BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Sandwich

Written by Sarah Gardner
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Nothing screams comfort food quite like a grilled cheese sandwich, but when you throw in smoky, tender BBQ brisket, it becomes a next-level indulgence. This BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese is the perfect fusion of rich, melty cheese, buttery toasted bread, and juicy, slow-cooked brisket drenched in BBQ sauce. Whether you’re using leftover brisket or making a fresh batch, this sandwich is an absolute game-changer.

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BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Sandwich

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan if warming up brisket

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup shredded smoked brisket leftover or fresh
  • 2 slices sourdough or Texas toast
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional, for a slight tang
  • 1 tbsp caramelized onions optional, but highly recommended

Instructions
 

Prep the Brisket

  1. If using leftover brisket, warm it up in a small saucepan with a little bit of BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
    shredded brisket glistening with a rich, dark barbecue sauce PIN IT

Butter the Bread

  1. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.

Layer the Goodness

  1. Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle half the cheese, then evenly distribute the brisket and caramelized onions. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and Dijon mustard if using. Top with the remaining cheese and the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
    slice of thick sourdough bread placed butter-side down PIN IT

Grill to Perfection

  1. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula. Flip carefully once the bottom is golden brown, and cook until the cheese is fully melted.

Serve and Devour

  1. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a minute, then slice in half and dig in!

Pairings

  • A side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries
  • Pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast
  • A cold beer or a glass of sweet tea to wash it down

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough and Texas toast work great, you can also use brioche or a rustic country loaf.

2. What’s the best brisket for this sandwich?

Smoked brisket with a good balance of fat and lean meat works best. If making fresh, go for a slow-cooked or smoked brisket.

3. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

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