BBQ Brisket Melts are a delicious and hearty sandwich that combines tender smoked brisket with gooey cheese and crispy onions. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in, these melts satisfy every meat lover’s craving. The blend of flavors from the brisket and BBQ sauce makes them stand out, while the toasty sourdough adds a delightful crunch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe.
Versatile Options: Customize your BBQ Brisket Melts with different cheeses or toppings to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or family dinners, these melts are sure to impress a crowd.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your BBQ Brisket Melts, make sure you have the right tools. These will help you create the perfect melt while ensuring a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Smoker
Cast iron skillet
Butcher’s paper
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Smoker: Essential for infusing that rich smoky flavor into the brisket.
Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat for toasting the melts perfectly.
Butcher’s paper: Helps retain moisture while smoking the brisket.

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 excess fat from your brisket.
Apply mustard all over as a binder.
Generously season with your preferred pepper-forward brisket rub.
Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

Preheat your pellet smoker to 210 degrees F.
Place hickory pellets in the smoker and set up a water pan underneath.
Smoke the brisket for 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees F.

Step 3: Wrap and Finish Smoking

Wrap the smoked brisket in butcher’s paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow.
Increase smoker temperature to 250 degrees F.
Continue smoking until brisket reaches 204-206 degrees F.

Step 4: Resting Period

Remove the wrapped brisket from the smoker.
Let it rest in a cooler for 2-3 hours before slicing.

Step 5: Caramelize Onions

Dice your onions finely.
Sauté them in avocado oil with kosher salt and unsalted butter until caramelized.

Step 6: Assemble Your Melts

Take slices of sourdough bread as your base.
Layer with fried onions, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, Colby jack cheese, provolone cheese, and top bun.

Step 7: Toast the Sandwiches

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Butter both sides of each sandwich generously.
Toast in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy these BBQ Brisket Melts hot off the skillet!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

Serving BBQ Brisket Melts is all about complementing their rich flavors and gooey textures. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Pickles

Crunchy dill pickles add a tangy contrast to the savory brisket, enhancing every bite.

Add a Side Salad

A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the heaviness of the melt, making for a well-rounded meal.

Serve with Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the brisket.

Offer Extra BBQ Sauce

Provide a small bowl of your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.

Accompany with Chips

Crispy potato chips or tortilla chips add an enjoyable crunch and can serve as a great side for those who love snacking while they eat.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

Perfecting your BBQ Brisket Melts takes just a few tips. These insights will help you achieve mouth-watering results every time.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality brisket and fresh bread for the best flavor and texture.
Let It Rest: Don’t skip resting the brisket after cooking; it helps lock in juices and improves tenderness.
Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time when sautéing onions until they’re golden brown; this enhances their sweetness.
Use Enough Cheese: Make sure to layer on enough cheese to create that gooey, melty goodness that makes these melts irresistible.
Toast Bread Well: Toast the sourdough thoroughly in butter for a crispy exterior that holds up against the juicy fillings.
Experiment with Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces or even add hot sauce for a spicy kick to personalize your melts.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Completing your meal with the right side dishes can enhance the enjoyment of your BBQ Brisket Melts. Here are some excellent options.

Potato Salad – A classic side dish that adds creaminess and complements smoky flavors nicely.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter offers sweetness that pairs well with savory brisket.
Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans provide a hearty addition that balances well with the melts.
Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort and indulgence alongside your brisket melt.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to your plate, offering a healthy contrast.
Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, creating an enjoyable contrast with your melt.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich brisket melt.
Chili – A warm bowl of chili adds warmth and flavor complexity, making it an exciting pairing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish to perfection.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to generously season the brisket with a pepper-forward rub can lead to bland melts. Always ensure you coat the brisket thoroughly before smoking.
Rushing the cooking process: Cooking at too high a temperature or not allowing enough time can result in tough meat. Patience is key; low and slow is the way to go.
Neglecting rest time: Cutting into the brisket immediately after cooking will let all the juices escape. Always rest the brisket for a few hours wrapped to keep it moist and flavorful.
Using stale bread: Sourdough that’s past its prime won’t hold up well in a melt. Fresh bread is essential for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
Overloading on toppings: Adding too many toppings can make it difficult to enjoy each flavor. Balance is crucial; stick to a few key ingredients that complement each other well.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

Wrap individual melts tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place melts on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently. This method may result in soggy bread, so use cautiously.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through, which helps maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to BBQ Brisket Melts that may help you perfect your dish.

What makes BBQ Brisket Melts so special?

BBQ Brisket Melts combine tender, smoky brisket with gooey cheese and crispy bread, creating an irresistible comfort food experience.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Colby jack and provolone work well, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors.

How do I know when my brisket is done?

The perfect internal temperature for brisket is between 204-206 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!

Can I make BBQ Brisket Melts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the brisket ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Assemble the melts just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not only delicious but also versatile. Customizing them with various toppings or sauces makes them appealing for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors that come together effortlessly!

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BBQ Brisket Melts

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

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Description

BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food for meat lovers, combining tender, smoked brisket with gooey cheese and crispy onions, all nestled between slices of toasty sourdough. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these hearty sandwiches deliver an unforgettable flavor experience. The rich blend of smoky brisket and tangy BBQ sauce, paired with melty cheese, creates a satisfying dish that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and cheeses!

Ingredients

Smoked brisket
Sourdough bread
Colby jack cheese
Provolone cheese
Fried crispy onions
BBQ sauce
Onions for caramelizing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the brisket by trimming excess fat and seasoning it with mustard and your preferred rub. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Smoke the brisket at 210°F for 9-10 hours until it reaches 165°F, then wrap in butcher's paper and continue smoking at 250°F until it reaches 204-206°F.
Rest the brisket in a cooler for 2-3 hours before slicing.
Caramelize diced onions in avocado oil until golden brown.
Assemble your melts on slices of sourdough by layering fried onions, brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, and cheeses.
Toast each sandwich in a buttered cast iron skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

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