BBQ Brisket Melts
BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender smoked brisket with gooey cheese and crispy onions. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy dinner at home, this melt offers rich flavors that will delight your taste buds. The unique blend of cheeses and smoky brisket creates a sandwich that stands out at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket, rich cheeses, and tangy BBQ sauce makes every bite unforgettable.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a barbecue party or a casual weeknight dinner, these melts fit right in.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the spices and toppings to match your personal taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish brings together beloved ingredients for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
To create perfect BBQ Brisket Melts, having the right tools is essential. These will help streamline your cooking process and elevate the final product.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pellet smoker
- Cast iron skillet
- Butcher’s paper
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Pellet smoker: Ensures a consistent temperature while infusing your brisket with delicious hickory smoke flavor.
- Cast iron skillet: Ideal for achieving that perfect crisp on your sourdough bread while melting the cheese beautifully.
- Butcher’s paper: Helps retain moisture during the smoking process without steaming the 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 Toppings
- 2 whole onions
- Avocado oil (2 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons plus more for toasting)
For Assembling the Melt
- 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 a pepper-forward brisket rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Step 2: Smoke the Brisket
- Smoke on pellet smoker at 210 degrees with hickory pellets, placing a water pan underneath for moisture.
- Continue smoking for 9-10 hours until reaching an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees.
- Wrap in butcher’s paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow, then smoke at 250 degrees until it reaches 204-206 degrees.
Step 3: Let It Rest
- Rest wrapped brisket in cooler for 2-3 hours to allow juices to redistribute.
Step 4: Caramelize Onions
- Sauté diced onions with avocado oil, kosher salt, and butter until caramelized.
Step 5: Assemble Your Melts
- Slice the rested brisket into thin pieces.
- Layer on sourdough bread with fried onions, Colby jack cheese, brisket slices, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and top bun.
Step 6: Toast to Perfection
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the assembled melts in the skillet with butter for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cheesy.
Enjoy your delicious BBQ Brisket Melts!
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts
Serving BBQ Brisket Melts is all about enhancing that smoky, savory flavor. Here are some creative suggestions to enjoy this delicious sandwich.
Classic Pairings
- Pickles: The acidity of pickles complements the richness of the brisket melt, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw offers a creamy texture that balances the meaty flavors in your melt.
Unique Twists
- Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad with lime dressing can freshen up your meal and add healthy fats.
- Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the melted cheese and tender brisket.
Dipping Sauces
- BBQ Sauce: Extra BBQ sauce on the side lets everyone customize their flavor experience.
- Hot Sauce: A splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor for those who love a bit of heat.
How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts
To achieve the ultimate BBQ Brisket Melts, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your sandwich.
- Use Quality Bread: Choose fresh sourdough for its ability to hold up against the juicy brisket and cheese.
- Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Slow smoking ensures tender meat, so give it enough time at low temperatures.
- Layer Wisely: Build your melt with care; layer ingredients evenly to prevent sogginess and ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Toast Thoroughly: Toasting in butter not only adds flavor but also keeps the bread crispy and prevents it from getting soggy.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts
Pairing sides with your BBQ Brisket Melts can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans complement the smoky flavors of brisket perfectly.
- Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with rich meats, making it a classic choice.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side that kids and adults alike will love.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and health benefits while balancing out the heaviness of the melt.
- Potato Salad: This chilled dish provides a refreshing contrast to the warm brisket melt.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a crunchy, tangy side to round out your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Skipping the rub: Not applying a brisket rub can lead to bland meat. Always use a pepper-forward rub for maximum flavor.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into brisket right away will result in dry meat. Allow it to rest wrapped in a cooler for 2-3 hours.
- Overstuffing the sandwich: While it’s tempting to load up on ingredients, too much filling can make the sandwich messy. Keep proportions balanced for best results.
- Using low-quality bread: Cheap bread can ruin your melt. Opt for fresh sourdough to enhance taste and texture.
- Not monitoring temperature: Cooking at incorrect temperatures can lead to undercooked or overcooked brisket. Use a reliable thermometer for accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container.
- They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts
- Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor.
Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the sandwiches wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping once until warmed through and crispy on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about BBQ Brisket Melts that can help clarify your cooking process.
What is the best way to season BBQ Brisket Melts?
The best way is to use a pepper-forward brisket rub as a binder with mustard. This enhances the overall flavor of the meat.
Can I make BBQ Brisket Melts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients ahead and assemble them just before serving. This makes entertaining easier!
How do I customize my BBQ Brisket Melt?
Feel free to add different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces according to your preference. Experimentation is encouraged!
Can I use leftover brisket for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover smoked brisket works perfectly in these melts, making it an excellent way to enjoy leftovers.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Brisket Melts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone at your table. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with different ingredients, making it suitable for any occasion. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
BBQ Brisket Melts
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with BBQ Brisket Melts, where tender smoked brisket meets gooey cheese and crispy onions. Perfect for game days or cozy dinners, this melt combines rich flavors that will leave you craving more. The unique combination of hickory-smoked brisket, tangy BBQ sauce, and a blend of cheeses creates a sandwich that’s not only satisfying but also easily customizable to suit your taste. Whether served at a gathering or as a quick lunch, these melts are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Brisket
- Mustard
- Pepper-forward brisket rub
- Hickory pellets (for smoking)
- Sourdough bread
- Colby jack cheese
- Provolone cheese
- Fried crispy onions
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the brisket by trimming fat and applying mustard as a binder. Season with the brisket rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Smoke the brisket at 210°F using hickory pellets for 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170°F. Then wrap in butcher paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow and smoke at 250°F until it reaches 204-206°F.
- Let the brisket rest wrapped in a cooler for 2-3 hours.
- Sauté diced onions in avocado oil, kosher salt, and butter until caramelized.
- Slice the rested brisket and layer on sourdough bread with fried onions, cheeses, and BBQ sauce.
- Toast the assembled melts in a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Smoking, Sautéing, Toasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 melt (250g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
