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
Scale
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.
