If you’re a fan of smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket and gooey, cheesy goodness, then get ready—this BBQ Brisket Melt is about to be your new obsession. Imagine tender, slow-cooked brisket smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, piled onto toasted bread, and topped with melted cheese that stretches with every bite. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you take a bite, you won’t want to stop!
Why You’ll Love BBQ Brisket Melts
This isn’t just another sandwich—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch, a game-day feast, or a satisfying dinner, here’s why this melt will be a go-to:
Versatile: Works with leftover brisket or fresh-cooked meat.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
Quick and Easy: Assembles in minutes if you have brisket ready.
Customizable: Switch up the bread, cheese, or add-ons to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: The smoky, cheesy, buttery combo is a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
Ingredients in BBQ Brisket Melts
This melt is all about layering flavors to create the ultimate bite.
Brisket: Tender, smoky, and packed with BBQ flavor. Use leftover brisket or make it fresh.
BBQ Sauce: The rich, tangy sauce brings everything together. Pick your favorite brand or make your own!
Bread: Thick, hearty slices like sourdough, Texas toast, or ciabatta work best.
Butter: For that golden, crispy crust on the outside.
Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect melt and flavor.
Caramelized Onions (Optional): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky brisket.
Pickles (Optional): A little tanginess for the perfect bite.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds an extra depth of flavor to the bread.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Brisket: If using leftover brisket, reheat it in a pan over low heat with a bit of BBQ sauce to keep it juicy. If making fresh, slow-cook or braise it until tender.
Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer shredded brisket, BBQ sauce, caramelized onions (if using), and a generous amount of cheese.
Cook to Perfection: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich buttered-side down and cook until golden brown. Flip and cook until the cheese is fully melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice in half, serve warm, and get ready to savor every cheesy, smoky, crispy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2-4
Calories per serving: ~650 kcal
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts
This sandwich is already a flavor bomb, but here are some perfect pairings:
- Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- A side of coleslaw adds a crunchy, tangy contrast.
- Pair with baked beans or mac and cheese for extra comfort.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this melt even better:
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts smoother and creamier than pre-shredded cheese.
- Low and Slow is Key: Cooking on medium-low ensures a crispy exterior without burning.
- Make it Spicier: Use pepper jack cheese, add hot sauce, or throw in some diced jalapeños.
- Try Different Breads: Brioche, Texas toast, or even ciabatta work great.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat in a pan or air fryer to keep it crispy. Avoid the microwave—it’ll get soggy!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this with store-bought brisket?
Absolutely! Use pre-cooked brisket from a BBQ joint or deli for a shortcut.
2. Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Pulled pork, shredded chicken, or smoked turkey work great.
3. What’s the best cheese for this melt?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best flavor and melt. Gouda or provolone are great, too!
4. How do I prevent the sandwich from burning?
Cook on medium-low heat and be patient. A slow cook ensures a crispy, golden crust.
5. Can I add veggies?
Yes! Caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms add great flavor.
6. What BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce is ideal. Use your favorite brand or homemade!
7. Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Assemble the sandwich and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sandwiches, then cook them fresh when ready to eat.
10. What’s the best bread for this?
Sourdough, Texas toast, or ciabatta hold up best with the fillings.
Conclusion
This BBQ Brisket Melt is the ultimate combination of smoky, cheesy, buttery, and crispy. Whether you’re making it for a laid-back dinner, game-day snack, or just treating yourself, it’s pure comfort food perfection. So go ahead, take a bite, and let that melty, smoky, BBQ goodness do all the talking!
Print
BBQ Brisket Melts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich / Main Dish
- Method: Slow-cooking / Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Brisket Melts feature tender, slow-cooked brisket smothered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce and layered with melted cheese between toasted slices of bread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that delivers bold, comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
• For the Brisket:
– 2-3 lb beef brisket, trimmed
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
• For the Sandwich Assembly:
– 8 slices sourdough or brioche bread
– 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred melty cheese)
– Butter, for spreading on bread
Instructions
1. Prepare and Sear the Brisket:
– Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
– Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper.
– In a heavy, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Sear the brisket on all sides until nicely browned (about 4–5 minutes total).
2. Develop the Flavor Base:
– Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
– Pour in the beef broth, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar (if using).
– Stir well, then cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil.
3. Slow-Cook the Brisket:
– Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the brisket is tender enough to shred with a fork.
– Once done, remove the brisket and transfer it to a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks.
– Return the shredded brisket to the pot and mix it with the remaining sauce.
4. Assemble the BBQ Brisket Melts:
– Butter one side of each bread slice.
– On the unbuttered side, layer a generous portion of shredded brisket and drizzle a little extra sauce, if desired.
– Top with a slice of cheddar cheese.
– Close the sandwich with another bread slice (buttered side out).
5. Toast and Melt:
– Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
– Grill the assembled sandwiches for about 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve:
– Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
– Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, or a side of coleslaw, if desired.
Notes
• For even more convenience, you can use a slow cooker instead of the oven. Sear the brisket first on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker with all the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
• Adjust the level of BBQ sauce and vinegar to match your desired sweetness or tang.
• Leftover brisket and sauce make a great topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: ~700 kcal
- Sugar: ~12 g
- Sodium: ~900 mg
- Fat: ~40 g
- Saturated Fat: ~15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~25 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~50 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~35 g
- Cholesterol: ~100 mg