BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food that combines smoky, tender brisket with gooey cheese and crispy onions, all nestled between slices of toasted sourdough. Perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, or cozy family dinners, these melts deliver big flavor and satisfaction. The rich textures and mouthwatering aromas make them a standout dish that will impress your family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unmatched Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket, flavorful cheeses, and caramelized onions creates a taste experience you’ll crave.
Easy to Prepare: With a straightforward process, even novice cooks can craft this delicious meal with confidence.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether as a main course or a delightful sandwich at your next gathering, BBQ Brisket Melts fit any occasion.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish brings warmth and comfort, making it perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers.
Leftover Magic: If you have leftover brisket, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose it into something new and exciting.

Tools and Preparation

To create delectable BBQ Brisket Melts, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will make your cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pellet smoker
Cast iron skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Pellet smoker: This tool ensures even smoking and adds a depth of flavor to the brisket that’s hard to achieve with traditional grilling methods.
Cast iron skillet: Ideal for toasting the sandwiches evenly while providing a crispy texture that enhances each bite.

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 the Sandwich

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 and a water pan underneath for 9-10 hours until it reaches 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.
Rest wrapped brisket in cooler for 2-3 hours.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

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

Step 4: Assemble the Melt

Start with sourdough bread as your base layer.
Layer fried crispy onions, slices of smoked brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, Colby jack cheese, provolone cheese, then top with another slice of bread.

Step 5: Toast the Sandwiches

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add butter to the skillet.
Toast sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Brisket Melts!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are a delicious and hearty option for any meal. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Classic Presentation

Serve on a wooden board for a rustic look, garnished with pickles and fresh herbs.

Side of Pickles

Accompany your melts with dill or bread-and-butter pickles to add a tangy contrast.

Dipping Sauces

Offer a selection of BBQ sauce, ranch, or chipotle mayo for added flavor and moisture.

Salad Pairing

Serve with a light coleslaw or mixed green salad for a refreshing balance.

Sliders Option

Cut the melts into smaller portions for sliders, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Beer Pairing

Suggest pairing with a cold craft beer that complements the smoky flavors of the brisket.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

Creating the ultimate BBQ Brisket Melts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure perfection every time.

Choose Quality Brisket: Select a well-marbled brisket for tender and juicy results.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like onions and cheeses elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Smoke Low and Slow: Smoking at low temperatures allows the brisket to develop deep flavors and tenderness.
Let It Rest: Allowing the brisket to rest wrapped in butcher paper ensures juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Toast Your Bread: A crispy exterior on sourdough adds texture that enhances each bite.
Experiment with Cheeses: Mix different types of cheese to find your perfect combination; try adding pepper jack for some heat!

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pair your BBQ Brisket Melts with side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some tasty ideas:

Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the melts.
Potato Salad: A classic side, potato salad provides a hearty element that pairs well with smoked meats.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter offers sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory brisket.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans enhance the barbecue experience while adding protein.
French Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite; consider seasoned or loaded options for extra flavor.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort and pairs beautifully with BBQ flavors.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until tender add freshness and color to your plate.
Chips and Salsa: A crunchy side like tortilla chips with salsa can provide an enjoyable textural change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, even small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Skipping the binder: Neglecting to apply mustard can result in uneven seasoning. Always use a binder to ensure the rub adheres well.
Overcooking or undercooking the brisket: Not monitoring the temperature can ruin your brisket. Use a reliable meat thermometer to get it just right.
Not resting the meat: Slicing too soon can dry out your brisket melts. Allowing the brisket to rest helps retain moisture and flavor.
Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can melt poorly and affect flavor. Opt for quality cheeses like Colby jack and provolone for the best taste.
Rushing the caramelization of onions: Caramelizing requires patience. Take your time to achieve that sweet, golden-brown goodness.
Forgetting about seasoning layers: Skipping seasoning on each component leads to blandness. Be sure to season meats, vegetables, and sauces for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sandwiches 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 on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Brisket Melts that might help you perfect this dish.

What is the best type of brisket for BBQ Brisket Melts?

The best type of brisket is a well-marbled cut, like the flat or point cut. This ensures tenderness and flavor when cooked.

Can I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, toppings like jalapeños or coleslaw, or switch up the BBQ sauce for varied flavors.

How do I ensure my BBQ Brisket Melts are juicy?

Properly resting your smoked brisket is key. After cooking, allow it to rest for several hours wrapped to keep moisture locked in.

Are BBQ Brisket Melts suitable for meal prep?

Yes! They store well and reheat nicely, making them great for meal prep lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts combine rich flavors with satisfying textures, making them a delightful choice for any meal. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or a cozy night in, they’re versatile enough for customization based on your tastes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients!

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BBQ Brisket Melts

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

BBQ Brisket Melts are a heavenly blend of smoky, tender brisket, gooey cheese, and crispy onions, all perfectly grilled between slices of toasted sourdough. Ideal for game nights, backyard barbecues, or cozy family dinners, these melts offer a satisfying bite that combines rich flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Brisket
Sourdough bread
Colby jack cheese
Provolone cheese
Fried crispy onions
BBQ sauce
Onions
Avocado oil
Mustard
Favorite brisket rub
Hickory pellets
Apple cider vinegar
Beef tallow
Kosher salt
Unsalted butter

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Instructions

Prepare the brisket by trimming excess fat, covering it with mustard, seasoning with a pepper rub, and refrigerating for 1-2 hours.
Smoke the brisket at 210°F using hickory pellets for 9-10 hours until it reaches 165-170°F. Wrap in butcher paper and continue smoking at 250°F until it reaches 204-206°F. Let it rest.
Caramelize diced onions in avocado oil and butter until golden brown.
Assemble the sandwich with sourdough bread, layers of brisket, fried onions, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and cheese.
Toast on a cast iron skillet until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Category: Main
Method: Smoking and Grilling
Cuisine: American