BBQ Brisket Melts

Hey y'all! If you’re searching for the perfect indulgent sandwich, these BBQ Brisket Melts are the real deal. Imagine juicy, tender brisket slathered in smoky BBQ sauce, piled high with gooey melted cheese, and stuffed between golden, crispy bread—seriously delicious and perfect for lazy weekends, game day, or even a quick dinner. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

• Ultimate comfort food packed with smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors.
• Great way to use up leftover brisket or delight with fresh barbecue brisket.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like it came from your favorite BBQ joint!
• Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or satisfying family cravings.
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses and toppings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked beef brisket, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sliced pickles (optional, for topping)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Prep the Brisket Mixture

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked brisket and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
2. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the meat is heated through and coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Sandwiches

3. Lay out 8 sourdough bread slices. Butter one side of each slice.
4. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, layer a handful of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, a generous scoop of brisket mixture, some sliced red onion, and pickles if using. Top with more cheese for extra meltiness.
5. Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.

Grill the Melts

6. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches, two at a time if needed, in the skillet.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
8. Remove from pan, let sit 1 minute, then slice in half and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

• For extra flavor, brush the outside of the bread with garlic butter before toasting.
• If brisket is straight from the fridge, warm it up slightly before assembling for the best melt.
• Don't overload—keep fillings balanced so the sandwich stays crisp and easy to handle.

Variations

• Switch up the cheese: Try pepper jack or gouda for a new flavor twist.
• Texas-style: Add thin slices of jalapeño for extra kick.
• Pulled Pork Melts: Substitute pulled pork for the brisket using the same method.

Required Equipment

• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Medium skillet (for brisket)

Storage Instructions

• Wrap leftover melts in foil or airtight container; store in fridge for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is crispy.
• Not recommended for freezing since bread can get soggy.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve alongside crispy coleslaw or tangy pickled vegetables for a fresh contrast.
• Great with potato chips, fries, or a classic dill pickle spear.
• Pair with a cold lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite craft beer.

Pro Tips

• Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling before slicing—this keeps the cheese from oozing out.
• For super crispy bread, cook on a preheated heavy cast iron skillet.
• Layer cheese on both the bottom and top of the fillings for maximum melt and sandwich stability.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought BBQ brisket?

Absolutely! Any cooked brisket works great—homemade, store-bought, or leftovers.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the brisket mixture and pre-grate cheese ahead, but assemble and grill right before eating for best texture.

What if I don’t have sourdough bread?

Try rustic Italian loaf, Texas toast, or even thick-cut sandwich bread—just choose a sturdy bread for the best results.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

★★★★★ 4.30 from 12 ratings

BBQ Brisket Melts

yield: 4 servings

prep: 15 mins

cook: 15 mins

total: 30 mins

BBQ Brisket Melts are hearty, cheesy sandwiches filled with tender brisket smothered in BBQ sauce, melted cheddar and mozzarella, and tangy red onions, grilled between crispy sourdough bread. Perfect for dinner or a satisfying lunch.

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🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked beef brisket, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sliced pickles (optional, for topping)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1
   In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked brisket and 1 cup BBQ sauce.
2. 2
   Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the meat is heated through and coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
3. 3
   Lay out 8 sourdough bread slices. Butter one side of each slice.
4. 4
   On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, layer a handful of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, a generous scoop of brisket mixture, some sliced red onion, and pickles if using. Top with more cheese for extra meltiness.
5. 5
   Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
6. 6
   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches, two at a time if needed, in the skillet.
7. 7
   Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
8. 8
   Remove from pan, let sit 1 minute, then slice in half and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 630 caloriescal

Protein: 38 gg

Fat: 32 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 50 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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