This Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese is a mouthwatering twist on the classic. Packed with tender, smoky brisket and melted cheese between crispy bread, it’s comfort food heaven!
You won’t believe how tasty this is. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! I love adding a side of pickles for that perfect crunch. It’s a hearty meal that always hits the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Thick-Cut Bread: Sourdough or Texas toast works best for a hearty crunch and flavor. If you have other bread types like whole wheat or rye on hand, those can substitute too! Just keep in mind the weight of the cheese and brisket can affect how well it holds up.
Smoked Brisket: This is the star of the show! If you’re in a pinch, chopped beef or even shredded rotisserie chicken can work. Just make sure you season it well to add that smokey flavor you’ve got with brisket.
Cheese: I love the combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella because it gives gooeyness and flavor. You can swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a bit of spice! If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese that melts well.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is perfect for that golden crust. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use olive oil, but don’t skip this step! The fat is key to a crispy exterior.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Golden-Grilled Cheese?
The secret to achieving that golden-brown and crispy texture lies in the way you cook the sandwich. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a medium heat on your skillet. Too high will burn the bread before the cheese melts!
- Spread a generous amount of softened butter on the bread. This helps create that crunch you want.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, but keep an eye on it. You want it golden, not burnt!
- Press down lightly with a spatula while cooking to ensure even heat distribution and melting of the cheese.
- Let it cool for a minute after cooking; this helps the cheese set a bit, making it less messy when slicing.
How to Make Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 slices of thick-cut bread (sourdough or Texas toast preferred)
- 1 cup smoked brisket, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious smoked brisket grilled cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In no time, you will have a cheesy, smoky sandwich ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
Start by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium heat. This ensures your sandwich cooks evenly and gets that nice golden brown color.
2. Butter the Bread:
Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help create a crispy, flavorful crust when you cook it.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, layer half of the cheddar cheese first. Then, add the smoked brisket on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a bit of barbecue sauce over the brisket for added flavor!
4. Add More Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese over the brisket to get that gooey, cheesy goodness.
5. Complete the Sandwich:
Take the second slice of bread and place it on top of the layered ingredients, making sure the buttered side is facing up. You’re forming a delicious sandwich!
6. Cook the Sandwich:
Carefully place your sandwich in the preheated skillet. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until the bottom is nice and golden brown. You can keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
7. Flip and Cook the Other Side:
When the bottom side is ready, flip the sandwich over. Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Press down gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly and melt all that yummy cheese.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, take the sandwich out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm smoked brisket grilled cheese with additional barbecue sauce for dipping, if you like. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough and Texas toast are preferred for their thickness and flavor, you can use any bread you like. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart. Whole grain, rye, or even gluten-free bread work well too!
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Brisket?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked brisket, you can use any cooked meat such as pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even sliced deli meats. Just season the meat to your liking, and it will still make a delicious sandwich!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, pressing it down gently to ensure it warms through without burning. You can cover it with a lid for a few minutes to help melt the cheese faster!
Can I Add Extra Ingredients to This Sandwich?
Definitely! Feel free to add extras like sautéed onions, pickles, jalapeños, or even different types of cheese to customize your sandwich. Just keep in mind that adding too many ingredients might make it difficult to flip without spilling!
