Smoky BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe: Gooey Goodness On Your Plate

Crafting the perfect bbq brisket melts requires passion and a dash of culinary magic.

Tender meat becomes the star of this mouthwatering creation.

Smoky flavors dance across each carefully layered slice of bread.

Juicy brisket promises a delightful experience that connects comfort with gourmet sensibilities.

Melted cheese creates a rich backdrop for the robust meat.

Skilled home cooks can easily replicate this restaurant-quality sandwich with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Brisket Melts

• Savor Comfort Cuisine: These BBQ brisket melts deliver pure comfort food satisfaction with their rich, mouthwatering combination of tender meat, melted cheese, and caramelized onions.
• Master Complex Flavors Easily: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style sandwich that tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef, without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Customize with Creativity: Versatile sandwich construction allows for personal tweaks like swapping cheeses, adding extra BBQ sauce, or incorporating additional toppings to match individual taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or family dinners where everyone craves a hearty, delicious meal that feels special without extensive preparation time.

Ingredients for BBQ Brisket Melts

• Shredded Brisket: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for the sandwich.

• Sourdough Bread: A tangy and sturdy bread that provides a perfect crispy foundation for the melt.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the sandwich.
• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilled on the bread.

• Olive Oil: Used to caramelize the onions and provide a smooth cooking base.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor profile to the brisket.

• Onions: Caramelized to bring a sweet and deep flavor to the sandwich.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the caramelized onions.

Instructions for BBQ Brisket Melts

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook while stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes until the onions turn a rich golden brown and become sweet and soft.

Step 2: Prepare Bread

Spread softened butter generously on one side of each sourdough bread slice. This will create a crispy, golden exterior when grilled.

Step 3: Layer Sandwich Ingredients

• Tangy BBQ sauce
• Tender shredded brisket
• Caramelized onions
• Sharp cheddar cheese

Step 4: Close the Sandwiches

Top the loaded bread slices with remaining bread, ensuring the buttered side faces outward for perfect grilling.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place sandwiches in a large skillet or griddle heated to medium. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until bread turns a beautiful golden brown and cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while hot and crispy. The melted cheese and savory brisket will create an irresistible meal.

Pro Tips for BBQ Brisket Melts

• Caramelize Onions Slowly: Cook onions on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to develop rich, sweet flavor without burning.
• Select Quality Bread: Use sturdy sourdough that can withstand moisture from BBQ sauce and retain crispy texture when grilled.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place cheese directly on warm brisket to help it melt smoothly and create better sandwich cohesion.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown crust without scorching the bread or drying out the meat.
• Prep Brisket in Advance: Shred brisket earlier and warm slightly before assembling sandwiches to ensure even heat distribution.

Variation Ideas for BBQ Brisket Melts

• Pulled Pork Swap: Replace brisket with tender pulled pork for a classic Southern-style sandwich.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Melt: Substitute brisket with grilled portobello mushrooms and use smoky barbecue sauce for depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure BBQ sauce is wheat-free for celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and swap regular BBQ sauce with chipotle-infused sauce for extra kick.

Pairing Suggestions for BBQ Brisket Melts

• Pair Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through the rich, fatty brisket and complements the smoky BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Contrast with Crisp Lager: Light, refreshing beer cleanses the palate between bites and balances the sandwich's intense flavors.
• Match Southern-Style Sides: Tangy coleslaw and pickled jalapeños add zesty crunch that enhances the sandwich's deep, meaty profile.
• Serve Craft Bourbon: Smooth whiskey with caramel notes mirrors the BBQ sauce's sweetness and elevates the overall taste experience.

Storage Advice for BBQ Brisket Melts

• Store leftover BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate sandwiches with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sandwich. Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Cover with a lid to help melt cheese and restore crispiness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sandwich on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil.

FAQs About BBQ Brisket Melts

• What makes caramelized onions special in this recipe?

Caramelizing onions slowly develops a rich, sweet flavor by breaking down their natural sugars, which adds depth and complexity to the BBQ brisket melt.

• Can I use a different type of bread if sourdough isn't available?

Yes, you can substitute sourdough with other sturdy breads like ciabatta, Texas toast, or a hearty white bread that can hold up to the melted cheese and brisket.

• How do I ensure my sandwich gets crispy and golden?

Use butter on the outside of the bread and cook the sandwich on medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula to create even browning and a crispy exterior.

Bbq Brisket Melts Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 16-23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent BBQ Brisket Melts bring smoky Texan barbecue charm straight to your kitchen, merging classic sandwich craftsmanship with rich, tender meat. Melted cheese and caramelized onions crown this mouthwatering creation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef brisket, cooked and shredded

Cheese and Bread:

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, gently stirring until deep golden brown and softened, approximately 10-15 minutes.
2. Generously spread softened butter across one side of each sourdough bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Arrange the unbuttered side of bread slices with a layer of tangy BBQ sauce, followed by tender shredded brisket, sweet caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar cheese.
4. Crown the layered ingredients with remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered surface facing outward.
5. Preheat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat, creating an even cooking surface.
6. Carefully transfer sandwiches to the heated surface, grilling for 3-4 minutes per side until bread develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior and cheese melts completely.
7. Remove sandwiches from heat, allow brief cooling, then slice diagonally to create two triangular halves.
8. Serve immediately while warm and cheese remains gooey, presenting an enticing melted brisket sandwich.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning them.
• Butter the bread’s exterior generously for a crispy, golden-brown crust that provides delicious crunch.
• Choose high-quality, tender brisket with good marbling for maximum succulence and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like using gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg