
25. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Cut thick slices of bacon and wrap around asparagus spears before cooking in the oven until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve as a delicious and unique side dish for your Christmas brisket.
26. Garlic Knots
Another dinner party side that your whole family will love, garlic knots are a delicious addition to your Christmas brisket meal. Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, roll into knot shapes, then brush with garlic butter before baking in the oven until golden brown.
Serve warm with marinara or tomato sauce for dipping. They are a great comfort food!
27. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and healthy addition to your Christmas brisket meal. Cut cauliflower into florets, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast in the oven until tender and slightly crispy. Serve as is, or top with Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
28. Honey Glazed Carrots
Add some sweetness to your Christmas brisket meal with honey glazed carrots. Cook sliced carrots on the stove until tender, then add a mixture of honey, butter, and your favorite seasonings. Cook these basic ingredients until well coated and serve as a delicious side dish.
29. Creamed Spinach
Sauté some spinach in a pan with garlic, then stir in cream cheese until well combined and hot. Serve as a creamy and delicious side dish for your Christmas brisket.
30. Fried Rice
There are so many different ways to make fried rice, so pick your favorite recipes! Whether it's chicken fried rice, shrimp fried rice, or vegetable fried rice, this classic dish is a delicious addition to your Christmas brisket meal.
31. Buttermilk Biscuits
It is not a complete meal without delicious biscuits! Use a store bought mix or make them from scratch, either way they are the perfect side dish for your Christmas brisket. Serve warm with butter or at room temperature.
32. Ground Beef and Potatoes
Brown ground beef on the stove, then add diced potatoes and cook until tender. Season with your favorite spices and serve as a hearty side dish for your Christmas brisket.
33. Sweet Potato Casserole
Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon before topping with a mixture of crushed pecans and brown sugar.
34. Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with your favorite vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Add a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a delicious side dish.
35. Succotash
Sauté corn, lima beans, and diced bell peppers in olive oil before seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve as a tasty side dish for your Christmas brisket.
With just a little time making this simple recipe, your taste buds will love you!
36. Broccoli Salad
Mix together broccoli florets, raisins, bacon bits, red onion, and sunflower seeds with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. Serve as a great addition to your Christmas brisket meal.
37. Roasted Parsnips
Toss parsnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting in the oven until tender. This is one of the most tasty side dishes that will complement your main dish.
38. Onion Rings
For a delicious and indulgent side dish, fry sliced onion rings until crispy and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. These are the perfect addition to your Christmas brisket meal.
39. Coleslaw
Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and your favorite seasonings for a classic side dish. The end result is one of the best sides for your dinner table!
40. Bok Choy
There is no better way to celebrate a holiday dinner than with a delicious side dish like bok choy. This traditional dish is best when stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve as a tasty addition to your Christmas brisket meal.
41. Slow Cooker Beans
Throw some canned beans in the slow cooker with bacon, onions, and your favorite seasonings for a tasty and easy side dish. Serve alongside your Christmas brisket for a complete meal.
42. Grilled Egg Plant
Slice eggplant and brush with olive oil before grilling until tender. Serve as a tasty and healthy side dish for your Christmas brisket meal. It's sure to be a hit with all of your guests!
43. Candied Yams
Sliced yams are cooked in a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon before being topped with marshmallows and baked until gooey and delicious. This sweet and indulgent side dish is the perfect addition to your Christmas brisket meal.
44. Cranberry Sauce
Make your own homemade cranberry sauce or use a store-bought version for an easy side dish. Serve it alongside your Christmas brisket for a festive and tasty meal.
45. Sauteed Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and butter for a tasty side dish. This delicious side dish is sure to please your guests. It will be the best part of your meal.
Final Thoughts
That is the scoop on the best Christmas brisket sides! The first step to making a holiday meal is planning out your dishes, so we hope this list helps.
If it is your first time cooking brisket, you may want to stick to different side dishes that you know how to make. Remember that slow cooks are the most important part of making brisket.
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