BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. This dish combines tender, smoky brisket with gooey cheese and crispy onions, all nestled between slices of toasted sourdough bread. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving a hearty sandwich, BBQ Brisket Melts are sure to impress with their rich flavors and satisfying textures.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Brisket
• For the Onions
• For the Sandwiches
• How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts
• Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
• Step 2: Smoke the Brisket
• Step 3: Wrap and Continue Smoking
• Step 4: Rest the Brisket
• Step 5: Prepare Caramelized Onions
• Step 6: Assemble Your Melts
• Step 7: Toast in Skillet
• How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts
• Pair with Pickles
• Serve with Coleslaw
• Complement with French Fries
• Add a Side Salad
• Offer Extra BBQ Sauce
• How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts
• Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts
• Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my BBQ Brisket Melts extra cheesy?
• Can I use different types of bread for my brisket melt?
• What side dishes pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts?
• How long does it take to smoke brisket?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unmatched Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket, savory cheeses, and caramelized onions creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, these melts are versatile enough to steal the show.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Great for Leftovers: If you have any brisket left over, these melts allow you to enjoy it in a new and delicious way.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve these melts hot off the skillet for an eye-catching dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make your BBQ Brisket Melts successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures everything goes smoothly from start to finish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pellet smoker
• Cast iron skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Pellet smoker: This tool provides consistent heat and infuses your brisket with hickory smoke flavor, elevating the dish.
• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for toasting your sandwiches evenly, giving them that perfect crispy crust without burning.

Ingredients

For the Brisket

• Brisket
• Mustard (as a binder)
• Favorite brisket rub (preferably pepper-forward)
• Hickory pellets (for smoking)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Beef tallow (3-4 tablespoons)

For the Onions

• 2 whole onions
• Avocado oil (2 tablespoons)
• Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons plus more for toasting)

For the Sandwiches

• Sourdough bread
• Fried crispy onions
• Colby jack cheese (2 slices)
• Provolone cheese (2 slices)
• Favorite BBQ sauce

How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

1. Trim brisket of excess fat and apply mustard all over as a binder.
2. Season generously with a pepper-forward brisket rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

1. Smoke on pellet smoker at 210 degrees with hickory pellets, placing a water pan underneath.
2. Smoke for 9-10 hours until internal temperature reaches 165-170 degrees.

Step 3: Wrap and Continue Smoking

1. Wrap the smoked brisket in butcher’s paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow.
2. Increase smoker temperature to 250 degrees and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 204-206 degrees.

Step 4: Rest the Brisket

1. After smoking, rest wrapped brisket in a cooler for 2-3 hours to allow juices to redistribute.

Step 5: Prepare Caramelized Onions

1. Dice onions and sauté with avocado oil, kosher salt, and unsalted butter until caramelized.

Step 6: Assemble Your Melts

1. On sourdough bread, layer fried onions, slices of brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, Colby jack cheese, provolone cheese, and top with another slice of bread.

Step 7: Toast in Skillet

1. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Place sandwiches in skillet; toast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Brisket Melts!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not just a meal; they are an experience. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, the way you serve these melts can elevate the entire occasion.

Pair with Pickles

• Crunchy dill pickles add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the brisket melt.

Serve with Coleslaw

• Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and balances the savory elements of the sandwich.

Complement with French Fries

• Crispy French fries make for a classic side that pairs perfectly with your BBQ brisket melts.

Add a Side Salad

• A light garden salad dressed in vinaigrette can cut through the heaviness and provide a fresh bite.

Offer Extra BBQ Sauce

• Providing extra sauce on the side allows guests to customize their brisket melts to their liking.

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How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

Achieving the perfect BBQ Brisket Melts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sandwiches are always top-notch.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled brisket for tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t Rush Smoking: Allow ample time for smoking; this enhances flavor and texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and quality cheeses will elevate your melt.
• Toast Your Bread: Toasting sourdough in butter creates a crispy, golden crust that holds up against fillings.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different cheeses can create unique flavor profiles in each melt.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the brisket to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful when sliced.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pairing your BBQ Brisket Melts with complementary sides can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent side dish ideas.

1. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds richness and is perfect for holding its own against robust flavors.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter complements the smokiness of the brisket.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide a delicious contrast to savory meats, enhancing your meal’s overall taste.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: This comfort food classic is creamy and cheesy, making it a beloved pairing with brisket melts.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, adding variety to your plate.
6. Fried Green Tomatoes: These tangy bites contrast nicely with the rich flavors of BBQ brisket melts, adding crunch and zest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Skipping the rub: Not seasoning your brisket properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use a generous amount of your favorite brisket rub.
• Neglecting the resting time: Skipping the resting period can result in dry meat. Allow the brisket to rest wrapped in butcher paper for at least 2-3 hours.
• Using low-quality cheese: Choosing inferior cheese can affect the meltiness. Opt for good-quality Colby jack and provolone for the best results.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking the brisket at incorrect temperatures leads to tough or mushy meat. Follow the recommended smoking times and temperatures closely.
• Not using enough moisture: Failing to add moisture while smoking can dry out the brisket. Use a water pan or apple cider vinegar during the smoking process.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• BBQ Brisket Melts can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, flipping once until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Brisket Melts:

How do I make my BBQ Brisket Melts extra cheesy?

To enhance cheesiness, layer additional slices of cheese before grilling. This will create a gooey texture.

Can I use different types of bread for my brisket melt?

Yes! While sourdough is great, you can also try brioche or whole grain bread for varied flavors.

What side dishes pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts?

Classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans complement these melts perfectly.

How long does it take to smoke brisket?

Smoking brisket typically takes around 9-10 hours at lower temperatures before wrapping and cooking further.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with your favorite cheeses or sauces. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy any craving. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!