Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese Stack

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This isn’t your ordinary grilled cheese! Our Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese Stack takes your favorite comfort food to a whole new level. Tender, smoky brisket is layered between thick slices of buttery sourdough bread and gooey melted cheese, then enhanced with sweet caramelized onions and tangy BBQ sauce. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of smoky, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have you coming back for more.

This recipe is perfect for:

• Using up leftover smoked brisket from your weekend BBQ
• A hearty lunch or dinner that satisfies serious cravings
• Impressing guests with an elevated classic
• A quick but luxurious meal ready in under 30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sandwich:

• 4 slices thick sourdough or Texas toast
• 1/2 lb sliced smoked brisket (homemade or from your favorite BBQ spot)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices provolone or smoked gouda cheese
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky style)
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling bread)
• Olive oil (for caramelizing onions)

How to Make Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese Stack:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft, golden brown, and sweet. Set aside.
2. Prepare the brisket: If your leftover brisket is cold from the refrigerator, warm it slightly in a pan or microwave. Thinly slice or shred the brisket if not already done.
3. Assemble the sandwich: Lay out your bread slices and place one slice of cheese on each of two bread slices. Divide the warmed brisket between these two slices, on top of the cheese.
4. Add the extras: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the brisket, then evenly distribute the caramelized onions. Place the remaining cheese slices on top of the onions, then complete each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
5. Grill the sandwich: Melt butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place both sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. If needed, cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt thoroughly.
6. Rest and serve: Let the sandwiches rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting in half. Serve immediately while hot and gooey!

Helpful Tips:

• For the best brisket: Use the point (fattier) end of the brisket for more flavor and moisture in your sandwich.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to mix and match cheeses – a combination of a melty cheese (like provolone or American) with a more flavorful cheese (like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar) works wonderfully.
• Make it spicy: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your sandwich some heat.
• Perfect bread: Choose bread that’s substantial enough to hold up to the hearty fillings but not so thick that the cheese won’t melt before the bread burns.
• Low and slow: Cook your sandwich on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely while the bread reaches the perfect golden-brown color.

Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (including onion caramelization)
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2 hearty sandwiches
• Calories: Approximately 750 calories per sandwich
• Cuisine: American/BBQ Fusion

Notes:

• This recipe works best with brisket that still has some moisture. If your leftover brisket seems dry, toss it with a little extra BBQ sauce before adding it to the sandwich.
• For an even more indulgent sandwich, brush the outside of the bread with mayonnaise instead of butter before grilling – it creates an incredible golden crust!
• To make this sandwich ahead for lunch, assemble everything except the BBQ sauce (to prevent sogginess), then add the sauce just before grilling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat instead of brisket?

Absolutely! This sandwich works great with pulled pork, smoked turkey, or even pastrami. Just adjust any accompanying sauces to complement your meat choice.

What’s the best cheese to use with smoked brisket?

Cheeses with good melting properties and bold flavors work best. Smoked gouda, provolone, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack are all excellent choices that stand up to the strong flavor of brisket.

How can I make this if I don’t have a smoker for the brisket?

You can purchase pre-smoked brisket from your local BBQ restaurant or deli. Alternatively, you can use slow-cooked brisket seasoned with liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this sandwich in a panini press?

Yes! A panini press works wonderfully for this sandwich. Just be careful not to press too firmly, as you don’t want to squeeze out all the delicious fillings.

What side dishes go well with this sandwich?

Classic pairings include crispy potato chips, French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.

Storage Instructions:

While this sandwich is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, you can:

• Store assembled but ungrilled sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Store leftover grilled sandwiches wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Related Recipes:

• Homemade Smoked Brisket
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
• Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Brisket Burnt Ends
• Smoky BBQ Baked Beans

Conclusion:

This Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese Stack transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary sandwich experience. The combination of tender, smoky brisket, sweet caramelized onions, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to elevate your lunch game or transform leftover brisket into something spectacular, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Try it once, and we guarantee it will become a regular in your sandwich rotation!

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