How to Serve Brisket at a Party - Board and Side Dishes

If you're hosting a barbecue party and want to impress your guests with a hearty and flavorful dish, serving brisket is the way to go. Brisket is a delicious cut of meat that, when cooked correctly, is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. To really elevate your brisket game, we recommend using a wooden cutting board for serving. Not only does it look rustic and charming, but it also helps to retain the meat's juices and flavors.

As for sides, corn on the cob is a classic pairing with brisket, and we have an easy side dish recipe to share.

So, get ready to smoke that brisket and serve it up on a beautiful wooden board with some delicious sides!

What's the Best Way to Serve Brisket? We Think It's by Using Wooden Cutting Board

When it comes to serving brisket, there are many options to choose from. But we believe that the best way to serve it is on a beautiful end grain cutting board. Here's why:

Aesthetically Pleasing

First and foremost, an end grain cutting board looks stunning. Made from high-quality woods like walnut or maple, an end grain cutting board has a unique pattern that showcases the natural beauty of the wood.

This is especially true for walnut, which has a rich, dark color that is sure to impress your guests. The 20x13x2 size is perfect for a party, providing ample space for the brisket to be showcased in all its glory.

Durable

Aside from aesthetics, end grain cutting boards offer a number of benefits when it comes to serving brisket. For one, they're incredibly durable. Unlike plastic cutting boards, which can warp and crack over time, end grain cutting boards are made to last.

They're also much gentler on your knives, helping them to stay sharper for longer. This is because the grain of the wood absorbs the impact of the knife, rather than resisting it like other materials such as glass or metal.

Great for Cutting

Another benefit of end grain cutting boards is their ability to keep the meat in place while you slice it. The unique pattern of the wood creates a natural grip that holds the brisket steady, making it easier to get uniform slices every time. This is particularly useful when serving a large group of people, as it ensures that everyone gets an even portion.

Eco-Friendly

In addition to these practical benefits, end grain cutting boards are also a great conversation starter. Guests are sure to admire the beautiful board and ask about its origin. You can tell them that it's a high-quality end grain cutting board made from sustainably sourced wood, which is both functional and eco-friendly.

When compared to other materials used to serve brisket, such as plastic or metal trays, end grain cutting boards stand out for their durability, style, and functionality. They're also easy to clean and maintain. If you want to know how to clean wooden cutting board, feel free to read this article. 

Best Sides to Serve With Brisket and How to Make Them

No brisket dinner is complete without some delicious and savory side dishes to complement the richness and tenderness of the meat. While there are plenty of options out there, we've got a few favorite side dishes that pair exceptionally well with brisket.

One such side dish is carrots. They add a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness to every bite, which balances the savory flavors of the brisket perfectly. In this section, we'll share some of our top picks for side dishes to serve with brisket.

Vinegar Coleslaw

One amazing side dish that pairs perfectly with smoked brisket is vinegar coleslaw. This classic comfort food is tangy, crispy, and incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors of the brisket. This recipe uses a simple vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise, which gives the slaw a lighter and brighter taste. Here's what you'll need to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 head purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the sliced cabbage and grated carrot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve alongside your delicious smoked brisket for the ultimate flavor combination!

Baked Potato Bar

Another great side dish option that is sure to impress your guests is a baked potato bar. This versatile dish allows your guests to customize their potatoes to their liking, making it a fun and interactive side dish to serve alongside your brisket.

You can offer a variety of toppings, such as grilled potato skins, smashed buffalo potatoes, thinly sliced potatoes, scalloped potatoes, and roasted sweet potatoes, to name a few.

With so many options, everyone is sure to find something they love. Plus, baked potatoes are easy to prepare and can be cooked ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to your menu.

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes (1 per person)
• Assorted toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chopped chives, chili, salsa, and guacamole

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry.
3. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
4. Rub each potato with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. While the potatoes are baking, prepare your toppings. Cook the bacon, shred the cheese, chop the chives, and warm up any chili or other toppings that need to be heated.
7. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Slice each potato down the middle and use a fork to fluff up the insides.
9. Set out the toppings in bowls and let your guests create their own custom baked potatoes.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Tomato cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that often served with beef brisket. This salad is packed with flavor and nutrition, and is an excellent complement to hearty main dishes like brisket.

You can add a variety of roasted vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or onions, to make it even more flavorful. Topping it with parmesan cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor. Here's what you'll need to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted vegetables (such as brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or onion)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, roasted vegetables, and chopped parsley.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with grated parmesan cheese.
5. Serve alongside your delicious beef brisket for a complete and satisfying meal.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Included in our list of side dishes for brisket is this delicious and easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. This classic dish is a great complement to the tenderness of the brisket, and is perfect for any occasion. You can even serve it with some baked beans on the side to make it even more hearty. Here are the ingredients you'll need and the steps to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Add the macaroni and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Once the time is up, quick release the pressure.
4. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
5. In the Instant Pot, melt the butter and stir in the flour until smooth.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
9. Serve hot and enjoy alongside your delicious brisket for a perfect meal.

Potato salad, corn pudding, pasta salad, and broccoli salad are also some of the brisket side dishes you should try. Don't be afraid to experience to find the perfect side to complement the brisket you smoke.

The Bottom Line

In summary, a wooden end grain cutting board is the optimal choice for serving brisket due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, knife-friendly surface, and ease of use.

To enhance the flavor of the meat, there are various sides for brisket, such as tangy vinegar coleslaw, a baked potato bar with toppings like butter, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits, and classic corn on the cob.

Utilizing leftover brisket with barbecue sauce and dinner rolls can also make for a scrumptious and effortless meal the following day.

But how many brisket should you serve per person? If this your next concern when planning to do brisket, let's give you a quick answer. A pound of uncooked or half pound of cooked brisket will serve one person. If you wish to learn more about serving your favorite smoked meat, read here!