BBQ Brisket Melts
BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender smoked brisket with melted cheese and crispy onions, all sandwiched between buttery sourdough bread. The rich flavors and textures make these melts irresistible, ensuring they will be a hit at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The smoky brisket paired with melty cheese and tangy BBQ sauce creates an explosion of taste.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making BBQ Brisket Melts is an accessible project for all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these melts as a hearty lunch, satisfying dinner, or even as a party appetizer.
- Crowd-Pleaser: They’re sure to impress family and friends, making your gatherings memorable.
- Comfort Food Redefined: This dish elevates traditional grilled cheese with gourmet ingredients that are both comforting and exciting.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. These will help make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pellet smoker
- Cast iron skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Pellet smoker: This tool infuses the brisket with that sought-after smoky flavor while maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the cooking process.
- Cast iron skillet: Perfect for toasting sandwiches evenly, giving them a delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the inside deliciously melty.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures your brisket is cooked to perfection, avoiding undercooked or overcooked meat.
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 Assembling the Melts
- 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
- Trim brisket of excess fat to ensure even cooking.
- Apply mustard all over as a binder for the rub.
- Season brisket generously with your favorite pepper-forward brisket rub.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Smoke the Brisket
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place hickory pellets in the smoker and add a water pan underneath for moisture.
- Smoke brisket for 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Wrap and Finish Smoking
- Once smoked, wrap brisket in butcher’s paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow.
- Increase smoker temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and continue smoking until it reaches 204-206 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Resting Period
- Remove wrapped brisket from smoker and place it in a cooler for 2-3 hours to rest. This step is crucial to allow juices to redistribute.
Step 5: Caramelize Onions
- Dice onions and sauté them in avocado oil along with kosher salt and butter until they are caramelized and golden brown.
Step 6: Assemble Your Melts
- Begin by layering sourdough bread with fried crispy onions, slices of Colby jack cheese, smoked brisket slices, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and top bun.
Step 7: Toasting Time
- Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat with butter.
- Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and toast for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Enjoy your BBQ Brisket Melts fresh off the skillet! These sandwiches are sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike.
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts
Serving BBQ Brisket Melts can be as creative as you want! These delicious sandwiches are perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Classic Sides
- Potato Chips: Crunchy and salty, they add a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the melt.
- Coleslaw: A cool and creamy coleslaw can balance the smoky brisket and enhance the overall meal experience.
On a Platter
- Charcuterie Board: Include sliced brisket melts alongside cheeses, olives, and crackers for a festive touch.
- Sandwich Bar: Set up a DIY sandwich bar with extra toppings like pickles, jalapeños, and different sauces for guests to customize their melts.
Pairing with Drinks
- Craft Beer: Opt for an amber or stout beer that complements the smokiness of the brisket.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of sweet iced tea can be a perfect complement to balance the richness of the meal.
How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts
To make your BBQ Brisket Melts truly stand out, consider these easy tips. They will help enhance flavors and improve the texture of your sandwiches.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality brisket to ensure tenderness and flavor in every bite.
- Let it Rest: Resting the brisket after cooking allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist when sliced.
- Toast Your Bread: A well-toasted sourdough adds crunch and prevents sogginess from sauces and fillings.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing Colby jack with provolone can create a creamy melty texture that’s irresistible.
- Add Extra Flavor: Try adding spices or herbs to your butter for an added layer of flavor when toasting your sandwiches.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them hot off the skillet for the best taste and texture!
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts
Completing your meal with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some tasty options that pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans provide a hearty side that complements the smoky flavors of the brisket melt.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn slathered in butter adds sweetness and crunch to your plate.
- French Fries: Crispy fries seasoned with salt are always a hit—try sweet potato fries for a twist!
- Pickle Chips: Tangy pickle slices can cut through the richness of the melt while adding texture.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad brings coolness and is an excellent side for outdoor gatherings.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add color and nutrition alongside your melts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Overcooking the Brisket – Cooking brisket too long can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for the right internal temperature.
- Skipping the Resting Time – Not allowing the brisket to rest after smoking can lead to loss of juices. Wrap it and let it sit for a few hours for better flavor.
- Neglecting Flavor Layers – Failing to add enough seasoning or sauce can result in bland melts. Be generous with your brisket rub and BBQ sauce.
- Using Low-Quality Bread – A weak bread won’t hold up to the juicy fillings. Choose sturdy sourdough or similar bread for best results.
- Not Toasting Properly – Under-toasting your sandwich can make it soggy. Use enough butter and toast until golden brown for a perfect crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts
- For longer storage, wrap individual melts tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding BBQ Brisket Melts.
What is the best way to season my brisket?
For BBQ Brisket Melts, use a pepper-forward brisket rub that enhances the beef’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
Can I use leftovers from another meal?
Absolutely! Leftover smoked brisket works perfectly in this recipe, making it a great way to repurpose food.
How do I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or different types of cheese to personalize your melts.
What should I serve with BBQ Brisket Melts?
Pair these delicious melts with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Brisket Melts offer an incredible combination of smoky flavor and rich textures that are sure to satisfy any craving. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on your preference. Try it today and enjoy this flavorful twist on classic comfort food!
BBQ Brisket Melts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Smoking/Toasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
BBQ Brisket Melts are a mouthwatering blend of smoky, tender brisket and gooey cheese, all nestled between slices of crispy sourdough bread. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights at home, these melts redefine comfort food. The combination of rich flavors from the brisket and tangy BBQ sauce creates a deliciously satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With easy preparation steps and a few simple ingredients, anyone can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Serve them hot off the skillet for the best taste!
Ingredients
- Brisket
- Mustard (binder)
- Pepper-forward brisket rub
- Sourdough bread
- Colby jack cheese
- Provolone cheese
- BBQ sauce
- Fried crispy onions
- Avocado oil
- Unsalted butter
Instructions
- Trim brisket and apply mustard as a binder; coat generously with brisket rub.
- Smoke brisket in a preheated pellet smoker until it reaches 165-170°F.
- Wrap brisket in butcher's paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow; continue smoking until 204-206°F.
- Rest for 2-3 hours to allow juices to redistribute.
- Sauté diced onions in avocado oil and butter until caramelized.
- Assemble melts with sourdough bread, fried onions, smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, and cheese.
- Toast in a cast iron skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 melt (200g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
