If you are craving a sandwich that wraps smokey, tender brisket and oozy, melty cheese in the warm embrace of thick-cut, golden sourdough, then this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures – succulent barbecue brisket mingles with sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, all hugged by garlic-kissed toast that is crisped to perfection. Whether you’re using leftover brisket or fresh BBQ, this sandwich offers comfort food at its finest, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but impactful ingredients is the secret to making this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a key role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible sandwich color and crispiness that makes it unforgettable.
- Thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast bread: Provides sturdy, crispy, buttery layers that hold all the fillings together flawlessly.
- Butter, softened: Essential for browning the bread to golden perfection and adding rich flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and that perfect meltability to the gooey cheese blend.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and stretch for that quintessential grilled cheese pull.
- Cooked beef brisket, chopped or shredded: The star protein with tender, luscious flavor that makes this sandwich special.
- Barbecue sauce: Coats the brisket with a tangy-sweet punch, enhancing every bite.
- Pickled red onions (optional): Adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the rich meat and cheese.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkled on the bread for a subtle savory depth that elevates each mouthful.
How to Make Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Start by tossing your chopped or shredded cooked brisket in the barbecue sauce until every morsel is generously coated. This helps meld together that smoky, sweet barbecue flavor throughout the sandwich, making it juicy and full of punch.
Step 2: Butter and Season the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice – this is what crisps up that golden crust you’re craving. Then sprinkle garlic powder lightly on the unbuttered side for a delicate background note that makes each bite more interesting.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches on the Skillet
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and place four slices of bread, buttered side down, right onto the surface. Layer on a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses first, followed by a generous helping of the barbecue-coated brisket. If you’re loving the tang, add some pickled red onions here. Then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection
Press down gently with a spatula and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. You know it’s ready when the bread turns crunchy and golden brown and the cheeses have melted into luscious gooey layers. Slice up your creation and get ready to dive in while it’s still warm!
How to Serve Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh garnish can take this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe from delightful to downright unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides. Think creamy coleslaw with its crisp acidity or sweet potato fries providing a crispy, sweet counterpoint. Either side creates a well-rounded meal full of flavor and texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sandwich open-faced with extra barbecue sauce drizzled over the brisket, or cut each sandwich into smaller sliders for a party-friendly finger food. Adding sliced jalapeños or a tomato slice inside is another way to bring extra layers of flavor and excitement to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers of your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents sogginess if properly chilled.
Freezing
If you want to save these sandwiches longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain great texture.
Reheating
Reheat sandwiches in a skillet on medium-low heat, flipping often to warm through evenly and regain crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that freshly grilled crunchy exterior and melted cheesy interior.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast is ideal for sturdiness and that golden crust, you can experiment with other hearty breads like a rustic white loaf or even a rye for a different flavor twist.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and mozzarella cheese?
Using both cheeses strikes the perfect balance between sharp flavor and smooth meltiness. If you prefer, you can substitute one cheese or add others like provolone, but the classic duo is what makes the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe shine so brightly.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
This recipe is designed around beef brisket, but you could try substituting smoked or barbecued jackfruit for a similar texture and flavor profile that suits vegetarian diets.
How spicy is this sandwich?
As written, it’s mild with rich barbecue flavors. To add heat, toss the brisket with spicy BBQ sauce or add jalapeño slices during assembly for a welcomed kick without overwhelming the dish.
What if I don’t have leftover brisket?
No worries! You can use store-bought smoked or barbecued beef brisket, or cook your own if time allows. The Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe is a fantastic way to transform any tender brisket into a show-stopping meal.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe is one of those magical dishes that takes me back to good times around the table with friends and family. It’s comforting, richly satisfying, and surprisingly easy to throw together with a few simple ingredients. I truly encourage you to give it a try – whether for a cozy night in or a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to become one of your new favorites just like it is mine.
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Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese combines tender, flavorful BBQ brisket with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses between golden, buttery sourdough bread slices. A perfect comfort food sandwich that melds smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors with optional pickled red onions for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 8 slices thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Brisket and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked beef brisket, chopped or shredded
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Seasonings and Extras
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the brisket: In a bowl, toss the chopped brisket with barbecue sauce until the meat is well coated, ensuring each bite will be flavorful and juicy.
- Season the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. On the unbuttered side, sprinkle a light layer of garlic powder to add subtle aromatic flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat, allowing it to warm up for optimal grilling without burning the bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place four slices of bread buttered side down on the heated skillet. On each, layer a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, followed by a generous portion of the BBQ brisket, and add pickled red onions if using.
- Top and grill: Cover each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up. Grill the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread turns golden brown and the cheeses melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot to enjoy the melty, smoky goodness.
Notes
- Use leftover brisket or store-bought cooked brisket for a speedy preparation.
- Add jalapeños to the sandwich for a spicy kick.
- Include a slice of tomato for a fresh Southern twist.
- Pairs wonderfully with coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
