BBQ Brisket Melts are the perfect blend of smoky, tender brisket and gooey melted cheese, making them a delicious option for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. These hearty sandwiches highlight the rich flavors of brisket, enhanced by crispy onions and your favorite BBQ sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness that will keep everyone coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unmatched Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket, caramelized onions, and melty cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for casual gatherings or an elevated weeknight dinner; they’re suitable for any occasion.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these melts are stress-free to make.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves BBQ, and these melts are sure to impress your family and friends.
Comfort Food Delight: They bring warmth and satisfaction, making them the ultimate comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious BBQ Brisket Melts recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pellet smoker
Cast iron skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Pellet smoker: This tool is essential for achieving the rich smoky flavor that defines BBQ brisket.
Cast iron skillet: Ideal for toasting the sandwiches evenly and giving them a crispy texture.
Meat thermometer: Ensures your brisket is cooked to perfection, avoiding undercooking or overcooking.

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 Assembly

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

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

Smoke on pellet smoker at 210 degrees Fahrenheit using hickory pellets with a water pan underneath.
Cook for 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Wrap and Continue Smoking

Wrap the brisket in butcher’s paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow.
Increase smoker temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of 204-206 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Resting Phase

Rest the wrapped brisket in a cooler for 2-3 hours to allow juices to redistribute.

Step 5: Caramelize Onions

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

Step 6: Assemble Your Melts

On sourdough bread, layer fried onions, Colby jack cheese, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and top bun.

Step 7: Toast the Sandwiches

In a cast iron skillet, toast each assembled sandwich with butter for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Brisket Melts!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

Serving BBQ Brisket Melts is all about enhancing their rich flavors while offering a delightful dining experience. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy these mouthwatering sandwiches.

For a Casual Family Gathering

Chips and Dip: Pair your melts with crunchy tortilla chips and a zesty salsa or guacamole for a fun, casual vibe.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the brisket melt.

At a Backyard Barbecue

Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the smoky flavors of the brisket, making for a classic summer side.
Pickles: Serve dill pickles on the side for an added tang that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

For Game Day

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: These spicy bites make an excellent finger food alongside your BBQ Brisket Melts.
Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer that pairs wonderfully with hearty sandwiches.

As Part of a Festive Spread

Charcuterie Board: Offer a variety of meats, cheeses, and fruits that guests can nibble on between bites of their melts.
Stuffed Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, stuffed jalapeños will add heat and flavor to your gathering.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

To create the ultimate BBQ Brisket Melts, keep these handy tips in mind for maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled brisket for tenderness and flavor; this makes all the difference in your melts.
Let It Rest: After smoking, allow your brisket to rest for several hours wrapped in butcher paper. This helps redistribute juices for a more flavorful bite.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and good-quality cheese elevate your melt, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Toast Your Bread Well: Use butter generously when toasting sourdough bread. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Complementing your BBQ Brisket Melts with delicious sides can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options to consider:

Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are classic companions to any barbecue dish.
Cornbread: Soft cornbread offers a sweet contrast to savory brisket, perfect for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.
Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled veggies adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the melts.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit; its cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with smoked meats.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes provide a tangy crunch that complements the melts perfectly.
Sweet Potato Fries: These fries add a sweet touch that contrasts nicely with the savory brisket flavors.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter brings summer vibes directly to your table alongside your melts.
Cucumber Salad: This light, refreshing salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich brisket melts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

seasoning: Failing to season the brisket properly can lead to bland flavors. Always apply a generous amount of your favorite brisket rub.
Skipping the rest period: Cutting into the brisket immediately after cooking will cause juices to run out. Be sure to rest the wrapped brisket for 2-3 hours for maximum tenderness.
Ignoring smoking temperature: Smoking at inconsistent temperatures can affect cooking time and flavor. Maintain a steady temperature of 210 degrees initially, then increase as instructed.
Overloading the sandwich: While it’s tempting to add too many toppings, less is often more. Aim for balance; let the brisket shine alongside a few complementary ingredients.
Neglecting bread choice: Using the wrong type of bread can ruin your melt. Opt for sturdy sourdough that holds up against the fillings and adds texture.
Not preheating your skillet: A cold skillet will result in soggy bread. Always preheat your cast iron skillet before toasting your BBQ Brisket Melts.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Keep the melted sandwich components separate if possible until ready to reheat.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Best consumed within 1-2 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a preheated skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Brisket Melts:

What is the best cut of brisket for BBQ brisket melts?

The flat cut of brisket is ideal as it offers a good balance of meat and fat, providing flavor without being overly greasy.

Can I use leftover brisket for these melts?

Absolutely! Leftover smoked brisket works perfectly for making delicious BBQ Brisket Melts.

How do I customize my BBQ brisket melt?

Feel free to add different cheeses or vegetables based on your preference. Try pepper jack cheese for extra spiciness or sautéed peppers for added flavor!

What’s a good side dish with BBQ brisket melts?

Coleslaw or potato chips make excellent sides that complement the richness of the melts while adding crunch.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them based on your taste preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering, these melts are sure to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!

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BBQ Brisket Melts

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, marrying tender, smoky brisket with gooey melted cheese for a sandwich experience that’s hard to resist. Ideal for game days, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home, these hearty melts are packed with flavor from caramelized onions and your favorite BBQ sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-follow recipe that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Brisket
Mustard (as a binder)
Favorite brisket rub
Hickory pellets (for smoking)
Onions
Avocado oil
Sourdough bread
Colby jack cheese
Provolone cheese
BBQ sauce

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Instructions

Trim the brisket of excess fat and apply mustard as a binder. Season generously with brisket rub.
Smoke the brisket at 210°F for 9-10 hours until it reaches 165-170°F.
Wrap the brisket in butcher paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow, then increase the temperature to 250°F until it reaches 204-206°F.
Let the brisket rest for 2-3 hours in a cooler.
Sauté diced onions in avocado oil and butter until caramelized.
Assemble sandwiches on sourdough bread with fried onions, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and cheese.
Toast each sandwich in a cast iron skillet with butter until golden brown.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Category: Main
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American