This Brisket Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic we all know and love. Smoked brisket layered with sharp cheddar and pepper jack, grilled between two thick slices of Texas toast, makes it the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
I first made it on a whim a few years back when we had leftover smoked brisket and not much else. But after one bite? Total game changer. Everyone loved it.
Now it’s basically tradition around here whenever we have leftover brisket. It’s quick, super satisfying, and honestly? It puts your usual ham-and-cheese to shame in the best way. There is just something so comforting about a cheesy sandwich that hits teh spot, like this grilled cheese with meatloaf or this pork grilled cheese sandwich always fit the bill.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and a skillet, you can turn leftover brisket into a drool-worthy sandwich.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got some brisket from last night’s barbecue? Like my brisket empanadas, this sandwich gives it a delicious second life!
- Pantry Staple Ingredients: There is no need to run to the store; this recipe uses common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your brisket grilled cheese sandwich. Don’t worry, this list is short and simple, no huge shopping trip required.
- Brisket: Whether homemade or store-bought, choose baked brisket with a rich, smoky flavor. Slice it thin for better layering.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy kick to balance out the savory brisket, and pepperjack adds a nice hint of spice to your brisket melt sandwich.
- Bread: Opt for hearty, thick-cut bread that can hold up to the filling. We like to use Texas Toast.
- Butter: Is used to create that golden brown exterior on the sandwich. Alternatively, you can use mayo or olive oil.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
Customizing your brisket melt sandwich is half the fun! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Spicy Twist: Add pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a hint of spice.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Combine cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella for the ultimate cheese melt.
- Add bacon: You can never go wrong with adding crispy bacon strips to a sandwich.
- Add garlic: Sprinkle some garlic powder into your butter for a garlic Texas toast variation.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese with Brisket Sandwich
Crafting this brisket sandwich with cheese is as simple as it is satisfying. So, pull out a large skillet and put it on the stove over medium heat, while you build your sandwiches.
- Step 1: Butter the bread. Spread the butter evenly on one side of each piece of bread.
- Step 2: Start the sandwich. Place the bread butter in the preheated skillet.
- Step 3: Build the sandwich. On a slice of bread, add one slice of cheddar cheese, two to three slices of warm brisket, and a slice of pepper jack cheese.
- Step 4: Grill the sandwich. Add the remaining slice of bread, butter-side up, and grill on both sides until golden brown.
Enjoy these on a platter for game day with curly fries in the air fryer and onion rings.
Expert Tips
- Don’t rush the cooking process. Use medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese fully melts. Use warm (rather than cold from the fridge) brisket so that it heats up in the same amount of time as the cheese melts. You can place a lid on the pan to help melt the cheese.
- Get the best cheese melt: Use slices of deli-style cheese to get the ultimate gooey cheesy sandwich.
- Add some moisture: If your brisket seems dry, add a drizzle of BBQ sauce or beef broth before building the sandwich.
- Use a lid: If your cheese is not melting as well as you’d like, cover the pan with a lid to help trap heat and melt the cheese faster.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure there is enough space between each sandwich in the pan for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This brisket grilled cheese recipe is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level. Here are some ideas to complete your plate:
- Serve with a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup or cheddar broccoli potato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Pair with classic potato salad or dill pickle macaroni salad for a backyard feast.
- Add dill pickles on the side to cut through the richness.
Brisket Melt FAQs
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Assemble your sandwich as directed and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden and melty.
Sharp cheddar is a fan favorite for its bold flavor, while gouda adds a creamy texture. Feel free to mix cheeses to suit your taste buds or just use whatever you have on hand.
You can store your assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet on low heat or you can place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F until heated through.
Try This Easy and Leftover Brisket Recipe Today
This grilled cheese with leftover brisket is one of the best ways to use leftover brisket that you’ll ever try! It’s quick, easy, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love. Be warned, though, once you make it, you’ll be hooked!
More Delicious Brisket Recipes You’ll Enjoy
This Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and delicious crock pot recipe loaded with tender beef and potatoes, corn, carrots, green beans and more. One of the easiest stew recipes that is a family favorite.
Brisket Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices leftover brisket, heat up slightly in microwave
- 4 pieces Texas toast, thick bread
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 slices Pepper Jack cheese
- Butter or mayonnaise
Instructions
- Add butter or mayonnaise to one side of each slice of bread.
- Using a large frying pan, griddle, or skillet, heat over medium heat.
- Place the bread butter/mayonnaise side down in the hot pan.
- Add a slice of cheddar cheese, 2-3 slices of brisket, and pepper jack cheese.
- Top with bread, butter/mayonnaise side up, and cook over medium until golden on both sides and the cheese is melted.
- Can place a lid on the pan to help melt the cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining sandwich.
- Cut in half and enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t rush the cooking time: Keeping the heat on medium will prevent the bread from burning before the cheese is melted, so don’t raise the temperature; give the heat a little time to do its job.
- Great cheese melt: For the best cheese melt, use sliced cheese or grate your own cheese. The pre-shredded kind has an anticaking agent that can make it clump instead of melt.
- Give them a little room: The most important tip is not to overcrowd your skillet. You want a little space between the sandwiches so that they cook evenly.
