If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, smoky delight, look no further than this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of luscious shredded beef brisket smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with caramelized onions and a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all nestled between buttery toasted rolls. This dish is an instant crowd-pleaser, ideal for weeknights when you want something hearty and full of flavor but simple enough to whip up quickly. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for leftover brisket or even a special sandwich that’s bursting with irresistible textures and bold taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, richness, and texture that make this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe so unforgettable. From the tender brisket to the creamy cheeses and sweet caramelized onions, every element counts.
- 2 cups cooked beef brisket (shredded): Using leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket gives you tender, flavorful meat that’s the star of the sandwich.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Adds tang and a smoky sweetness that ties the brisket and veggies together beautifully.
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns (split): Choose sturdy rolls that hold up well while soaking up all those delicious juices.
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened): Butter is key for toasting the bread to golden perfection and adding richness.
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced): These become sweet and tender once caramelized, bringing depth to every bite.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a tangy, bold flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, making the sandwich gooey and irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onions): Helps soften and caramelize the onion perfectly without overpowering it.
- Pickles (optional, for serving): Adds a refreshing crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness.
How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook gently, stirring frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the onions to become soft, translucent, and just starting to caramelize, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful complexity to the sandwich.
Step 2: Warm the Brisket with Barbecue Sauce
While the onions cook, combine the shredded brisket with the barbecue sauce in a separate pan and warm over medium heat. This step ensures the brisket absorbs the tangy, smoky flavors evenly and is piping hot for assembling the sandwiches.
Step 3: Prepare the Sandwich Rolls
Preheat a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. Spread softened butter on the outside faces of each split sandwich roll. This butter layer will toast up to a golden, crispy crust and elevate the overall texture of your BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Melts
Layer the bottom half of each buttered roll with a generous portion of warm BBQ brisket. Follow with a spoonful of caramelized onions, then sprinkle equal amounts of sharp cheddar and mozzarella on top. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is where the melt magic happens!
Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches
Close the sandwiches and gently press them down on the hot griddle. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is beautifully golden and crisp, and the cheese inside has melted into that perfect gooey consistency. Be patient – the reward is a sandwich that’s warm, crispy, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your BBQ Brisket Melts with crisp pickles adds a bright, tangy crunch that balances the richness of the cheese and brisket. You can also offer jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for anyone who likes a spicy kick to accompany their melt.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or even crispy fries. The creamy slaw provides a refreshing contrast, while baked beans add a touch of smoky sweetness to the meal, making it a complete Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the sandwiches into smaller sliders for a party platter or serve open-faced topped with extra cheese broiled until bubbly. Another idea is layering fresh greens under the brisket for a little extra freshness and crunch in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover BBQ Brisket Melts tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days and make an easy reheatable meal when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to stash these for longer, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches (before grilling) wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill as usual.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid on to allow the cheese to melt and the bread to regain some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully together, feel free to experiment with provolone, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda to put your own spin on the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe.
What if I don’t have leftover brisket? Can I use other types of meat?
Definitely. Pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken can be delicious substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Just make sure to heat and coat your chosen meat well with barbecue sauce for maximum taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the sandwich rolls for your favorite gluten-free buns or rolls. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt for special diets.
How spicy is this barbecue brisket melt?
As written, it’s mild and perfect for all palates. However, you can easily amp up the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy barbecue sauce for a fiery twist on the classic BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe.
Can I bake these instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes, baking at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes is a great alternative, especially if you’re making several sandwiches at once. Just watch the bread to ensure it toasts nicely without burning.
Final Thoughts
Making this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe is like giving yourself a giant, warm, flavorful hug. It’s comfort food at its finest, packed with layers of taste that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re using up leftovers or cooking it fresh, this dish promises to satisfy anyone’s craving for smoky, cheesy goodness. So grab your brisket and get ready to melt your way into sandwich heaven!
Print
BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Brisket Melts recipe features tender shredded beef brisket smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, layered with caramelized onions and melted sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all served on buttery toasted sandwich rolls. Quick to prepare and bursting with smoky, cheesy goodness, these melts make a satisfying main course perfect for using leftover brisket or a delicious weekend meal.
Ingredients
Brisket Filling
- 2 cups cooked beef brisket, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Sandwich
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns, split
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onions)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Warm Brisket: In a separate pan over medium heat, combine the shredded cooked brisket with the barbecue sauce. Stir occasionally and heat until the brisket is warmed through, allowing it to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Preheat Griddle: Place a griddle or large skillet over medium heat to preheat, preparing for toasting the sandwiches.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the softened butter evenly on the outer sides of each sandwich roll or hoagie bun. On the bottom half of each roll, layer a generous portion of the warm barbecue brisket, followed by sautéed onions, then sprinkle with shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cook Sandwiches: Close each sandwich with the top half of the bun. Place it carefully onto the preheated griddle, pressing down slightly to help the sandwich grill evenly. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and the cheeses melt.
- Serve: Remove the grilled sandwiches from the griddle and serve hot, optionally with pickles on the side for added crunch and tang.
Notes
- For best flavor, use leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket.
- Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce inside the sandwich for a spicy kick.
- If preparing multiple sandwiches, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of pan grilling.
- Use gluten-free rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.
