BBQ Brisket Melts are a mouthwatering delight that combines the smoky flavor of brisket with gooey cheese, all sandwiched between crispy sourdough. Perfect for game days, cookouts, or family gatherings, these melts offer a unique twist on classic comfort food. With their bold flavors and satisfying textures, BBQ Brisket Melts will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket and melted cheese creates a rich and savory taste that is hard to resist.
Easy to Make: Although they sound gourmet, BBQ Brisket Melts are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as a hearty lunch or serve at parties as a delicious snack; they fit any occasion perfectly.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match cheeses or add extra toppings like jalapeños for an added kick.
Perfectly Comforting: Each bite is warm and satisfying, making this melt an ideal comfort food during chilly weather.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your BBQ Brisket Melts, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pellet smoker
Cast iron skillet
Butcher paper
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Pellet smoker: This tool is essential for achieving that authentic smoky flavor in your brisket.
Cast iron skillet: Perfect for toasting the sandwich evenly while creating a crispy exterior.
Sharp knife: A good knife helps to trim the brisket easily and slice it into perfect pieces for your melts.

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 Onion Mixture

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

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, 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.
Smoke again at 250 degrees until it reaches 204-206 degrees.

Step 3: Rest the Brisket

Allow the wrapped brisket to rest in a cooler for 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

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

Step 5: Assemble the Melt

Begin layering by placing sourdough bread on a cutting board.
Add fried onions, Colby jack cheese, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and top bun.

Step 6: Toast the Sandwiches

Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat with butter.
Toast each sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping to toast the other side until golden brown.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Brisket Melts! These sandwiches are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself.

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

BBQ Brisket Melts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Classic Presentation

Serve on a wooden board for a rustic look.
Pair with pickles and chips for crunch.

Gourmet Touch

Add arugula or spinach for a fresh twist.
Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Family Style

Cut into smaller portions for sharing.
Serve with a side of warm, toasted baguette.

Picnic Ready

Wrap in parchment paper for easy transport.
Include a side of potato salad for a complete meal.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

Creating the perfect BBQ Brisket Melts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Choose quality brisket: Select well-marbled brisket for the best flavor and tenderness.
Use the right rub: A pepper-forward rub enhances the smoky flavor.
Monitor smoking temperature: Keeping a steady temperature ensures even cooking.
Rest your brisket: Allowing the brisket to rest helps retain moisture.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and high-quality cheese make a significant difference.
Toast the bread well: Achieving a golden-brown crust adds texture to your melt.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Brisket Melts can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the main dish perfectly.

Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the melt.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, they offer a delightful contrast to smoky flavors.
Baked Beans: Smoky and hearty, these beans pair wonderfully with brisket.
Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread is a classic pairing that absorbs sauce well.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort and pairs beautifully with the savory melt.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies provide healthful balance and vibrant colors to your plate.
Potato Salad: Creamy or tangy potato salad complements the rich flavors of brisket melts.
Chips and Salsa: A crunchy snack option that offers a refreshing kick alongside the melt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

Not seasoning enough – Failing to apply a generous amount of brisket rub can result in bland flavors. Ensure you coat the brisket evenly and allow it to marinate for at least 1-2 hours.
Skipping the resting period – Cutting into your brisket too soon can lead to dry meat. Always let it rest for 2-3 hours wrapped in butcher’s paper or foil after smoking.
Using the wrong bread – Choosing a bread that isn’t sturdy enough may lead to soggy melts. Opt for sourdough or another hearty bread that can hold up against the fillings.
Overcooking the onions – If you cook the onions too long, they may burn instead of caramelizing. Aim for a golden-brown color and stir frequently while sautéing.
Neglecting the cheese blend – Using only one type of cheese might not provide the best flavor. Combine Colby jack with provolone for a delightful melt that balances creaminess and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts

Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Keep frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place melts on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop – Place melts in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are BBQ Brisket Melts?

BBQ Brisket Melts are delicious sandwiches made with smoked brisket, cheese, and caramelized onions, all grilled until golden and melty.

Can I use leftover brisket for these melts?

Yes! Leftover brisket is perfect for making BBQ Brisket Melts. Just slice it thin and follow the assembly instructions.

What type of cheese is best for BBQ Brisket Melts?

A combination of Colby jack and provolone cheese works wonderfully, offering both creaminess and flavor depth.

How do I make my own brisket rub?

Creating your own brisket rub is simple! Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other spices you enjoy.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or pickles to personalize your BBQ Brisket Melts.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts are a hearty comfort food perfect for gatherings or cozy meals at home. The smoky flavor of brisket paired with gooey cheese creates an irresistible combination. Don’t hesitate to customize toppings according to your taste preferences!

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BBQ Brisket Melts

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

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Description

BBQ Brisket Melts are an irresistible fusion of smoky, tender brisket and gooey cheese, perfectly grilled between slices of crispy sourdough bread. Ideal for game days, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal, these melts offer a delicious twist on traditional comfort food. With their savory flavors and satisfying textures, they are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection. Customize with your favorite toppings for an added kick or keep it classic—either way, you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients

Brisket
Mustard (for binding)
Smoked brisket rub
Sourdough bread
Colby jack cheese
Provolone cheese
Caramelized onions
BBQ sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the brisket by trimming excess fat and applying mustard as a binder. Season generously with the rub and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Smoke the brisket using a pellet smoker at 210°F for 9-10 hours until it reaches 165°F. Wrap in butcher paper and smoke again at 250°F until it hits 204°F.
Allow the brisket to rest for 2-3 hours before slicing.
Sauté diced onions with avocado oil, kosher salt, and butter until caramelized.
Assemble the sandwich: layer sourdough with fried onions, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, cheeses, and BBQ sauce.
Toast each sandwich in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Category: Main
Method: Smoking/Grilling
Cuisine: American