You’ve spent hours—maybe all night—slow-smoking a beautiful brisket. The bark is dark and peppery, the meat is tender, and the smoke ring is just right. Now comes the big question that every pitmaster, backyard host, and BBQ lover eventually asks: what to serve with brisket?
At Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ in San Diego, we believe brisket is the star of the show—but no great star shines alone. The right sides don’t compete with brisket; they support it. They balance the richness, cut through the fat, and turn a plate of meat into a full Texas BBQ experience 🤠.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best sides to serve with brisket, from classic Texas staples to lighter options perfect for San Diego weather. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a catered event, or ordering from our pit, this is your complete roadmap.
Brisket is rich, smoky, and deeply beefy. Because of that intensity, sides should do at least one of the following:
At Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ, every side on our plate is chosen with purpose—not filler, not afterthoughts. You can see how we pair our meats and sides on our BBQ Menu.
If you’re aiming for authenticity, these are the gold standard sides to serve with brisket. They’ve been on Texas plates for generations.
Coleslaw is a brisket essential. The crunch of cabbage and the tang of dressing cut through the richness of smoked beef perfectly.
Caesar salad is one of the most beloved sides to serve with brisket. Comforting, and filling, it anchors the plate.
Beans and brisket are inseparable in Texas BBQ culture. Whether simple pinto beans or slow-simmered BBQ beans, they bring warmth and depth.
In traditional Texas BBQ joints, brisket is often served with plain white bread. Why?
Cornbread walks the line between bread and side dish. Slightly sweet, crumbly, and comforting, it’s a BBQ classic.
Few sides scream summer like corn on the cob. Grilled or boiled, it’s a natural partner for brisket.
A West Coast favorite that still works beautifully with brisket.
When planning BBQ catering in San Diego, sides matter just as much as meat. They must hold well, serve easily, and please diverse crowds. At Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ, our most popular catering side combinations include:
Planning an event? Explore our BBQ Catering in San Diego options.
Since 1982, Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ has been serving San Diego authentic Texas-style brisket—slow-smoked, properly rested, and sliced with care. But great BBQ is about more than meat. It’s about the full plate.
So, what to serve with brisket? The answer depends on balance. Rich meat needs contrast. Smoke needs freshness. And great BBQ needs sides that respect the craft. Whether you’re building a backyard feast or letting the pros handle it, remember: brisket may be the hero, but the sides tell the full story.
Abbey’s Real Texas BBQ
6904 Miramar Road, San Diego, CA 92121
📞 (858) 566-2333
