BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender smoked brisket with gooey cheese and crispy onions. This delightful sandwich is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, game day, or a cozy dinner at home. The rich flavors and textures make it a standout dish that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unmatched Flavor – The combination of smoked brisket and savory cheeses creates an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Easy to Prepare – While it takes time to smoke the brisket, the assembly is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Meal – These melts can be served for lunch or dinner and are easily adaptable with your favorite BBQ sauces or toppings.
• Perfect for Gatherings – Impress your guests with a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.
• Comfort Food Classic – With its warm, cheesy goodness, this recipe embodies the essence of comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your BBQ Brisket Melts, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pellet smoker
• Cast iron skillet
• Meat thermometer
• Butcher’s paper
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Pellet smoker – This tool allows you to infuse wood smoke flavor into your brisket while maintaining consistent temperatures for perfect cooking.
• Cast iron skillet – Ideal for toasting sandwiches evenly, creating a crisp crust while melting the cheese inside.
• Meat thermometer – Ensures your brisket reaches the correct internal temperature for safe and delicious eating.

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 Assembling the Melts

• 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, water pan underneath, for 9-10 hours until internal temperature 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.

Step 3: Resting Time

1. Rest wrapped brisket in cooler for 2-3 hours to allow juices to redistribute.

Step 4: Prepare Caramelized Onions

1. Sauté diced onions with avocado oil, kosher salt, and unsalted butter until caramelized.

Step 5: Assemble Your Melts

1. Take sourdough bread and layer on fried onions, Colby jack cheese, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and top bun.

Step 6: Toasting the Sandwiches

1. Toast assembled melts in a cast iron skillet with butter for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Enjoy these mouthwatering BBQ Brisket Melts that are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

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

Casual Gatherings

• With Coleslaw: Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich brisket.
• Potato Chips: Offer crispy potato chips as a simple side for added texture and flavor.

Game Day Treats

• Pickles and Jalapeños: Add a platter of pickles and spicy jalapeños to enhance the flavors and add some heat.
• Nacho Platter: Create a nacho platter with cheese sauce, guacamole, and sour cream for an exciting twist.

Family Dinners

• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob adds sweetness and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad can balance the richness of the melts.

Outdoor Picnics

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory brisket melts.
• Baked Beans: Serve warm baked beans as a traditional BBQ side that complements the smokiness of the brisket.

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How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

To achieve the best BBQ Brisket Melts, consider these helpful tips for optimal results.

• seasoning: Use a generous amount of your favorite pepper-forward brisket rub for maximum flavor.
• Optimal smoking temperature: Maintain consistent temperatures when smoking your brisket to ensure even cooking.
• Rest your meat: Always rest the brisket after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute for better flavor.
• Sourdough choice: Choose high-quality sourdough bread for its sturdiness and tangy flavor that holds up well with toppings.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pairing side dishes with BBQ Brisket Melts can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni is a classic comfort food that complements smoky flavors beautifully.
2. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad adds richness and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the melts.
4. French Fries: Crispy French fries are an easy and satisfying addition that everyone loves.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus offers a fresh, crunchy contrast that’s healthy and delicious.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with BBQ.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

• Not Trimming the Brisket Properly: Leaving too much fat can lead to a greasy melt. Trim excess fat before cooking for a balanced flavor.
• Skipping the Resting Period: Cutting into the brisket right away will dry it out. Let it rest for 2-3 hours in a cooler to retain moisture.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality bread or cheese can ruin your BBQ Brisket Melt. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Ignoring Temperature Control: Cooking at inconsistent temperatures can affect brisket tenderness. Maintain a steady temperature during smoking for ideal results.
• Overloading with Toppings: While toppings are great, too many can overpower the brisket flavor. Stick to a few key toppings that complement without overwhelming.

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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 in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped in foil for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; flip occasionally until heated through, adding a little butter for crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about BBQ Brisket Melts, here are some common questions and answers.

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

Brisket flat is ideal due to its leaner cut, but point cut adds more flavor with its marbling. Choose based on your texture preference.

How do I make my BBQ Brisket Melts even better?

Experiment with various cheeses or add spicy pickles for an extra kick. Customizing toppings allows you to create your perfect melt!

Can I use leftover brisket for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover smoked brisket works wonderfully in BBQ Brisket Melts, saving time and enhancing flavor.

What sides pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts?

Consider serving coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans as delightful complements that balance the richness of the melts.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are a perfect blend of smoky meat and melty cheese, making them an irresistible choice for any meal. You can customize these sandwiches with different toppings or breads to suit your taste. Try making them today and enjoy their comfort and flavor!