This smoked brisket grilled cheese is a warm hug on a plate! It combines tender, smoky brisket with gooey cheese between golden-brown bread. Perfect for a hearty lunch!
Who doesn’t love cheese that stretches and fills your mouth with flavor? I can’t help but share this with friends—they’ll be begging for second servings! 😋
Making this is easy: just layer your brisket and cheese, grill until melty, and enjoy! It’s the best way to use up leftover brisket (if there’s any left!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: This bread gives a great crunch and flavor. If you can’t find sourdough, whole grain or rye bread can work. I love how sourdough pairs with the richness of the brisket.
Smoked Brisket: The star of this sandwich! If you don’t have smoked brisket, you can use pulled pork or even deli meats like pastrami for a different flavor. Just keep it thinly sliced for easy layering.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack create a meltingly good combo. If you’re aiming for something different, gouda or fontina can also bring a lovely creaminess. I often mix it up based on what I have on hand!
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect here, but you can use olive oil for a lighter option. Just remember, butter adds a rich flavor that enhances the toastiness.
Garlic Powder: It adds great flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic. If you prefer, fresh minced garlic can work too! Just be careful not to burn it.
How Do I Get That Perfect Grill on My Sandwich?
Grilling the sandwich to golden perfection might seem tricky, but it’s all about the heat and timing. Start by preheating your skillet, and keep the temperature at medium to avoid burning.
- Spread your garlic butter evenly on the bread; don’t skimp!
- Cook one side for about 3-4 minutes until golden. Don’t rush to flip!
- Use a wide spatula to flip gently. If cheese oozes out, don’t worry—it just means it’s melting!
- Cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes until everything is nice and melted.
Let your grilled cheese rest for a minute before slicing. This helps keep the filling from spilling out. Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 lb smoked brisket, sliced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional: pickled jalapeños for added spice
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious smoked brisket grilled cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 20 minutes enjoying this amazing sandwich—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
First, heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. This is where your grilled cheese magic will happen, so make sure it’s nice and warm before you start cooking.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is blended together smoothly. This will add a fantastic flavor to your bread!
3. Prepare the Bread:
Now, take each slice of sourdough bread and spread the garlic butter mixture on one side. This will be the outside of your sandwich, helping it toast up beautifully.
4. Layering the Filling:
On the unbuttered side of four slices, evenly layer the smoked brisket. After that, sprinkle a mix of both the sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the brisket. If you like a little heat, add some pickled jalapeños on top. Yum!
5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the remaining four slices of bread and place them on top of the cheeses, with the buttered side facing up. Now you have your sandwiches ready to go!
6. Cook the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the sandwiches on your preheated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Then, using a spatula, flip them over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly golden and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice them in half. Serve them warm and enjoy every delicious bite of your smoked brisket grilled cheese!
### FAQ for Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even a creamy brie for a unique twist. Just make sure to combine cheeses that melt well to achieve that gooey texture!
What Can I Substitute for Smoked Brisket?
If you don’t have smoked brisket on hand, you can use sliced roast beef or even leftover pulled pork for a delicious alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit, so adjust any additional seasonings accordingly!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet on low heat to keep the bread crispy and the cheese gooey instead of a microwave, which can make things soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the sandwiches ahead by assembling them without cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just spread the butter and grill as directed!
