BBQ Brisket Melts: ​A hearty sandwich loaded with tender, slow-cooked brisket, melty cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, all grilled to crispy perfection. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for any occasion, from game day to a satisfying weeknight dinner. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own mouthwatering BBQ Brisket Melts at home.

Ingredients

1.For the Brisket:

• 3 lbs beef brisket
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

2.For the Sandwiches:

• 8 slices Texas toast or thick-cut sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook the Brisket

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Alternatively, prepare a smoker to cook at the same temperature.
2. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne.
3. Place the brisket in a roasting pan or smoker and add beef broth, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
4. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 4-5 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

2. Prepare the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook for about 30 minutes until the onions become golden brown and caramelized.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place half of the bread slices, butter-side down, on a clean surface.
3. Layer shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the bread.
4. Add a generous portion of sliced brisket on top of the cheese.
5. Spoon caramelized onions over the brisket and add pickled jalapeños if using.
6. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.

4. Cook the Sandwiches

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula.
3. Once the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted, remove from the heat.
4. Let the sandwiches rest for 2 minutes before slicing in half.

Conclusion

These BBQ Brisket Melts bring together smoky, tender brisket, creamy melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce for a sandwich that is packed with flavor. Whether you’re using leftover brisket or making it fresh, this recipe ensures each bite is crispy, gooey, and utterly satisfying. Pair with coleslaw, fries, or pickles for the ultimate meal. Try it today and elevate your sandwich game!

FAQs:

What is a barbecue brisket melt?

Build your brisket melt with a slice of Texas toast, slices of cheese, BBQ sauce, sliced brisket, cheese, more brisket, cheese, onions and jalapeños, more BBQ sauce, bacon and more Texas toast. Add the melts to the skillet and toast the slices of bread. Once golden brown, serve and enjoy!

Why is my brisket still tough after 4 hours?

So the chances are you’ve actually undercooked it. Make sure you wrap anytime from 160f on, just make sure that bark is properly set first. And then make sure you start checking for tenderness around 203f and make sure it probes like soft butter. Then rest that sucker for at least an hour!

What are BBQ brisket burnt ends?

Burnt ends are from when a brisket is smoked hanging. All the fat and juices collect at the bottom end and gets “burnt”. All the fat and juices that collect and get “burnt” make them very flavorful and give them a nice bark.

What kind of meat is BBQ brisket?

Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of beef or veal. The beef brisket is one of the nine beef primal cuts, though the definition of the cut differs internationally. The brisket muscles include the superficial and deep pectorals.

Is BBQ brisket good?

Beef brisket, renowned as one of the best barbecue meats, is a flavorful cut packed with fat and connective tissue, making it perfect for the low, consistent smoke provided by a Traeger. If you’re contemplating trying your hand at making your first brisket, this basic info will help you get started.

Is brisket healthy or unhealthy?

Incorporating brisket into your diet offers several health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Rich in protein, brisket supports muscle growth and helps you feel fuller for longer. It’s also packed with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, vital for overall health.

What’s healthier brisket or chicken?

Beef has several nutritional advantages over chicken because it contains more iron and zinc. These substances are essential for our immune system and brain development. However, chicken is much better for your cardiovascular health because it has less cholesterol and saturated fat than beef.