There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into the melty, smoky goodness of the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe. This sandwich brings together tender, flavorful brisket with ooey-gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all nestled between perfectly toasted slices of thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast. It’s a beautiful fusion of barbecue comfort and classic grilled cheese nostalgia that’s easy to make, utterly satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple ingredients that each play a key part in delivering rich texture, lively flavors, and perfect color contrast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 slices thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast: These hearty breads provide the perfect sturdy base for holding all the juicy fillings without getting soggy.
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened): Butter adds golden crispness and a wonderful aroma when grilled, making every bite heavenly.
- 1 pound cooked beef brisket (shredded or sliced thin): Use smoky or slow-cooked brisket for tender meat that boasts a deep, savory flavor.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: A tangy, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce amps up the richness of the brisket and complements the cheese beautifully.
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor and creamy meltability.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds gooey stretch and mild creaminess to balance the sharpness.
- ½ cup pickled red onions or sliced dill pickles (optional): These provide a punch of acidity that cuts through the richness and adds brightness.
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter for grilling: Helps achieve the perfect golden crust on the bread during cooking.
How to Make Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
Start by softening the butter for easy spreading. Then, preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a generous layer of softened butter evenly on one side of all eight slices of bread—this will create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Build Your Sandwiches
Place four slices of the buttered bread on a clean surface, butter-side down. On each slice, layer a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese, making sure to create an even, cheese-packed base. Next, pile on a generous amount of warm, tender brisket. Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the meat for that signature tangy richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, add pickled red onions or dill pickles for added zing. Top the meat and pickles with another layer of cheese, then crown each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Step 3: Grill to Gooey Perfection
Carefully transfer your sandwiches to the hot skillet. Grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and melting. Watch closely for a deep golden-brown crust and fully melted cheese inside—that’s when your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe is ready to come off the heat.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Remove your sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool just a bit. This step helps everything settle before you slice your sandwiches in half, revealing the luscious layers inside, and serving up that perfect bite.
How to Serve Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe, top it with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley, which add a pop of green and a hint of freshness. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on the plate or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can bring added depth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Try crispy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast or sweet potato fries for a touch of natural sweetness. Both bring balance to the indulgent richness of the brisket and cheese, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut your sandwiches into bite-sized sliders for a party platter or stack multiple sandwiches for a towering, shareable feast. Serving with a side of pickles or a small bowl of extra barbecue sauce for dipping adds an interactive and fun element to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers of this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for a delicious quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the sandwiches before grilling by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as usual for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, toast the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread crisps back up. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the bread from getting soggy—the stovetop method preserves that appealing crust and melty center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast are ideal for their structure and flavor, feel free to experiment with rye, country white, or even a sturdy sandwich loaf. The key is choosing bread thick enough to hold all the juicy fillings without falling apart.
What type of brisket works best for this sandwich?
Leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket is perfect because it’s tender and full of smoky flavor. If fresh, aim for a well-seasoned, tender brisket cooked low and slow to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I add heat to the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Definitely! Adding sliced jalapeños or swapping in a spicy barbecue sauce are great ways to kick up the heat while keeping the sandwich balanced and flavorful. Just adjust according to your spice preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe shines with brisket, but for a vegetarian twist, try substituting with smoked or grilled mushrooms and a smoky BBQ sauce. While different, it can provide a similar depth of flavor and satisfy cheese lovers.
How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
Spreading softened butter evenly on the outside of the bread and grilling on medium heat ensures a crispy, golden crust that keeps everything intact. Also, draining any excess liquid from pickled onions or pickles helps maintain a perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
The Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food done right—where smoky, tender brisket meets irresistibly melty cheese and crisp, buttery bread. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether for a cozy dinner or to impress friends with something hearty and delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
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Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
A hearty Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring tender shredded brisket, melted sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, tangy barbecue sauce, and optional pickled onions or pickles, grilled to golden perfection on thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast. Perfect for a comforting meal using leftover smoked brisket.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 8 slices thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter for grilling
Filling
- 1 pound cooked beef brisket, shredded or sliced thin
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pickled red onions or sliced dill pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Pan: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot and ready for grilling.
- Prepare Bread: Evenly spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place 4 bread slices butter-side down on a clean surface. Layer each with a mixture of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, followed by a generous portion of warmed brisket. Drizzle with barbecue sauce and add pickled red onions or pickles if desired. Top with an additional layer of cheese, then cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Grill Sandwiches: Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the preheated skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to help meld the ingredients and achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust, until the cheeses are fully melted.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet and allow to cool slightly. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket for the most authentic Southern flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy barbecue sauce variation.
- This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
