BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for grilling season or any gathering. This sandwich combines tender smoked brisket with melty cheese and savory toppings, creating a hearty meal everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these melts will please any crowd with their rich flavor and satisfying textures.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The smoked brisket paired with gooey cheese delivers an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party dish. These melts can fit any occasion.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious BBQ Brisket Melts in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good melt! Great for gatherings or just satisfying your cravings.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To create the best BBQ Brisket Melts, having the right tools makes all the difference. Prepare your cooking space with essential equipment before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pellet smoker
Cast iron skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Pellet smoker: Provides consistent heat and smoky flavor, essential for perfect brisket.
Cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving that crispy, golden toast on your melts.
Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even slices of brisket and onions.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like your brisket rub.

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 and Bread

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

For Assembly

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

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

Smoke on pellet smoker at 210 degrees using hickory pellets with a water pan underneath for 9-10 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165-170 degrees.
Wrap the brisket in butcher’s paper along with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow.
Continue smoking at 250 degrees until the internal temperature hits 204-206 degrees.

Step 3: Resting Period

Rest wrapped brisket in a cooler for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Caramelize Onions

Sauté diced onions with avocado oil, kosher salt, and butter until caramelized.

Step 5: Assemble the Melt

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

Step 6: Toast in Skillet

Toast in a cast iron skillet with butter over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, flipping once until golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy these delightful BBQ Brisket Melts hot off the skillet! Perfectly smoky and cheesy, they’re sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

Serving BBQ Brisket Melts is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful experience. These sandwiches are perfect for casual gatherings or a hearty family meal, and there are several ways to enjoy them.

Pair with Pickles

Pickles add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the brisket melt.

Serve with Coleslaw

A side of coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, complementing the savory elements of the BBQ brisket.

Add a Side of Fries

Crispy fries are always a hit! They provide a satisfying crunch and can be seasoned to your liking.

Top with Jalapeños

For those who enjoy some heat, adding sliced jalapeños on top enhances the overall flavor profile of the sandwich.

Offer Extra BBQ Sauce

Serve additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This allows guests to customize their brisket melt experience.

Include a Salad

A light salad can balance out the richness of the melts. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

To achieve the ultimate BBQ Brisket Melts, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your melts are irresistible.

Choose Quality Brisket: Start with high-quality brisket for better flavor and tenderness.
Let It Rest: Allow the smoked brisket to rest properly after cooking; this helps retain moisture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bread, cheese, and produce will elevate your melts significantly.
Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of cheeses for added depth in flavor.
Toast Bread Well: Ensure the bread is toasted enough for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Balance Flavors: Adjust seasoning and sauces according to your taste preferences to achieve that perfect balance.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Brisket Melts can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a comforting contrast to the smokiness of the brisket.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds sweetness and is a classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the rich flavors of BBQ beautifully.
Macaroni and Cheese: The creaminess of mac and cheese provides another level of indulgence alongside your melts.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables adds color and healthiness to your plate.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy chips with zesty salsa can be a fun, crunchy addition that everyone enjoys.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad helps lighten up the meal while providing freshness.
Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a hearty yet healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to overlook key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the binder: Failing to apply mustard as a binder can lead to uneven seasoning. Always use mustard to ensure the rub adheres properly.
Neglecting resting time: Cutting into the brisket too soon can dry it out. Allow it to rest wrapped for 2-3 hours to lock in moisture.
Overcooking or undercooking: Not monitoring the internal temperature can ruin your brisket. Use a reliable meat thermometer and follow recommended temps closely.
Ignoring cheese choices: Using low-quality cheese can diminish flavor. Opt for good-quality Colby jack and provolone for a gooey, delicious melt.
Rushing the smoking process: Smoking at too high a temperature can lead to tough meat. Always smoke low and slow for tender results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat sandwiches for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use medium heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making BBQ Brisket Melts, here are some common questions answered.

How do I make BBQ Brisket Melts?

Start with smoked brisket and layer it with cheese, fried onions, and your favorite BBQ sauce on sourdough bread. Then toast until golden brown.

Can I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?

Absolutely! You can add different toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or various cheeses based on your taste preferences.

What side dishes go well with BBQ Brisket Melts?

Pair them with coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal that everyone will love.

How do I store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize them according to your cravings and make them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy these comforting sandwiches filled with smoky flavor!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

BBQ Brisket Melts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Tia
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, smoky brisket with gooey cheese and savory toppings for a hearty sandwich that will satisfy any craving. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners, these melts are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they’re sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Follow this straightforward recipe to create mouthwatering BBQ Brisket Melts that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Brisket
Mustard (binder)
Pepper-forward brisket rub
Hickory pellets (for smoking)
Sourdough bread
Colby jack cheese
Provolone cheese
Fried crispy onions
Favorite BBQ sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Trim excess fat from the brisket and apply mustard as a binder. Season with brisket rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Smoke the brisket at 210°F for 9-10 hours using hickory pellets until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Wrap in butcher paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow, then continue smoking at 250°F until it reaches 204°F.
Let the brisket rest wrapped in a cooler for 2-3 hours.
Sauté diced onions with avocado oil, kosher salt, and butter until caramelized.
Layer ingredients on sourdough: fried onions, cheeses, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and top with another slice of bread.
Toast in a cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 10 hours (includes smoking time)
Category: Main
Method: Smoking, Toasting
Cuisine: American