BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are a delicious and hearty choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a weekend treat. This recipe combines tender smoked brisket with melted cheese and crispy fried onions, all nestled between slices of toasted sourdough bread. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around a flavorful dish.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Brisket
• For the Toppings
• For Assembling the Melts
• How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts
• Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
• Step 2: Smoke the Brisket
• Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
• Step 4: Assemble the Melts
• Step 5: Toast the Sandwiches
• How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts
• Pair with Pickles
• Add a Side Salad
• Serve with Coleslaw
• Offer Extra BBQ Sauce
• Include Potato Chips
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts
• Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts
• Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are BBQ Brisket Melts?
• How do I prepare the brisket?
• Can I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?
• What dips go well with BBQ Brisket Melts?
• How long does it take to smoke the brisket?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket, cheese, and BBQ sauce creates a rich taste that’s hard to beat.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, anyone can make these delicious melts without hassle.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for BBQ parties, game days, or simply satisfying your comfort food cravings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to tweak the toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: Use any leftover brisket from your last cookout to make these tasty sandwiches.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect BBQ Brisket Melts, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pellet smoker
• Cast iron skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pellet smoker: Provides even heat and flavor infusion while smoking the brisket.
• Cast iron skillet: Excellent for achieving a crispy outer layer on your melts while retaining warmth inside.

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 Melts

• 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

1. Trim brisket of excess fat and apply mustard all over as a binder.
2. Season generously with a pepper-forward brisket rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

1. Smoke on pellet smoker at 210 degrees with hickory pellets, using a water pan underneath, for 9-10 hours until it reaches 165-170 degrees.
2. Wrap in butcher’s paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow, then smoke at 250 degrees until it reaches 204-206 degrees.
3. Rest wrapped brisket in cooler for 2-3 hours.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. Sauté diced onions in avocado oil with kosher salt and unsalted butter until they are caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Melts

1. Layer sourdough bread with fried crispy onions, Colby jack cheese, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and top bun.

Step 5: Toast the Sandwiches

1. Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat with butter.
2. Toast each melt in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown, flipping once.

Enjoy your BBQ Brisket Melts fresh off the skillet! They’re sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike.

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Pickles

• Tangy pickles offer a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the brisket melt.

Add a Side Salad

• A light, crisp salad can complement the heaviness of the sandwich and add a freshness to your plate.

Serve with Coleslaw

• Creamy coleslaw provides a nice texture contrast and adds a bit of tanginess to each bite.

Offer Extra BBQ Sauce

• Having extra BBQ sauce on the side allows guests to customize their sandwiches with more flavor.

Include Potato Chips

• Crunchy potato chips add an enjoyable crunch and are an easy-to-serve side that pairs well with melts.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh parsley or cilantro on top enhances presentation and adds a burst of color.

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How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

To achieve the ultimate BBQ Brisket Melts, pay attention to these essential tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality brisket and fresh bread will significantly enhance your melt’s flavor.

• Let It Rest: After smoking, resting the brisket allows juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.

• Use Enough Cheese: Ensure you layer enough cheese for a gooey, melty texture that binds all ingredients together.

• Heat Your Skillet Properly: Preheating your cast iron skillet ensures an even toast and crispy exterior on your sandwich.

• Experiment with Rubs: Trying different brisket rubs can bring unique flavors that personalize your melts to your taste.

• Don’t Skip the Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sandwich.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Serving BBQ Brisket Melts is great, but pairing them with delicious sides can take your meal to new heights. Here are some excellent options.

1. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a complementary flavor that pairs well with smoky brisket.

2. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor alongside your melts.

3. Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad is always a crowd favorite, adding comfort alongside your hearty sandwiches.

4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies bring freshness and color to your plate while balancing out rich flavors.

5. Potato Salad: Classic potato salad is another creamy option that works wonderfully as a side for BBQ dishes.

6. Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes provide both crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning your brisket properly can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with your brisket rub.
• Inadequate resting time – Cutting into the brisket too soon can cause juices to escape. Allow it to rest for several hours wrapped in a cooler.
• Using low-quality bread – The bread is essential for a great melt. Choose hearty sourdough for better texture and flavor.
• Overcooking or undercooking – Cooking the brisket at incorrect temperatures can ruin its texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
• Neglecting caramelization – Skipping the step of sautéing onions can result in less flavor. Take the time to caramelize them for a rich taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the BBQ brisket melts separate from any sauces until you’re ready to eat.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

• Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are BBQ Brisket Melts?

BBQ Brisket Melts are delicious sandwiches made with smoked brisket, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all served on toasted sourdough bread.

How do I prepare the brisket?

Start by applying mustard as a binder, seasoning with your favorite rub, and then smoke it slowly until tender.

Can I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or different types of cheese for extra flavor.

What dips go well with BBQ Brisket Melts?

Consider serving them with ranch dressing or additional BBQ sauce for dipping; both enhance the flavor!

How long does it take to smoke the brisket?

It typically takes about 9-10 hours at low temperatures before wrapping and smoking again until fully tender.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not just a treat; they bring comfort and satisfaction in every bite. This recipe is versatile—feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings based on your preferences. Give this delicious melt a try and enjoy a cozy meal that’s perfect for gatherings!