BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich is a delicious fusion of tender brisket, melted cheese, and crispy onions all stacked on toasted sourdough. This mouthwatering sandwich is perfect for gatherings, game day, or a comforting meal at home. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, you’ll find this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoky brisket, creamy cheeses, and sweet caramelized onions creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, these sandwiches are sure to impress.
• Easy to Customize: You can switch up the cheeses or add your favorite veggies to make each melt uniquely yours.
• Hearty and Filling: Each sandwich is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
• Great for Leftovers: Use any leftover brisket in other meals, ensuring nothing goes to waste!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools is essential for making the perfect BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich. Below are some key items you’ll need to gather before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pellet smoker
• Cast iron skillet
• Butcher’s paper
• Skillet
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Pellet smoker: This tool ensures even smoking and adds rich flavor to the brisket.
• Cast iron skillet: Perfect for achieving a crispy crust on your melts while keeping the inside gooey and delicious.
• Butcher’s paper: Helps retain moisture during the resting phase of the brisket without steaming it.

Ingredients

Tender brisket, melted cheese, and crisp onions stacked on toasted sourdough with a hint of smoke and tang.

For the Brisket

• 1 whole brisket, trimmed of excess fat
• Mustard, sufficient to coat brisket as binder
• Pepper-forward brisket rub, to generously season
• Hickory pellets, as needed for smoking
• Apple cider vinegar, for brisket wrapping
• Beef tallow, 3–4 tablespoons

For the Onions and Assembly

• 2 whole onions, diced
• Avocado oil, 2 tablespoons
• Kosher salt, 1 tablespoon
• Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
• Sourdough bread, as required
• Unsalted butter, for toasting and assembly
• Fried crispy onions, to taste

For the Cheese

• Colby Jack cheese, 2 slices per melt
• Provolone cheese, 2 slices per melt
• Favorite BBQ sauce, to taste

How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

1. Trim brisket of excess fat and evenly coat with mustard to act as a binder.
2. Generously apply pepper-forward brisket rub on all sides. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow seasoning to penetrate.

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

1. Preheat pellet smoker to 100°C. Insert hickory pellets and place a water pan below the meat.
2. Smoke brisket for 9–10 hours until internal temperature reaches 74–77°C.

Step 3: Wrap the Brisket

1. Remove brisket from smoker and wrap tightly in butcher’s paper with a splash of apple cider vinegar and 3–4 tablespoons beef tallow.
2. Return wrapped brisket to smoker and continue cooking at 120°C until internal temperature reaches 96–97°C.

Step 4: Resting Period

1. Allow brisket to rest in cooler for 2–3 hours while still wrapped. This helps retain moisture.

Step 5: Caramelize Onions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions with avocado oil, unsalted butter, and kosher salt.
2. Cook until onions are deeply caramelized, stirring regularly.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Layer slices of sourdough bread with Colby Jack cheese, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, fried crispy onions, BBQ sauce, Provolone cheese, then top with another slice of bread.

Step 7: Toast the Melts

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add unsalted butter and toast assembled melts for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese has melted.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

Serving the BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich can elevate your meal experience. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.

Pair with Pickles

• Adding a side of pickles provides a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the brisket and cheese.

Add a Side Salad

• A light and refreshing salad can balance the heaviness of the melts. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette.

Offer BBQ Sauce on the Side

• Serving extra BBQ sauce allows guests to customize their sandwiches to their taste, enhancing the smoky flavors.

Serve with Sweet Potato Fries

• Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture, making them a perfect complement to the savory sandwich.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

Perfecting your BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for an unforgettable meal.

• Choose Quality Brisket: Opt for well-marbled brisket for tenderness and flavor that will elevate your sandwich.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the brisket rest to allow juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sourdough bread and quality cheese make a significant difference in taste and texture.
• Don’t Rush Caramelizing Onions: Take your time caramelizing onions; this enhances their sweetness, adding depth of flavor.
• Toast to Perfection: Ensure your skillet is at medium heat for even browning without burning, resulting in crispy edges.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different cheeses like Colby Jack and Provolone adds layers of flavor that enhance each bite.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

To make your meal complete, consider serving these delightful side dishes alongside your BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich. They complement the rich flavors beautifully while adding variety to your spread.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and crunch that balances out the rich flavors of the sandwich.
2. Potato Salad: This classic side dish offers creaminess and comfort, making it an excellent pairing with smoked meats.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds sweetness and a nice char, enhancing the outdoor barbecue vibe of your meal.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans pair wonderfully with brisket, bringing a hearty element to your plate.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese complements the melts perfectly, creating a satisfying comfort food combo.
6. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables provides color and nutrition, balancing out your meal’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich, beginners may run into a few common pitfalls. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your sandwich is delicious and satisfying.

• Not seasoning the brisket properly: Skipping the generous application of a brisket rub can lead to bland meat. Always coat the brisket thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Rushing the smoking process: Smoking brisket takes time. Don’t rush it; allow sufficient smoking hours for the best taste and tenderness.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting into the brisket too soon after cooking can dry it out. Let it rest wrapped in butcher paper for a few hours to retain moisture and flavor.
• Overloading the sandwich: While it’s tempting to pile on fillings, too many ingredients can make your sandwich unwieldy. Aim for balance to keep each bite enjoyable.
• Using low-quality bread: The choice of bread matters! Using stale or low-quality bread can ruin the entire experience. Sourdough adds flavor and texture, so choose fresh, good-quality loaves.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

• Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• These sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwich on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Be cautious as it may become soggy; consider wrapping in a paper towel.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Toast each side for about 3-4 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese in my BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for varied flavors.

How do I know when my brisket is done?

Check that your brisket reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness.

What sides pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich?

Great sides include coleslaw, potato salad, or sweet potato fries that complement the smoky flavors.

Can I prepare the brisket ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can smoke and prepare the brisket a day ahead, then assemble your sandwiches before serving.

Final Thoughts

The BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich offers rich flavors with tender brisket, melted cheese, and crispy onions—all perfectly layered on sourdough. This versatile recipe allows room for customization based on personal preferences, whether you like more veggies or a different cheese blend. Try this mouthwatering dish today and enjoy its comforting appeal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

BBQ Brisket Melts Sandwich is a delectable creation that combines tender, smoky brisket with gooey melted cheese and crispy onions, all nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted sourdough. This sandwich is not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. With rich flavors and satisfying textures, each bite is a delightful mix of savory goodness. Whether you choose to customize it with your favorite cheeses or add some fresh veggies, this recipe guarantees to be a standout choice for any occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering treat!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole brisket
• Mustard
• Pepper-forward brisket rub
• Hickory pellets
• 2 whole onions
• Avocado oil
• Sourdough bread
• Colby Jack cheese
• Provolone cheese
• Fried crispy onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Trim the brisket and coat it with mustard and brisket rub. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
2. Preheat the pellet smoker to 100°C and smoke the brisket for 9–10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 74–77°C.
3. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow, then return it to the smoker at 120°C until it reaches 96–97°C.
4. Allow the brisket to rest wrapped in a cooler for 2–3 hours.
5. Sauté diced onions in avocado oil and butter until caramelized.
6. Assemble sandwiches with sourdough, cheese, sliced brisket, caramelized onions, fried onions, BBQ sauce, and more cheese.
7. Toast in a cast iron skillet until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 10 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Smoking/Toasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich (300g)
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg