When the weather starts to cool, our thoughts naturally turn to comfort food. In Texas, there is one staple that never fails to deliver, and that’s slow-cooked, mesquite-smoked brisket. This Southern favorite can’t be beat in the winter months, and if you’ve ever wondered what goes well with brisket at this time of year, you’ve come to the right place.
Hearty meals and rich flavors match perfectly with warm gatherings, and a perfectly prepared brisket makes the ideal centerpiece in these moments. This is comfort food at its best, especially when it’s a Goode Co. Smoked Brisket with all the trimmings. So, whenever you’re considering holiday brisket menu ideas for friends, family, or clients, it’s essential to have an idea of winter brisket pairings to balance out your meal.
At Goode Co. Shop, we are proud of our long heritage in crafting authentic Texas brisket. Our most famous cut is a regular reminder that a Texas barbeque spread is ideal for enjoying over the holiday season and beyond. Additionally, our curated side options make it easy to build brisket pairings for winter celebrations, corporate gifting, or family feasts at home.
Classic Winter Sides That Pair Perfectly With Brisket
When planning brisket pairings, the mind is drawn to sides that bring warmth, richness, and nostalgia to the table. Some classic brisket side dishes can be returned to year after year, including these Texas staples that never disappoint:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy mashed potatoes pair so well with the richness of smoked beef, especially when you drizzle them with a gravy made from the brisket jus and a little red wine.
Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves a thick, baked mac and cheese with sharp cheddar that adds the ultimate cozy contrast. When served bubbling away, straight from the oven, it is the king of Holiday sides for smoked brisket.
Goode Co. Shop Barbeque Staples
Any time you shop for sides or gifts, be sure to check out our full barbeque selection for ready-to-serve winter add-ons, including turkey, sausage, ribs, and curated sets like The Davy Crockett, which are guaranteed to elevate any winter feast.
These classic dishes are some of the best sides for smoked brisket, especially when ordering ahead for large holiday groups. Just be sure to double-check our holiday shipping information so that your order arrives exactly when you need it.
Texas-Inspired Sides for a Seasonal Brisket Feast
Texas flavors, with their alternately spicy, zesty, and smoky punches, make the perfect accompaniment on a cold evening. This is especially true over the holidays, and no Texas New Year’s feast is complete without a little Southern hospitality for added warmth.
Smoked or Spicy Sides
Jalapeño creamed corn or smoked poblano grits make perfect winter warmers. They’re ideal for anyone seeking winter comfort foods that pair with brisket.
Chili-Based Sides
A bowl of Texas chili next to a prime brisket is a super indulgent treat. It adds a new dimension to winter brisket pairings, and a spicy kick is always welcome when the temperature dips.
Tex-Mex Winter Options
Cheese enchiladas, charro beans, and smoked-pepper rice add a Tex-Mex angle to winter BBQ menus. These also pair beautifully with smoked meat.
Goode Co. Sauces, Rubs, and Meal Components
A good sauce takes any brisket spread to the next level. Try our Goode Co. Shop signature barbeque sauce, rubs, and add-ons, which not only pair perfectly with smoked meats but also make hosting effortless. Whether you are pondering what to serve with a brisket dinner or compiling seasonal brisket serving ideas, these staples are a secret weapon everyone should have in their Texas BBQ arsenal.
Winter Salads and Vegetables That Balance Rich Brisket
Balance the richness of your brisket feast with something light and earthy. Here are some ideas for winter salads and vegetables that perfectly complement those tender slices of smoked meat.
Citrus Salads
Try a citrusy salad of oranges, grapefruit, and pomegranate seeds, with a vinaigrette as a light accompaniment to your main course. The fruits’ acidity makes a delicious contrast to the brisket's smoky flavor.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes become caramelized and a little sweet, making them irresistible when roasted. They’re some of the best sides for smoked brisket, especially when you crave earthy flavors in winter.
Pickled Items for Acidity
Pickled onions, okra, or jalapeños add a touch of color to the plate and evoke classic Texas flavors. These small additions make a big upgrade to any brisket spread, and shouldn’t be overlooked when planning seasonal brisket side dishes.
Drink Pairings for Winter Brisket Meals
The best brisket pairings take drinks into account as an essential part of the complete spread. Try to think in terms of deeper seasonal flavors here, and feature drinks that complement the smoky richness of your brisket centerpiece.
Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo offer enough body to stand up to the brisket's rich flavor when people ask us what wine pairs with brisket, these three are usually the first that come to mind.
Winter Ales
Full-bodied, malty, slightly sweet winter ales match the spirit of cold-weather comfort meals. Try some local Texan craft beers if you wish to continue with the Southern theme.
Bourbon or Whiskey Cocktails
Try your hand at mixing a smoked old-fashioned or a whiskey sour when serving brisket. The warm oak and caramel notes provide the perfect blend with the best cuts of smoked meat.
Non-Alcoholic Cider Options
Don’t forget to offer non-alcoholic options to ensure every guest feels included. Drinks like mulled ciders, spiced apple juice, or warm cranberry punches pair beautifully with smoked meat, while feeling just as indulgent as any fine wine.
Perfect Desserts to End a Winter Brisket Feast
No fine meal is complete without an equally fine dessert to round off the experience. In keeping with the Texas theme, try finishing your menu with local classics that are as decadent as your main.
Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie
Nothing completes a winter brisket feast quite like our iconic Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie. Sticky, sweet, and irresistibly nutty, it makes the perfect match for smoked beef. If you’re searching for the ideal desserts that go with brisket, look no further.
Goode’s Praline Delight
Rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, our Praline Delight delivers a sweet Texas finish without overburdening full bellies.
Hosting Tips for Winter Brisket Dinners
Hosting brisket dinners in the winter should be a national tradition. If you are planning to host a special event for friends or clients this year, here are some rules of thumb to help things go smoothly.
Portioning Suggestions
Plan to serve about a ½ pound of brisket per person, but expect people to ask for seconds, so a little extra never hurts! Of course, the same goes for your delicious brisket sides.
Serving Ideas
A hot carving station, a create-your-own-sandwich bar, or a pre-plated dinner all work beautifully. These setups shine when considering seasonal brisket serving ideas for holidays or corporate gifts.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One reason people love ordering from Goode Co. Shop is how easy we make it to prep the food in advance without losing quality. Our heat-and-serve smoked mats help ensure everyone enjoys the occasion, including the host!
Heat-and-Serve Recommendations
Be sure to check our reheating options guide, which makes everything especially simple and ensures your products are served at their very best.
Winter gives us the perfect excuse to create memorable meals filled with comfort, bold Texas flavors, and hearty sides that make every gathering feel warm and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning Texas BBQ brisket pairings, curating a holiday table, or constructing a gift-worthy spread, you simply can’t go wrong with a well-smoked brisket, earthy sides, refreshing drinks, and a dessert that keeps everyone lingering at the table.
If you’re ready to craft your own winter feast, explore the full lineup of brisket, sides, sweets, and Texas gifts we have to offer at Goode Co. Shop and bring your holiday gatherings or corporate events to life.