Melty BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe for Cozy Lunches

Melted cheese and smoky brisket collide in this mouthwatering grilled cheese recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Tender, slow-cooked brisket adds a rich, savory depth to the classic comfort sandwich.

Every bite promises a perfect blend of crispy, golden bread and succulent meat.

The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy provolone creates a luxurious cheese pull that’ll have you swooning.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this indulgent twist on a beloved classic.

Weekend cooking feels like a gourmet adventure when you master this delectable sandwich.

Dive into this irresistible flavor experience that transforms a simple grilled cheese into a culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-10 minutes

Total Time: 16-20 minutes

Calories: 800 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Used in Brisket Grilled Cheese

• Italian Bread, Texas Toast: Sturdy foundation that provides crispy, golden exterior for sandwich, choose thick-cut slices for maximum texture and support.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Sharp and creamy combination that melts beautifully, select high-quality blocks and shred fresh for superior flavor and smooth melting performance.

• Leftover Brisket: Rich, smoky meat that transforms classic grilled cheese into gourmet experience, use tender, well-seasoned brisket from previous barbecue for maximum depth and succulence.

• Butter: Crucial for creating golden, crispy exterior and adding rich, delectable flavor to sandwich, use unsalted butter for better control of overall saltiness.

Must-Have Tools for Brisket Grilled Cheese

• Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior and even heating.
• Cheese Grater: Essential for shredding Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for assembling sandwiches.
• Spatula: Helps flip sandwiches smoothly without breaking.
• Knife: Useful for slicing bread and cutting sandwiches after cooking.

Directions to Assemble Brisket Grilled Cheese

• Bread Foundation

Select thick, sturdy slices of artisan bread that will create a perfect canvas for the rich brisket and melty cheese combination.

• Cheese Layer Strategy

Create a luxurious cheese landscape by generously spreading sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack across the bread surface, ensuring complete coverage.

• Brisket Placement

Nestle tender, smoky brisket pieces carefully over the cheese layer, distributing the meat evenly for a balanced bite.

• Sandwich Construction

Gently press the second bread slice on top, forming a compact sandwich that promises delicious textures and flavors.

• Golden Transformation

Melt butter in a cast iron skillet and carefully place the sandwich, allowing it to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior while the cheese becomes perfectly melted and gooey.

• Serving Perfection

Remove the grilled cheese when both sides are beautifully caramelized and the interior is warm and luxuriously melted, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece ready to be enjoyed.

Flavor Add-Ons for Brisket Grilled Cheese

• Cheese Lover's Twists: Swap out Cheddar and Monterey Jack for smoked Gouda or sharp provolone to add extra depth and richness to your brisket grilled cheese.
• Bread Adventure: Experiment with sourdough, rye, or artisan wheat bread instead of standard white bread for a more complex flavor profile and interesting texture.
• Spice It Up: Drizzle some homemade barbecue sauce or add pickled jalapeños between cheese layers to introduce a tangy and spicy kick to your sandwich.
• Leftover Magic: Use cold refrigerated brisket directly from the previous night's dinner, ensuring it's thoroughly reheated before assembling the sandwich for maximum flavor and food safety.
• Crispy Technique: Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to create an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that provides a delightful crunch with every bite.

How to Serve Brisket Grilled Cheese Hot

• Party Platter Presentation: Create a stunning appetizer spread by cutting the brisket grilled cheese into bite-sized triangles, perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Arrange on a rustic wooden board with pickles and tangy mustard for dipping.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty sandwich with a crisp dill pickle spear and a small bowl of smoky tomato soup. The combination offers a classic comfort food experience that warms the soul and satisfies serious hunger.
• Elevated Brunch Option: Transform this sandwich into a weekend brunch star by serving alongside a fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette. The peppery greens will beautifully balance the rich, cheesy brisket sandwich and add a gourmet touch to your meal.
• Side Dish Harmony: Complement the grilled cheese with quick-pickled red onions or a refreshing coleslaw. These tangy sides cut through the richness of the melted cheese and tender brisket, creating a perfectly balanced plate.

Storing Brisket Grilled Cheese for Later

• Sandwich Batch Prep: Assemble multiple brisket grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time, wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy grab-and-go meals during busy weeks.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet to restore crispy bread texture and melty cheese consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual uncooked sandwiches in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Frozen sandwiches can last up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook directly in a hot skillet for a quick meal.
• Smart Leftover Management: Keep leftover brisket and cheese separately in sealed containers. This approach allows flexible sandwich creation and prevents soggy bread, maintaining maximum flavor and texture for future meals.

Smoky Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 16-20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty Texan brisket grilled cheese delivers smoky, rich comfort on crispy sourdough bread. Melted cheese and tender barbecue brisket combine for a mouthwatering sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2–3 slices leftover brisket, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) heaping shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) heaping shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 slices Italian bread or Texas toast
• Butter

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat one side of each bread slice with softened butter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Layering: Place the first bread slice buttered-side down, then create a foundation of shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface, spreading evenly to the edges.
3. Protein Placement: Carefully distribute tender, pulled brisket over the Cheddar cheese, ensuring uniform coverage for consistent flavor.
4. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the brisket, completely covering the meat.
5. Sandwich Assembly: Top with the second bread slice, positioning the buttered side facing upward.
6. Grilling: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat until optimal temperature is reached, then gently transfer the sandwich onto the surface.
7. Cooking Process: Grill the sandwich, listening for the sizzle and watching for a golden-brown exterior, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy.
8. Finishing: Remove from heat, allow brief resting, then slice diagonally to reveal the melted cheese and succulent brisket interior.

Notes

• Butter Technique: Spread butter edge-to-edge for maximum crispy, golden-brown crust and even browning.
• Cheese Distribution: Layer cheese completely to edges for consistent melting and flavor in every single bite.
• Heat Management: Use medium heat to prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt perfectly and bread to crisp gradually.
• Resting Period: Allow sandwich to rest briefly after cooking to let cheese set and prevent immediate filling spillage when cutting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg