If you’re craving a melt that packs smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors all in one bite, the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This sandwich takes tender, flavorful brisket and layers it with melted sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, all tucked between buttery, golden bread with the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a weekend treat you’ll want to share with everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, carefully chosen ingredients are the heart and soul of this recipe. Each one plays a key role in delivering that rich, comforting flavor and perfect melt you’re dreaming of.
- Cooked beef brisket, 1 pound: Use shredded or sliced brisket for tender, smoky meat packed with flavor.
- Barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup: Adds that tangy, sweet kick that complements the beef perfectly.
- Sandwich rolls or thick sourdough bread, 4 pieces: Your crispy, buttery base to hold all the delicious fillings together.
- Butter, 1 tablespoon (softened): For grilling the sandwich to golden, irresistible perfection.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded: Brings a bold, sharp flavor and gooey meltiness.
- Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded: Adds a creamy, stretchy texture that enhances the melt.
- Red onion, 1 small (thinly sliced): Caramelized for sweetness and a little bite.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps soften and caramelize the onions beautifully.
- Optional pickles: For a bright, tangy contrast when serving.
How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your thinly sliced red onions. Cook them slowly for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and develop that rich, golden caramelization. This step adds a sweet-savory complexity that elevates the entire sandwich.
Step 2: Warm the Brisket and Sauce
While onions are caramelizing, take a separate pan to warm your shredded or sliced brisket with the barbecue sauce. Heat it gently until everything is well combined and steaming hot. This ensures every bite of brisket is juicy and bursting with that classic smoky barbecue flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Butter one side of each roll or sourdough slice. This buttered side will touch the skillet, giving your sandwiches that irresistible golden crust. Quality bread is key here, so don’t rush this part—it’s where you get that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Assemble the Melts
On the unbuttered side of each bread slice, layer half the sharp cheddar cheese, followed by mozzarella. Then pile on a generous portion of the warmed BBQ brisket and top with your caramelized onions. This layering creates a beautiful balance of smoky, cheesy, and sweet flavors.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches
Place the assembled sandwiches buttered side down onto a hot skillet or griddle. Grill them over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until the cheese melts completely and the bread is toasted to golden perfection. The result is a sandwich that’s crunchy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside.
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the richness of the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe, add a few crisp pickle slices on the side. Their tangy snap cuts through the gooey cheese and smoky meat beautifully, refreshing your palate with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these melts with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or even a fresh garden salad. These sides add texture and color to your meal while keeping the focus on the star of the show—the sandwich itself.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe into smaller sliders for a party platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce on top to impress your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any BBQ Brisket Melts left over, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them well wrapped prevents the bread from drying out and keeps the flavors intact.
Freezing
These melts can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap each sandwich in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the sandwich’s texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your BBQ Brisket Melts in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid using the microwave to keep the bread crispy and the cheese perfectly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use leftover brisket for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover brisket works perfectly and makes this recipe a fantastic way to transform your previous meal into a delicious new one with very little effort.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best?
Choose a barbecue sauce that matches your flavor preference—whether tangy, sweet, or smoky. Since the brisket is the star, a balanced sauce that isn’t too overpowering complements it best.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the sandwich rolls or sourdough bread for your favorite gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Is it okay to add other toppings?
Definitely. Feel free to add jalapeños for spice, pickled jalapeños for tang, or any other favorite toppings. The BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe is flexible and welcomes creativity.
How can I make these sandwiches vegetarian or vegan?
For a meat-free version, substitute the brisket with smoked jackfruit or grilled mushrooms, and use vegan cheeses and butter. This way, you still get the BBQ vibe without the meat.
Final Thoughts
The BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe is a warm hug in sandwich form—cheesy, smoky, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular recipe rotation. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy every savory, melty bite!
Print
BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These BBQ Brisket Melts are a delicious way to enjoy tender shredded brisket smothered in barbecue sauce, layered with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and caramelized onions, all grilled to golden perfection on buttered sandwich rolls or sourdough bread. Perfect for a comforting main course that transforms leftover brisket into a crowd-pleasing sandwich with a smoky, cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Brisket and Sauce
- 1 pound cooked beef brisket (shredded or sliced)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Bread and Butter
- 4 sandwich rolls or thick slices of sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Onions and Oil
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- Pickles for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are softened and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Warm Brisket and Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the shredded or sliced cooked brisket with the barbecue sauce. Heat the mixture together over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring the brisket is tender and well-coated with sauce.
- Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each sandwich roll or slice of sourdough bread with the softened butter. This buttered side will face the skillet to create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place each bread piece buttered side down onto a skillet or griddle over medium heat. On the unbuttered side, layer first the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then the mozzarella cheese, followed by a generous portion of the warm BBQ brisket and some of the sautéed onions.
- Top and Grill: Place the remaining bread piece on top of each sandwich, buttered side facing out. Grill the sandwiches on medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted fully.
- Serve: Once grilled, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half if desired, and serve hot with optional pickles on the side for added tang and crunch.
Notes
- Use leftover brisket or deli-sliced brisket to save time and add convenience to the recipe.
- For a spicy variation, add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich layers.
- Feel free to swap the cheeses to your preference, such as using pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
