Smoking a whole beef brisket, also called whole packer brisket, is a labor of love. And while it may take up the majority of the daylight hours to let the low and slow cooking method work its magic, you are rewarded with one of the most robust, beefy, smokey, and savory delights known to humankind. But when the sun sets and your hungry gathering, teased by the smell of smoke all day, is ready to feast, there's one last question to answer—what should you serve with smoked brisket? Continue reading this article to learn the perfect brisket sides to please the masses and complement your meat masterpiece.

Brisket Sides Worthy of Sharing a Plate With the Main Course

We've all been there before. You're invited to a backyard barbecue and the host spends all day making sure the smoker is dialed into the proper temperature so the meat comes out perfect, but the sides are a complete afterthought. If you're like us, you vow to not make the same mistake the next time you have a gathering.

Because it's such a rich entree, sometimes it's difficult to know what to serve with smoked brisket. You don't want something that will be overpowered by the deep smokey and savory flavors, but you don't want to risk stealing its meaty thunder either. In these instances, we recommend:

Potatoes

Whole smoked brisket with potatoes is as much an American classic as white T-shirts with blue jeans. Even better, there's a virtually endless variety of potato dishes to serve with smoked brisket. One of the best ways to make sure your brisket sides pair well with the beef is to find flavors that harmonize with the rub.

If you like to keep your rubs simple, like salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper, sweet potatoes are an excellent and healthy counterbalance. You'll also never go wrong with buttery mashed potatoes. We recommend adding a few sour cream dollops to make the mash even smoother and give it a little more flavor. And if you smoke an American Wagyu Brisket, all the extra juices the vast marbling produces are better than any gravy you can find.

Other delicious potato-based dishes to serve with smoked brisket are:

• Potato salad
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Scalloped potatoes
• Cowboy potatoes
• Tater tots
• Potato skins

Corn

Like potatoes, corn is a brisket side that never disappoints. It can be served with smoked brisket in various ways, but few are more delicious than elotes or Mexican street corn, as it is commonly called. The sweetness, creaminess, and sourness from the splash of lime come to life when paired with the salty, peppery, and smoky flavors of whole beef brisket.

As the grill master, you're sure to enjoy how easy corn on the cob is to prepare. Just add it directly to your smoker for an easy and tasty side. This allows you to spend more time mingling with your family and friends.

Additional ways to prepare corn as a brisket side include:

• Creamed corn
• Corn casserole
• Corn salsa
• Cornbread
• Corn pudding

Hearty and Heavy

Some days are made for indulging in the finer things in life. Diets and good decisions need a vacation too. In these instances, it's best to go with tried and true comfort foods. Mac and cheese is a great brisket side because it can be prepped ahead of time and finished in the oven while your beef is on the grill. Or, to add another depth of flavor, put it on the smoker and let the smoke enliven the gooey cheese's taste.

Baked beans are almost as foundational to barbecue as whole beef brisket is itself. You can customize your bean recipe to incorporate the rub's flavors or work in contrasting flavors and textures for a more interesting experience. Whether you're highlighting brown sugar and bacon or jalapeño and onion, we have one essential tip to take your beans to the next level: put the pot under your brisket as it smokes and let the juices drip in. One more tip, make extra to serve with smoked brisket because it'll go fast.

Lighter and Brighter

If you believe that opposites attract, then fresh fruits and vegetables may be the perfect dish to serve with smoked brisket. Grilled fruits, like pineapple and peach, add a sweetness that masterfully counters the richness of the beef. Fresh fruit salads, chocked full of grapes, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries dance on your palate and benefit from being a healthy brisket side.

Going green with brisket sides also adds freshness and a healthy element to backyard barbecues. Some of our favorite vegetables to use as side dishes for brisket are:

• Grilled, roasted, or steamed asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Sweet and hot peppers
• Green beans
• Cucumbers with vinegar and onions
• Brazilian tomato slaw
• Medley of summer squash, bell peppers, corn, onion, and zucchini tossed in olive oil

Great Brisket Sides Deserve Good Silver's Premium American Wagyu Whole Beef Brisket

There's no better cut than Good Silver Steak Co.'s American Wagyu when it comes to a whole packer brisket. If you've never had the pleasure of biting into one of our marvelously marbled, tantalizingly tender, and shockingly savory briskets, we urge you to give it a try.

We are proud to offer the highest quality beef, made by cross-breeding premium American and Japanese cattle. Along with roast-sized and whole beef brisket, we offer a large selection of American Wagyu steaks, roasts, ribs, burgers, and bones. Visit our shop to choose your preferred cut or try a new favorite. If you can't decide on just one, we also offer sampler and bulk beef packs that let you experience the melt-in-your-mouth difference American Wagyu makes.