BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food that brings together smoky flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these melts elevate your sandwich game with tender brisket and melty cheese. What truly sets this dish apart is the combination of rich BBQ sauce and caramelized onions, creating a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The blend of smoked brisket, savory cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce creates an irresistible taste.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious meal.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a hearty lunch, a satisfying dinner, or at your next barbecue gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress friends and family alike with its mouthwatering appeal.
Comforting & Filling: Perfectly toasted bread filled with tender meat makes for a comforting meal any time of the year.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of BBQ Brisket Melts, let’s gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pellet smoker
Cast iron skillet
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Meat thermometer
Butcher’s paper

Importance of Each Tool

Pellet smoker: This tool is essential for achieving that perfect smoky flavor in your brisket.
Cast iron skillet: Great for toasting the sandwiches evenly while adding a delightful crunch to the bread.

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 Sandwich Assembly

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

For the Cheesy Goodness

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.
Cook for 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees.

Step 3: Wrap and Finish Smoking

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

Step 4: Resting Period

Rest wrapped brisket in a cooler for 2-3 hours before slicing.

Step 5: Caramelize the Onions

Sauté diced onions in a cast iron skillet with avocado oil, kosher salt, and unsalted butter until they become golden brown and caramelized.

Step 6: Assemble Your Melts

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

Step 7: Toast Your Sandwiches

Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Toast each sandwich in butter for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Now you have delicious BBQ Brisket Melts ready to enjoy! Serve them hot for maximum meltiness and flavor!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a satisfying dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brisket melt experience.

With Fresh Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the brisket.

On a Platter with Pickles

Serve your melts alongside pickles for a zesty contrast that brightens each bite.

Accompanied by Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory balance, making them a perfect sidekick to your melts.

Topped with Jalapeños

For those who enjoy a kick, adding sliced jalapeños brings heat and extra flavor to your BBQ Brisket Melts.

With a Side of BBQ Sauce

A small bowl of your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping enhances the smoky flavors and keeps things deliciously messy.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

To achieve the ultimate BBQ Brisket Melt, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is perfect.

Choose Quality Brisket: Opt for well-marbled brisket for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cheeses and bread will make your melt taste more vibrant.
Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Patience is vital; allow the brisket to smoke low and slow for optimal tenderness.
Toast Your Bread Well: Properly toasted bread provides a crunchy exterior that holds up against the juicy filling.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to add unique toppings like avocado or different cheese blends for variety.
Let It Rest: Always let your brisket rest before slicing; this helps retain juices.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Brisket Melts can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad provides a cool counterbalance to the warm, smoky flavors of the melt.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn offers natural sweetness and buttery goodness that pairs beautifully with brisket.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add depth to your meal while complementing the BBQ flavors.
Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food adds creaminess that pairs excellently with the richness of the brisket melts.
Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the heaviness of the sandwich, refreshing your palate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color, flavor, and nutrients, making them an excellent side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to get carried away. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Not trimming the brisket properly: Leaving too much fat on the brisket can lead to greasy melts. Always trim excess fat for a better flavor and texture.
Skipping the rub resting time: Failing to let the rub sit can result in less flavor penetration. Refrigerate the seasoned brisket for at least 1-2 hours.
Ignoring the smoking temperature: Smoking at an incorrect temperature can ruin your brisket. Stick to a low and slow approach for optimal tenderness.
Rushing the resting period: Cutting into brisket too soon makes it dry. Always let it rest for 2-3 hours after smoking.
Overloading with toppings: While tempting, too many toppings can overpower the melt. Keep it balanced for best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Brisket Melts that might help you out.

Can I use other types of meat?

You can replace brisket with pulled pork or smoked turkey for different flavors.

How do I make my BBQ sauce from scratch?

Combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for a homemade sauce.

What side dishes pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts?

Coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans are great complements to this dish.

Can I add vegetables to my BBQ Brisket Melts?

Yes! Grilled peppers or jalapeños can add a nice kick and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts offer a delicious combination of smoky brisket and melted cheese, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your melts with different cheeses or add-ins like jalapeños or pickles. Try this comforting recipe today!

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BBQ Brisket Melts

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4 sandwiches 1x

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Description

BBQ Brisket Melts are the epitome of comfort food, combining tender, smoky brisket with gooey melted cheese for an indulgent treat. Perfect for game days or cozy nights, these sandwiches feature a rich BBQ sauce and caramelized onions that create a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 brisket
Mustard (for binding)
Pepper-forward brisket rub
Hickory pellets (for smoking)
2 whole onions
Avocado oil
Kosher salt
Sourdough bread
Colby jack cheese
Provolone cheese
Favorite BBQ sauce

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Instructions

Trim excess fat from the brisket and apply mustard as a binder. Season generously with the brisket rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Smoke the brisket on a pellet smoker at 210°F using hickory pellets for 9-10 hours until it reaches 165°F.
Wrap in butcher's paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow, increasing smoker temperature to 250°F until it reaches 204°F.
Let the brisket rest wrapped in a cooler for 2-3 hours before slicing.
Sauté diced onions in a cast iron skillet with avocado oil and kosher salt until caramelized.
Assemble sandwiches by layering crispy onions, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and cheeses between slices of sourdough bread.
Toast in butter on a cast iron skillet until golden brown on both sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 12 hours
Category: Main
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American