The most delicious sides for smoked meat to load up on your plate

Smoked meat is the epitome of bright flavours. It highlights how simple cooking methods can add the most amount of flavour to the meat. 

When it comes to smoking meat, the key is to always give it enough time to cook and reach that fall-off-the-bone tenderness that gets you excited every time.

When prepared correctly, smoked meat can be consumed by itself. If you’re having a get-together with family and friends, however, you’ll want to serve some additional dishes that pair perfectly with your meat.

The burst of flavour that side dishes for smoked meat add cannot be underestimated. Not only do they give your guests something more to enjoy, but it also brings out the flavour of the meat. This is why selecting the right sides for smoked meat is important and can transform your entire meal.

Baked beans

Just like your meat, baked beans have a smoky and sweet flavour which is what makes this one of the best side dishes for smoked meat. 

Most prefer to opt for a convenient route and get a few tins of baked beans but you can also make them at home and complete your smoked meat dish.

Use a smoky sauce to prepare the beans and also infuse it with some bacon, onions, and peppers. The baked beans will help your smoked meat dish be the star of the day and create an unforgettable experience.

Scalloped potatoes

Everybody loves potatoes, right? And the truth is that no matter what technique you use to prepare them—fries, mash, crisps—it’s always a hit. But there’s another way to make potatoes that will add some flare to your table—scalloped potatoes.

Aside from the fact that they’re thinly sliced, the thing that puts them over the top as a tasty way to prepare potatoes is that they’re cheesy, creamy, buttery, and smoky. This creates a range of flavours and textures, making this one of the best sides for smoked meat. 

You’ll need to start by slicing your potatoes into 1/8-inch thin rounds. While you can certainly cut it using a knife, it will be much faster if you use a gadget like a mandolin to make sure that each slice is equal.

Once you’re done, you simply need to add some seasoning, cream, butter, and cheese and bake it until it reaches the right consistency and the potatoes are cooked.

Mac and cheese

There’s no point in hosting a backyard cookout without one of the most classic side dishes anywhere—mac and cheese.

There simply is no substitute for serving a smoky and savoury piece of smoked meat with a side of rich, starchy, and cheesy mac and cheese. It’s a side dish that everyone will love—including the kids!

If you want to take it to the next level, sprinkle it with some crispy bacon crumbs. The smokiness of the meat will only be enhanced with the smokiness of the bacon. You can even add some crunchy breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese if you want to add some classic Southern flavours.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts may not seem like the most obvious or delicious choice but you should give them a chance.

The secret to making delicious sides for smoked meat out of Brussels sprouts is timing. More often than not, it’s overcooked and that’s what gives them the bitter taste and not-so-pleasant smell. Depending on the consistency you prefer, roast them at 400oF for 20-30 minutes. 

Simply add some olive oil, pepper, and salt and cook it in the oven until it’s crispy and caramelised.

Whip up some mouth-watering sides for smoked meat

Sometimes we focus so much on perfectly smoking meat that we forget about another important aspect of any feast—side dishes.

The right side dishes can help your meat stand out and bring so many flavours together to create the perfect plate of food. 

Don’t be afraid to try new flavours or add some of your preferred flavours to them and always remember that it takes a few good side dishes to make your smoked meat the star of the show.