Description
BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
8 slices of thick-cut white or sourdough bread
1 lb smoked brisket, thinly sliced
1 cup barbecue sauce
8 slices of cheddar cheese
8 slices of Monterey Jack or provolone cheese
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Prepare the Brisket:
If the brisket is cold, heat it gently in a skillet with a little barbecue sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out 4 slices of bread. On each slice, layer 1 slice of cheddar cheese, a generous portion of sliced brisket, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, and 1 slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Top with another slice of bread.
Butter the Bread:
Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
Grill the Sandwiches:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
Pair this sandwich with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or pickles for a complete meal.
Use leftover brisket for an easy and flavorful option.
This BBQ brisket grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food with its smoky, cheesy, and savory layers—perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your brisket is ready; if using leftovers, gently reheat it in a skillet with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce to add moisture. Next, assemble your mise en place: have your bread, cheeses, softened butter, and sauce ready. Lay out four bread slices. On each, place one slice of cheddar, followed by 4 ounces of warm brisket. Drizzle a tablespoon of sauce over the meat, then top with a slice of Monterey Jack. Cap with the remaining bread. Thoroughly butter the outer faces of each sandwich. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat for two full minutes—this prevents soggy bread. Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, using a spatula to press down lightly, until deeply golden and the cheese is visibly oozing.
Serving Suggestions
While fantastic on its own, this hearty sandwich pairs beautifully with contrasting sides. Serve with a tangy, vinegar-based coleslaw to cut through the richness. Crispy dill pickles or a simple pickle spear add a bright, acidic crunch. For a classic combo, offer a side of seasoned waffle fries or sweet potato fries with extra barbecue sauce for dipping. To balance the meal, consider a light, refreshing side salad with a ranch or buttermilk dressing.
How-to Summary
In short: Warm sauced brisket. Build sandwiches with cheddar, brisket, more sauce, and Monterey Jack. Butter the outsides. Grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melted. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Gouda (especially smoked), pepper jack, or Swiss are excellent substitutes. The key is using a good melting cheese.
My cheese isn’t melting before the bread burns. What went wrong?
Your heat is likely too high. Cook over medium or even medium-low heat to allow the interior to warm thoroughly without over-browning the bread.
Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes, a panini press works wonderfully. Omit the butter, as the press will create its own crisp crust, and cook according to your machine’s instructions.
How can I prevent a soggy sandwich?
Ensure your brisket is warm, not cold, when assembling, and avoid over-saucing the interior. Also, let the skillet fully preheat before adding the sandwiches.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat to re-crisp the bread. Microwaving will make it soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Using cold brisket straight from the fridge, which results in a cold center. Spreading butter directly on the skillet instead of on the bread, leading to uneven cooking. Cooking on high heat, which burns the bread before the cheese melts. Overfilling the sandwich with too much brisket or sauce, making it messy and difficult to cook evenly. Using bread that is too thin, which can tear or become overly saturated.
Conclusion
This BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, satisfying meal. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common errors, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of smoky, savory, cheesy, and crispy textures. It’s a versatile dish that brilliantly showcases leftovers or becomes a special weekend treat. Serve it with the suggested sides for a truly memorable comfort food experience.