ADVERTISEMENT
To make the brisket, you’ll first want to sear it in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavors.
Once the brisket is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Next, add the beef broth, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the brisket to the pot and cover it. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds. You can also cook the brisket in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for convenience.
Step 2: Shred the Brisket
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded brisket to the pot and toss it with the remaining sauce. This will infuse the meat with all the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
To assemble the BBQ Brisket Melts, start by toasting your sandwich rolls or hoagie buns. This adds a nice crunch to the bread and helps hold up the ingredients.
Once the buns are toasted, spoon a generous amount of the shredded BBQ brisket onto the bottom half of each roll. Top the brisket with a hearty handful of shredded cheese. If you like your cheese extra melty, you can place the open-faced sandwiches under a broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Once the cheese is melted, top the sandwich with any desired extras. You can add pickles for a tangy crunch or sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herbal note. Feel free to add more BBQ sauce if you like it saucy!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Top the sandwiches with the other half of the toasted bun and serve hot. These BBQ Brisket Melts are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the brisket is warm.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Brisket Melts
- Use leftover brisket: If you have leftover BBQ brisket from a previous meal, this is the perfect way to repurpose it into something even more delicious. Simply reheat the brisket with a bit of BBQ sauce and follow the assembly instructions for a quick and easy meal.
- Customize the cheese: While cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack are all great options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even a spicy jalapeño cheese for an added kick.
- Add extra toppings: You can make these sandwiches your own by adding other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Slow cook for flavor: The longer you cook the brisket, the more flavorful and tender it will be. If you have the time, let it cook low and slow to achieve the best results.
Why BBQ Brisket Melts Are So Irresistible
What makes BBQ Brisket Melts so special is the combination of tender, smoky meat, melted cheese, and the perfect toasted bun. The flavors are rich and savory, and the texture is simply mouthwatering. These sandwiches are the ultimate indulgence, and they’re perfect for any occasion when you want a hearty, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, BBQ Brisket Melts will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—serve them with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Brisket Melts are the perfect fusion of tender brisket, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between soft toasted buns. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these sandwiches are guaranteed to satisfy.
So, fire up your grill, grab that brisket, and get ready to make some delicious BBQ Brisket Melts—your taste buds will thank you!
