A brisket sandwich is a BBQ classic that pairs perfectly with a variety of delicious sides, toppings, and drinks. Choosing the right accompaniments enhances the brisket sandwich experience, bringing out the best in its smoky, tender flavor. This guide covers everything you need to know about what goes well with brisket sandwiches, from classic sides to unique toppings and perfect drink pairings.
Introduction: The Power of Pairings
Brisket sandwiches have a distinct appeal in BBQ cuisine. Known for their rich, smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, they are an undeniable favorite. But adding the right accompaniments takes this classic to new heights. By pairing brisket sandwiches with complementary sides, toppings, and beverages, you can create a well-rounded, memorable meal that balances flavors and textures.
Classic Side Dishes for Brisket Sandwiches
Certain side dishes have stood the test of time as ideal pairings for brisket sandwiches. Baked beans, rich with smoky flavor, enhance the hearty taste of brisket. Adding bacon or a hint of maple syrup adds layers of depth. Another classic, coleslaw, brings a cool, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tenderness of brisket. Whether creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw’s refreshing bite complements the sandwich’s smoky richness. For more ideas, check out these classic coleslaw recipes that offer a variety of styles.
Another crowd-pleaser, potato salad, is a smooth, hearty side that pairs perfectly with BBQ meats. The traditional creamy version provides richness, while a mustard-based or vinegar-based potato salad adds a tangy option for those seeking lighter flavors. For a similar creamy contrast, macaroni salad is an excellent choice, adding a bit of tang and freshness with herbs.
Unique Side Dishes to Serve with a Brisket Sandwich
For those looking to break from tradition, unique side dishes bring exciting flavors and textures that complement brisket sandwiches beautifully. Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with herb butter and sprinkled with Parmesan, offers a sweet and smoky profile that pairs well with the brisket’s deep flavors. Another excellent choice, fried green tomatoes add a Southern twist with their crispy, tangy appeal.
Cornbread is also a fantastic pairing, especially if made slightly sweet with honey or given a kick with jalapeños. Biscuits, with their buttery flakiness, provide a rich contrast to brisket’s smoky notes. Alternatively, pickled vegetables, like cucumbers, red onions, and carrots, introduce acidity and crunch, refreshing the palate between bites and balancing the meat’s richness. For a light, fresh side, consider trying Carole Recipes’ Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, a crisp and refreshing addition to your BBQ meal.
Ideal Toppings for Brisket Sandwiches
Toppings are essential to enhancing the flavor and texture of a brisket sandwich. Pickles, such as dill, bread and butter, or even pickled jalapeños, add a tangy crunch that cuts through the brisket’s richness. Onions also make an excellent topping; whether grilled, caramelized, or raw, they provide a unique twist. Caramelized onions, in particular, offer a sweet, smoky note that pairs beautifully with brisket.
Cheese is another popular topping that adds a creamy, bold flavor to brisket sandwiches. Ideal choices include pepper jack, cheddar, and smoked gouda, which melt perfectly over the brisket. To explore cheese pairings further, the Cheese Lover’s Guide provides detailed insights on pairing cheese with BBQ meats.
BBQ sauces and condiments round out the flavor of brisket sandwiches. A range of sweet, spicy, and tangy sauces can be selected to match your taste preferences, allowing you to tailor the sandwich’s profile to your liking. Spicy mayo and mustard work well, too, adding depth and a hint of heat. For an alternative option, consider garlic aioli for a rich contrast that complements the brisket’s smokiness. For top-rated BBQ sauces, visit the Top BBQ Sauce Pairings for recommendations.
Best Bread Choices for Brisket Sandwiches
Choosing the right bread is essential for creating a balanced, satisfying brisket sandwich. Classic rolls and buns, such as brioche, Kaiser, and potato buns, provide a sturdy, slightly sweet base that holds up to the richness of brisket. If you’re looking for a more substantial texture, rustic breads like sourdough, ciabatta, and baguettes offer a heartier crunch and structure.
For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free buns or even lettuce wraps offer an excellent alternative. These options preserve the flavor without sacrificing the experience of a satisfying bite. To explore sandwich-building techniques in more detail, Carole Recipes’ Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Brisket Sandwich offers tips on bread and other essential components to create the perfect brisket sandwich.
Drink Pairings for Brisket Sandwiches
The right drink can complement a brisket sandwich meal, enhancing its flavors and refreshing the palate. For beer enthusiasts, dark lagers, IPAs, and amber ales are excellent choices; their robust flavors pair beautifully with the smoky richness of brisket. Wine lovers might prefer a Zinfandel or Malbec, which bring out the bold flavors of BBQ meats.
For non-alcoholic options, sweet tea, lemonade, and root beer are classic choices. These drinks add sweetness that pairs well with smoky brisket, while their acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites. For more drink pairing ideas, the BBQ Beverage Inspirations site offers guidance on complementary drinks for different BBQ meals.
Desserts to Enjoy with Brisket Sandwiches
A great BBQ meal calls for a satisfying dessert to complete the experience, and brisket sandwiches are no exception. Fruit pies, such as apple, peach, or berry, provide a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor of brisket. Cookies and bars, like brownies, blondies, and pecan bars, are easy to prepare and always popular with guests.
Another refreshing option is ice cream. Traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate are crowd-pleasers, while bourbon-flavored ice cream adds a unique twist that complements the rich, smoky flavors of brisket. For unique BBQ dessert ideas, Perfect BBQ Desserts offers a range of sweet options.
FAQs: What Goes Well with Brisket Sandwiches?
Can I add brisket sandwich toppings beforehand?
Yes, most toppings can be prepared ahead of time. However, it’s best to add sauces just before serving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
How can I keep brisket sandwiches warm for gatherings?
To keep sandwiches warm, wrap each one in foil and place them in a low-temperature oven. This method preserves the sandwich’s warmth while keeping the brisket moist.
What condiments are best for brisket sandwiches?
BBQ sauce, mustard, and spicy mayo are classic choices, but experimenting with garlic aioli or chipotle sauce can add unique flavors.
Is it better to use lean or fatty brisket cuts for sandwiches?
Both lean and fatty cuts work well in brisket sandwiches. Lean cuts provide a cleaner texture, while fatty cuts are juicier and more indulgent. For a balanced flavor experience, many recommend using a mix of both.
What’s the ideal portion size per person?
A portion of five to six ounces of brisket per sandwich is generally sufficient. Adjust based on guests’ preferences and appetites.
Conclusion: Crafting the Ultimate Brisket Sandwich Experience
Creating the perfect brisket sandwich is all about choosing thoughtful pairings for sides, toppings, drinks, and desserts. From classic options like baked beans and coleslaw to unique sides like fried green tomatoes and pickled vegetables, each choice enhances the brisket’s smoky flavor. Toppings like pickles, onions, and melted cheese add complexity, while the right bread creates a balanced bite. Complementary drinks—whether beers, wines, or non-alcoholic options—elevate the meal, and desserts such as fruit pies or ice cream provide a satisfying finish.