There’s nothing quite like the irresistible allure of a BBQ Brisket Melt—a sandwich that brings the backyard barbecue right into your kitchen. Picture this: tender, smoked brisket nestled among layers of gooey, melted cheese, crowned with crispy fried onions that add the perfect crunch. As I took my first bite of this delightful creation, I was transported back to summer afternoons spent grilling with family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply seeking comfort on a cozy evening at home, these sandwiches deliver the ultimate flavor experience. With each bite, the smoky depth blends seamlessly with the savory notes of BBQ sauce, creating a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, the customizable elements allow you to tailor the recipe to your tastes—add a kick with jalapeños or swap cheeses for a unique twist. Get ready to savor the soul of good barbecue in sandwich form—it’s time to indulge in BBQ Brisket Melts!
Why will you love BBQ Brisket Melts?
Irresistible, this BBQ Brisket Melt is truly a game changer! Comforting flavors of smoky brisket and melty cheese come together beautifully, creating a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Customizable options allow you to tweak the recipe; add jalapeños for a spicy kick! Quick prep time means you can enjoy these delicious sandwiches in no time, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings. Crowd-pleaser appeal ensures everyone will fall in love with this delightful twist on traditional BBQ. For those seeking inspiration, don’t forget to pair your melts with homemade coleslaw for a perfect meal!
BBQ Brisket Melts Ingredients
Get ready to create a mouthwatering BBQ Brisket Melt that your family will treasure!
For the Brisket
- Brisket – The star of the show; opt for a well-marbled cut for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Mustard – Acts as a flavorful binder for spices; use olive oil as a substitute if desired.
- Pepper-Forward Brisket Rub – Provides a depth of seasoning; consider making your own with basic spices like salt and garlic powder.
- Hickory Pellets – Infuse that classic smoky flavor while cooking; mesquite or applewood pellets can offer a different smoke vibe.
For the Sandwich Assembly
- Sourdough Bread – A sturdy base that soaks up moisture beautifully; feel free to swap with ciabatta or whole wheat if you prefer.
- Fried Onions – Add delightful crunch and sweetness; crispy shallots can be a great alternative.
- Caramelized Onions – Sweeten and deepen the sandwich flavor; use onion jam for a quicker option.
- BBQ Sauce – Brings all flavors together; choose your favorite homemade or store-bought for a quick win.
For the Cheese
- Colby Jack & Provolone Cheese – Melts like a dream to create a rich, gooey finish; try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a twist.
For Cooking
- Butter – Perfect for toasting up that golden crust; olive oil can serve as a dairy-free alternative.
Let’s dive into these delectably satisfying BBQ Brisket Melts – they’re sure to be a hit!
How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts
-
Prepare the Brisket: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the brisket. Rub the mustard generously all over, then season it with your pepper-forward brisket rub. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Smoke the Brisket: Preheat your smoker. Smoke the brisket at 210°F for about 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170°F. Then wrap the brisket in foil and continue smoking at 250°F until the internal temperature hits 204-206°F.
-
Rest the Brisket: Once smoked, wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil and let it rest for 2-3 hours. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and enhancing the tenderness.
-
Assemble the Sandwich: On slices of sourdough bread, layer crispy fried onions, thinly sliced smoked brisket, caramelized onions, your favorite BBQ sauce, and generous amounts of cheese. Feel free to get creative!
-
Toast the Sandwiches: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Place your assembled sandwiches in the skillet and toast them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melting beautifully.
Optional: Serve with a side of homemade coleslaw for that extra crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with BBQ Brisket Melts?
Elevate your BBQ Brisket Melts experience by complementing them with delicious sides and drinks that bring out the flavors!
-
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy salad that cuts through the richness of the sandwich, balancing each bite perfectly.
-
Potato Salad: Creamy and comforting, this dish adds a lovely textural contrast, making it a picnic-worthy side dish.
-
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory, baked beans pair beautifully with the smoky brisket, enhancing the BBQ experience.
-
Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweet char of grilled corn provides a fresh, airy counterpart to the hearty sandwich.
-
Pickles: Their acidity and crunch contrast wonderfully with the savory brisket, adding a delightful zing that awakens the palate.
-
Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade cleanse the palate and balance the sandwich’s richness, making them an ideal thirst quencher.
-
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, soft, warm cookies offer a sweet finish and a nostalgic touch that perfectly rounds out your meal.
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Brisket Melts
Room Temperature: Keep assembled sandwiches at room temperature for up to 2 hours; otherwise, they should be refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore the crispy texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating; warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until heated through and cheese is melty for delicious BBQ Brisket Melts any day!
Expert Tips for BBQ Brisket Melts
- Doneness Check: Use a reliable instant-read thermometer to ensure your brisket reaches the perfect internal temperature for juiciness and tenderness.
- Resting Time: Don’t rush the resting period; allowing the brisket to rest for 2-3 hours is key to achieving maximum moisture.
- Toasting Technique: Adjust heat as necessary when toasting sandwiches to prevent burning while ensuring that the cheese melts perfectly.
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add components like jalapeños or pickles to personalize your BBQ Brisket Melts.
- Prep Ahead: Smoke and store your brisket and caramelize onions in advance to save time during assembly; this makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
- Watch the Bread: Choose a sturdy bread that holds up to the fillings and absorbs BBQ flavors well; sourdough is great, but whole wheat is a nutritious alternative.
BBQ Brisket Melts Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your BBQ Brisket Melts—there are endless ways to make this recipe uniquely yours!
-
Dairy-Free: Swap Colby Jack and Provolone with dairy-free cheese alternatives to enjoy the same melty goodness without the dairy.
-
Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of bread for a carb-friendly version that still packs all the flavor.
-
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce for a delightful heat that elevates each bite.
-
Sweet & Savory Twist: Mix in a layer of pickled jalapeños or sweet pickle slices for that perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
-
Smoky Flavor: If hickory pellets are unavailable, consider mesquite or applewood for a unique smoky flavor shift while cooking.
-
Golden Crunch: Try adding crispy bacon alongside or in place of fried onions to enrich the sandwich with decadent crunchiness.
-
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the brisket with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty plant-based alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
-
Sourdough Substitute: Use ciabatta or whole wheat bread if you’re looking for a different texture option that still holds up to all that yumminess.
Mix and match these ideas to create your perfect BBQ Brisket Melt experience!
Make Ahead Options
These BBQ Brisket Melts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can smoke the brisket up to 3 days in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen while it sits in the refrigerator. Simply wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil to maintain its moisture and tenderness. Additionally, caramelized onions can be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, slice the brisket and assemble your sandwiches with the cheese and fried onions. Finally, toast your BBQ Brisket Melts in a skillet for that crispy, golden exterior, ensuring dinner is just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe FAQs
What type of brisket should I use for BBQ Brisket Melts?
Absolutely! For the best BBQ Brisket Melts, I recommend using a well-marbled brisket. The fat ensures maximum flavor and tenderness. If brisket isn’t available, you can substitute it with a well-marbled chuck roast for a similar taste and texture.
How can I store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts?
Certainly! Store any leftover BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the melt’s crispy texture, reheat them gently in a skillet or toaster oven until they are warmed through.
Can I freeze BBQ Brisket Melts?
Yes, you can! To freeze BBQ Brisket Melts, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is gooey.
What should I do if my brisket is tough after smoking?
If your smoked brisket comes out tough, don’t worry! Here’s a quick fix: after checking the internal temperature and it’s not quite tender, wrap your brisket in butcher paper or foil to trap moisture, then continue smoking or place it in a 250°F oven for an additional 1-2 hours. This should help tenderize it by allowing the connective tissues to break down further.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you’re serving BBQ Brisket Melts to guests, be sure to inquire about dietary restrictions. The dish contains gluten due to the bread and dairy from the cheese. For gluten-free options, consider using gluten-free bread, and you can substitute dairy-based cheese with vegan cheese alternatives. Always check your BBQ sauce for allergens as well, as brands can vary widely.
How can I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?
The more the merrier! There are plenty of ways to customize your BBQ Brisket Melts. You can add sliced jalapeños for heat, swap in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, or toss in crispy fried pickles for an extra crunch. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings—each variation can create an entirely different flavor experience!
BBQ Brisket Melts: Your New Comfort Food Obsession
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim excess fat from the brisket. Rub mustard all over, then season with the brisket rub. Cover & refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your smoker. Smoke the brisket at 210°F for 9-10 hours until reaching an internal temperature of 165-170°F.
- Wrap brisket in foil, continue smoking at 250°F until it hits 204-206°F.
- Wrap brisket in butcher paper or foil, rest for 2-3 hours.
- On slices of sourdough, layer fried onions, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and cheese.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, toast sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.