This tasty smoked brisket grilled cheese brings bold flavors together. It features tender brisket layered with gooey cheese, all grilled to crispy perfection!
Trust me, the smell alone will make your mouth water. I love serving this with a side of pickles for a crunchy twist. It’s perfect for a cozy night in! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick-cut bread is key for this grilled cheese. Sourdough or Texas toast are great choices because they hold up well. If gluten-free is a concern, try gluten-free bread or even portobello mushrooms for a low-carb option!
Smoked Brisket: The hero of this sandwich! If you don’t have smoked brisket, pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken can work well too. You can also use beef brisket if you have a different cooking method.
Cheese: I use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack for a creamy and flavorful filling. Feel free to adjust based on your taste—Monterey Jack is a good substitute for pepper jack if you want less heat.
BBQ Sauce: A drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a nice tang. If you want to skip it or make it lighter, a mix of honey and mustard can provide an interesting twist.
How Do I Get That Perfect Grilled Cheese Crunch?
The secret to a perfect grilled cheese is all about the heat and timing. Start with a preheated skillet over medium heat to gently toast the bread without burning it.
- Spread butter generously on one side of each slice. This creates a crispy golden crust.
- Layer cheese and brisket on the unbuttered side, then place the other bread slice, butter side out.
- Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning. Flip gently when the first side is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Repeat on the other side until the cheese melts thoroughly and the bread is golden.
With these tips, your smoked brisket grilled cheese will be deliciously crunchy and cheesy! Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (e.g., sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups smoked brisket, shredded or sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 20 minutes making your delicious Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by heating a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. This will get hot and ready for your sandwiches!
2. Butter the Bread:
Take the softened butter and spread it on one side of each slice of bread. This will give your sandwiches that golden brown, crispy finish when cooked.
3. Layer the Cheese:
On the unbuttered side of four slices of bread, sprinkle a mix of the cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheeses. Make sure to cover the slices generously for cheesy goodness!
4. Add the Brisket:
Now, add a hearty portion of the smoked brisket over the cheese. If you love BBQ, drizzle a little BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor.
5. Top and Assemble:
Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top of the brisket, then place the other four slices of bread on top, making sure the buttered side is facing out. Your sandwiches are almost ready!
6. Cook the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
7. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Once one side is nicely browned, flip the sandwiches carefully. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the other side is golden and the cheeses are melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Slice and Serve:
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing them in half. This will not only make them easier to handle but also let the cheesy filling settle just a bit!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your warm Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese sandwiches with extra BBQ sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Dig in and enjoy the layers of flavor!
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of any of the cheeses listed, you can use any meltable cheese like gouda or Monterey Jack instead. Just make sure to use a mix to get that gooey texture and rich flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Brisket?
No problem! You can swap in any leftover meat, such as pulled pork, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like grilled mushrooms or eggplant for a tasty alternative.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat, covering the pan to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread. You might also pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes!
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the fillings ahead of time! Assemble the sandwiches without cooking them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to a day. Just cook them when you’re ready for a delicious warm meal!
