BBQ Brisket Melts

Indulge in the delectable world of BBQ Brisket Melts, a perfect blend of tender smoked brisket, melted cheese, and savory toppings. This sandwich is not only a feast for your taste buds but also an excellent choice for gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners. With layers of flavor and a delightful crunch, these melts are sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Brisket Melts

There’s so much to love about BBQ Brisket Melts.

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of smoked brisket and gooey cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite the smoking time, the preparation steps are straightforward and rewarding.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch or dinner, these melts can be served with sides or on their own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties or casual get-togethers; they appeal to both barbecue lovers and sandwich enthusiasts alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to make this melt your own.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes preparing BBQ Brisket Melts easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pellet smoker
• Cast iron skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Pellet smoker: Provides the ideal environment for slow smoking your brisket to perfection.
• Cast iron skillet: Ensures even heat distribution while toasting the sandwich for a crispy crust.
• Sharp knife: Makes trimming the brisket and slicing ingredients effortless and safe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these mouthwatering BBQ Brisket Melts:

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 Onions and Toasting

• 2 whole onions
• Avocado oil (2 tablespoons)
• Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons plus more for toasting)

For Assembling the Melt

• Sourdough bread
• Fried crispy onions
• Colby jack cheese (2 slices)
• Provolone cheese (2 slices)
• Favorite BBQ sauce

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How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

1. Trim excess fat from the brisket.
2. Apply mustard all over as a binder.
3. Generously season with your chosen pepper-forward brisket rub.
4. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Smoke the Brisket

1. Preheat your pellet smoker to 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place hickory pellets in the smoker and set up a water pan underneath.
3. Smoke the brisket for 9-10 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Wrap and Continue Smoking

1. Once done, wrap the brisket in butcher’s paper along with apple cider vinegar and beef tallow.
2. Increase smoker temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and smoke until it reaches 204-206 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Rest the Brisket

1. Once cooked, rest wrapped brisket in a cooler for 2-3 hours.

Step 5: Caramelize Onions

1. Dice onions into thin pieces.
2. Sauté diced onions in avocado oil with kosher salt and butter until caramelized.

Step 6: Assemble Your Melt

1. Take sourdough bread slices as your base.
2. Layer with fried onions, Colby jack cheese, brisket slices, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, finishing with another slice of bread on top.

Step 7: Toast Your Sandwich

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add butter to coat the skillet.
3. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet; toast for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once until golden brown.

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

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts

Serving BBQ Brisket Melts can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious sandwich.

Classic Side Pairings

• Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the brisket.
• Potato Chips: Crispy chips add a satisfying texture contrast to the soft melt.
• Pickles: Tangy pickles offer a zesty balance to the savory flavors.

Creative Additions

• Jalapeño Peppers: For those who like heat, adding sliced jalapeños can spice things up!
• BBQ Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the flavor with an extra drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado can add richness and freshness to each bite.

Presentation Ideas

• Platter Style: Serve on a large platter with various dipping sauces for a fun sharing experience.
• Individual Servings: Cut melts in half and serve on wooden boards for a rustic touch.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts

Perfecting your BBQ Brisket Melts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is heavenly.

• Bold Flavoring: Use a pepper-forward rub for the brisket; it enhances the overall taste.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Smoking at low temperatures retains moisture and infuses flavor.
• Proper Resting Time: Allow the brisket to rest after cooking; this helps keep it juicy.
• Quality Cheese Selection: Combining different cheeses like Colby jack and provolone creates depth in flavor.
• Sauté Onions Well: Ensure onions are caramelized to bring out their sweetness, enhancing the sandwich’s profile.
• Toast for Crispiness: Toasting in butter gives the bread a golden crust, adding texture and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Melts

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Brisket Melts can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some fantastic options you might consider.

1. Baked Beans: A classic accompaniment that adds sweetness and heartiness to your meal.
2. Cornbread: This sweet, moist bread complements barbecue flavors beautifully.
3. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad adds a cool finish alongside the warm melt.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide a healthy, flavorful side that balances richness.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with smoked brisket.
6. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing provides freshness against hearty flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making BBQ Brisket Melts can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can ruin the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your brisket adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always use a generous amount of your favorite brisket rub.
• Not allowing for resting time: Cutting into the brisket too soon after cooking can cause juices to run out. Resting it for a few hours helps maintain moisture.
• Using low-quality bread: A weak or stale bread can ruin the structure of your melt. Opt for fresh, sturdy sourdough for the best results.
• Overcooking the onions: Caramelized onions should be golden and sweet, not burnt. Keep an eye on them and stir frequently while cooking.
• Neglecting temperature control: Cooking at inconsistent temperatures can result in unevenly cooked meat. Use a reliable smoker or monitor your heat closely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the melts wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are BBQ Brisket Melts?

BBQ Brisket Melts are sandwiches featuring smoked brisket, cheese, caramelized onions, and fried onions on toasted sourdough bread.

Can I customize my BBQ Brisket Melts?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses or toppings like jalapeños or barbecue sauce to suit your taste.

How do I know when my brisket is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; look for an internal temperature of around 204-206°F (96-97°C) after wrapping.

What sides pair well with BBQ Brisket Melts?

Classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans complement these melts wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the brisket a day before and assemble the melts just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Brisket Melts offer an irresistible combination of smoky flavors and gooey cheese that makes them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients based on your preferences—this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!