BBQ Brisket Melts: A Smoky, Cheesy Sandwich You'll Love!

BBQ Brisket Melts: A Smoky, Cheesy Sandwich You’ll Love! 🥪

Ready to elevate your sandwich game with these incredible BBQ Brisket Melts? This recipe combines tender, smoky brisket, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions on toasted sourdough bread. It’s the ultimate comfort food for brisket lovers! Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious masterpiece step by step.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Brisket Melts:

This sandwich brings together three key elements: perfectly smoked brisket, rich melted cheeses, and crispy caramelized onions. Served on toasted sourdough bread, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or an indulgent dinner, these melts are guaranteed to satisfy!

Pellet Smoker Brisket: Pros and Cons

Smoking brisket overnight on a pellet smoker is one of the best ways to achieve deep, smoky flavors. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros:

Deep Smoke Flavor: Hickory pellets at 210°F infuse the meat with rich, complex smoke notes.
Low-and-Slow Cooking: The extended cooking time ensures tenderness and juiciness.
Set-and-Forget Convenience: Modern pellet smokers allow for hands-off cooking during the night.

Cons:

Temperature Fluctuations: Requires monitoring to maintain consistent heat levels.
Smoke Management: Too much smoke can lead to bitterness; balance is key.
Planning Required: Overnight smoking demands preparation and timing.

Trimming the Brisket: Why It Matters

Before smoking, trim the brisket to remove excess fat. This step:

Allows the rub and smoke to penetrate more effectively.
Promotes even cooking and better bark formation (that crispy exterior we all crave).

Resting the Brisket: Essential for Moisture

After smoking, let the brisket rest in a cooler for 2–3 hours. Resting redistributes juices throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. This step also allows the brisket to continue cooking gently to perfection.

Ingredients:

For the Brisket:

1 whole brisket (about 8–10 lbs), trimmed
Mustard (as a binder)
Hickory pellets (for smoking)
Apple cider vinegar (optional, for mop sauce)
Favorite pepper-forward brisket rub (enough to coat the brisket)
Beef tallow (3–4 tablespoons, for browning the brisket while smoking)

For the Caramelized Onions:

2 whole onions, thinly sliced
Avocado oil (2 tablespoons)
Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)

For the Sandwiches:

Sourdough bread (4 slices)
Fried crispy onions (for garnish)
Colby Jack cheese (2 slices)
Provolone cheese (2 slices)
Favorite BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
Unsalted butter (for toasting bread)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

Trim the Brisket: Remove excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/8 inch for moisture retention.
Apply Mustard Binder: Spread mustard evenly over the brisket to help the rub adhere.
Season Generously: Coat the brisket generously with your favorite pepper-forward brisket rub. Let it sit in the fridge for 1–2 hours to enhance flavor infusion.

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

Set up your pellet smoker at 210°F using hickory pellets. Place the brisket on the top shelf and position a water pan underneath for added moisture.
Smoke overnight for 9–10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165–170°F.
Once done, wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil and place it in a cooler for 2–3 hours to rest.

Step 3: Make Caramelized Onions

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20–30 minutes or until golden brown and soft.
Stir in unsalted butter during the last few minutes of cooking for extra richness. Set aside.

Step 4: Build the Brisket Melts

Slice the Brisket: Shred or slice the rested brisket against the grain for maximum tenderness. Toss with a bit of BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Toast the Bread: Butter both sides of each slice of sourdough bread and toast lightly in a skillet until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Layer the toasted bread with Colby Jack and Provolone cheeses, followed by brisket, caramelized onions, and fried crispy onions for crunch. Drizzle with BBQ sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled sandwiches in a warm oven or back on the skillet until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Pair them with coleslaw, potato salad, or pickles for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for a well-marbled brisket for superior flavor and tenderness.
Balance Smoke Levels: Use hickory pellets sparingly to avoid overpowering the brisket’s natural taste.
Customize Your Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect match—sweet, tangy, or spicy!
Add Crunch: Fried crispy onions provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender brisket and gooey cheese.

Nutritional Information:

Prep Time: 1 hour (plus overnight smoking)
Cooking Time: 9–10 hours (overnight smoking) + 30 minutes (caramelizing onions)
Total Time: Approximately 12 hours (including resting time)
Servings: 4 hearty sandwiches
Calories per Serving: ~800 kcal (depending on portion sizes and extras)

Why It’s Worth the Effort:

While smoking brisket overnight requires planning, the results are unparalleled. Paired with creamy cheeses, sweet caramelized onions, and crispy fried onions, these BBQ Brisket Melts offer layers of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and prepare for pure sandwich bliss! 🍴🔥

BBQ Brisket Melts: A Smoky, Cheesy Sandwich You’ll Love!