This Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Picture gooey cheese paired with tender, smoky brisket, all tucked between crispy bread.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this sandwich. I often make it for lunch, and it always brings a smile! Perfect for those cozy, relaxed days at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick-cut bread like Texas toast or sourdough creates a sturdy base for the sandwich. If you’re looking for something lighter, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can work too!
Smoked Brisket: This is the star ingredient. If you don’t have brisket, shredded rotisserie chicken or smoked turkey can be tasty alternatives. You can also use any leftover roasted meats.
Cheese Blend: The mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella gives great flavor and melty goodness! Feel free to swap in your favorites, like pepper jack for a little kick or gouda for a unique twist.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for spreading on the bread for grilling. For a different flavor, you might try using garlic butter or even mayonnaise!
Barbecue Sauce: This is optional but adds a great flavor. If you want something different, consider a spicy mustard or even a creamy ranch dressing for an extra kick.
How Do I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese is Perfectly Melty?
The key to a melty grilled cheese is controlling the heat and using the right techniques. Start with a medium heat to avoid burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts.
- Spread butter generously on the outside of the bread. This helps get that golden-brown crust.
- When grilling, keep the skillet at medium heat. If your bread browns too fast, lower the heat slightly.
- Pressing down gently with a spatula helps the cheese melt evenly. Just be careful not to squish it too much!
Letting the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing helps keep everything together while serving!
How to Make Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (like Texas toast or sourdough)
- 2 cups smoked brisket, shredded or sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty grilled cheese will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 5 minutes assembling the sandwiches, and then around 10 minutes grilling them to perfection. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
Start by placing a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it nice and warm to get that golden brown crust on your sandwiches.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
While your skillet is heating up, it’s time to put the sandwiches together! If you’re using barbecue sauce, spread a thin layer on one side of four slices of bread. Next, pile on a generous amount of smoked brisket followed by the three types of cheese: cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella. Finish it off with the remaining four slices of bread, making sure the buttered side is facing out.
3. Grill the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated skillet. If your skillet isn’t large enough, you can cook them in batches. Grill the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip and Continue Cooking:
After the first side is done, gently flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Press down gently with the spatula to help the melting process.
5. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully take the sandwiches out of the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing them in half. Serve warm, and if you like, add more barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses to create a unique flavor. Some great alternatives include gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure that the cheeses you choose melt well!
How to Store Leftover Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat to help restore the crispiness of the bread while ensuring the cheese melts evenly.
Can I Make These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, just keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just grill them as directed. They might require an extra minute of cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Can I Use Fresh Brisket Instead of Smoked?
While smoked brisket adds a distinct flavor, you can certainly use fresh brisket. Just make sure to season it well and cook it thoroughly before shredding or slicing it for the sandwiches. You might want to add a bit more barbecue sauce for added flavor!
