BBQ Brisket Melts

There's something truly magical about the aroma of BBQ Brisket Melts wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made these sandwiches. It was a rainy weekend, and I was craving something warm and comforting. My husband walked in from the garage, where he was working on a project, and his eyes lit up as soon as he caught a whiff of the smoky brisket. It became a family tradition to indulge in these melts on cozy days, paired with laughter and stories about our week. They're not just sandwiches; they're a hug on a plate!

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Perfect for any gathering or just a Sunday afternoon treat, BBQ Brisket Melts bring everyone together. The combination of smoky, tender brisket, gooey cheese, and crispy onions nestled between buttery toasted bread is simply irresistible. Whether it's a rainy day or a sunny picnic, these melts are sure to be a hit. Trust me; you'll want to keep this recipe close!

Why You'll Love "BBQ Brisket Melts"

• Quick prep time of just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Only a few simple ingredients needed, so it's easy on the pantry!
• Family-friendly and great for kids - who doesn't love cheesy sandwiches?
• Deliciously versatile; you can customize with your favorite toppings.
• Perfect for meal prep - make extra brisket for sandwiches throughout the week!
• Freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy them anytime you crave a comforting meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Brisket

• 1 piece of brisket (choose a well-marbled cut for tenderness)
• Mustard (to taste, serves as a binder for the rub)
• Pepper-forward brisket rub (to taste, your favorite blend will do wonders)

For Smoking

• Hickory wood pellets (to taste, they add a rich smoky flavor; feel free to experiment with other woods like mesquite or apple!)

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices of sourdough bread (thick-cut works best for holding all that goodness)
• 1 cup of shredded colby jack cheese (melts beautifully and adds a nice creaminess)
• 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese (for a deliciously gooey texture)
• ½ cup of fried crispy onions (for that irresistible crunch)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (for grilling, make sure it's room temperature for easy spreading)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Brisket

1. Start by patting the brisket dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick better and ensures a nice crust.
2. Spread a thin layer of mustard all over the brisket. Don't be shy! This acts as a binder for the rub and adds a kick of flavor.
3. Generously sprinkle your pepper-forward brisket rub all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly. Press it in gently so it adheres well.
4. Let the brisket sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. If you have time, you can wrap it and let it marinate in the fridge overnight for even more flavor!

Smoke the Brisket

1. Preheat your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Aim for a temperature of around 225°F (107°C) - low and slow is the way to go!
2. Add hickory wood pellets to the smoker. The smoky aroma that fills the air will be heavenly!
3. Once the smoker is ready, place the brisket on the grill grates. Close the lid and let it smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (91°C). This is when the magic happens!
4. Check the brisket occasionally. If it starts to dry out, you can spritz it with a bit of apple cider vinegar or water to keep it moist.
5. Once it's tender and the bark is beautiful, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it extra juicy!

Assemble the Sandwiches

1. After resting, slice the brisket against the grain into thin pieces. This will keep it tender when you bite into your sandwich.
2. Take your thick-cut sourdough bread and layer on a generous amount of sliced brisket on one slice.
3. Sprinkle some shredded colby jack cheese and provolone cheese over the brisket. Don't skimp on the cheese; it's the best part!
4. Add a handful of crispy fried onions on top of the cheese for that delightful crunch.
5. Top it off with another slice of sourdough bread, and press down gently to hold everything together.

Grill the Sandwiches

1. Heat a griddle or a large pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, spreading it around the pan.
2. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches on the griddle. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
3. Flip the sandwiches carefully, adding another tablespoon of butter to the pan, and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. You want that cheese to be perfectly melted and the bread to be beautifully toasted.
4. Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them cool for a minute before slicing in half. This will help prevent the cheesy goodness from spilling out.

Variations

• Swap out brisket for pulled pork or smoked turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Try using different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add pickled jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• For a lighter version, use whole grain bread and reduce the cheese.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and ensuring your brisket rub is gluten-free.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve your BBQ Brisket Melts hot and fresh off the grill for the best flavor. Pair them with a side of tangy coleslaw or crispy pickles to balance the richness. A drizzle of BBQ sauce can elevate the taste even more. These sandwiches also make a great centerpiece for game day parties or casual gatherings!

Storage

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze assembled sandwiches in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

Helpful Notes

• Feel free to adjust the amount of mustard and rub based on your taste preferences.
• For a smoky flavor without a smoker, try using a stovetop smoker or liquid smoke.
• Experiment with different types of bread, like ciabatta or rye, for unique flavors.
• If you have dairy allergies, opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Adding sautéed bell peppers can enhance the flavor and provide extra veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze BBQ Brisket Melts?

Yes, you can freeze BBQ Brisket Melts! Wrap the assembled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or oven.

What are some good substitutes for the cheeses?

You can easily substitute the cheeses in this recipe! For a different flavor, try using gouda or cheddar cheese. If you want a bit of heat, pepper jack is a great option. For a dairy-free version, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make BBQ Brisket Melts gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread instead of sourdough. Ensure that your brisket rub is gluten-free as well. There are many delicious gluten-free breads available, so you can still enjoy these melts without the gluten!

Final Thoughts

I hope you're as excited to make these BBQ Brisket Melts as I am! There's truly nothing better than digging into a warm, gooey sandwich filled with smoky brisket and melted cheese. Whether it's a cozy family dinner, a game day treat, or just a special weekend meal, these melts are sure to bring smiles around the table. So gather your ingredients, fire up that smoker, and let the delicious aromas fill your home. You've got this, and I can't wait for you to share in the joy of these scrumptious sandwiches!

BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are delicious sandwiches made with smoked brisket, melted cheese, and crispy onions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 sandwiches

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Smoker
• Griddle or Pan

Ingredients

  

For the Brisket

• 1 piece brisket
• to taste mustard for binding
• to taste pepper-forward brisket rub

For Smoking

• to taste hickory wood pellets for smoking

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 cup colby jack cheese shredded
• 1 cup provolone cheese shredded
• ½ cup fried crispy onions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

 

• Prepare the brisket by applying mustard and the brisket rub. Let it sit for a while.
• Smoke the brisket using hickory wood pellets until tender.
• Slice the brisket and assemble the sandwiches with bread, cheeses, and fried onions.
• Grill the sandwiches with butter until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Notes

For added flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses and toppings.

Keyword BBQ brisket melts, brisket sandwiches, smoked brisket