If you are on the hunt for a sandwich that brings together smoky, savory, and melty goodness all at once, you absolutely must try this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of tender shredded brisket bathed in rich BBQ sauce, topped with creamy provolone and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled inside a toasty hoagie roll. Every bite is a harmonious dance of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe thirds—without hesitation. This recipe is as satisfying as it is straightforward, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe. From the tender brisket to the melty provolone and the sweet depth of caramelized onions, every element adds a layer of deliciousness.
- 1 lb brisket, cooked and shredded: The star protein, providing smoky tenderness that’s perfect for melting flavors together.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds that signature tangy, sweet, and smoky punch to keep the brisket moist and flavorful.
- 4 slices of provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to envelop the brisket in creamy, mild cheesiness.
- 4 hoagie rolls: Soft yet sturdy, these rolls hold all the juicy ingredients without getting soggy.
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions: Their natural sweetness balances the tang of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on top for a golden, crisp finish to your melts.
How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to give those melts a perfect, warm finish. This ensures everything bakes uniformly and the cheese gets that irresistible bubbly texture.
Step 2: Combine Brisket with BBQ Sauce
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded brisket with the BBQ sauce until every tender shred is generously coated. This step infuses the meat with a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s the heart of the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Hoagie Rolls
Slice each hoagie roll in half horizontally and lay them cut-side up on a baking sheet. This allows the rolls to toast slightly and serve as the perfect vehicle for your fillings.
Step 4: Layer the Brisket
Divide the BBQ-coated brisket evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. This pocket of smoky meat is the foundation of every melt and guarantees a juicy bite.
Step 5: Add the Provolone Cheese
Place one slice of provolone on top of the brisket layer. When baked, the cheese melts into a creamy blanket that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Top with Caramelized Onions
Scatter the caramelized onions over the cheese for a sweet, tender contrast that enhances the BBQ’s tangy punch.
Step 7: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled open-faced melts. This adds a hint of richness and helps the rolls develop a crisp, golden crust during baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned around the edges. This step is where all the textures and flavors start to mingle harmoniously.
Step 9: Assemble and Serve Hot
Remove your melty masterpieces from the oven, close the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls, and serve immediately. The BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe just can’t be beat piping hot when the cheese is perfectly gooey.
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe even further, consider adding a handful of fresh arugula or crisp pickles as garnishes. The peppery bite of arugula or the tangy crunch of pickles offers a refreshing contrast and makes the sandwich feel even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
These melts pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides like crispy sweet potato fries, tangy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Each side brings balance—crispy, fresh, or tangy—to round out the smoky richness of your sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe sandwiches into smaller sliders to serve at parties, or present them open-faced on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles for dipping. This not only looks appetizing but makes the experience interactive and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the components together preserves flavor, but it’s best to eat them soon for optimal texture.
Freezing
While not ideal for sandwiches with fresh toppings, you can freeze the shredded brisket mixed with BBQ sauce in a sealed bag or container for up to two months. This shortcut makes future BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe prep quicker and just as delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwiches and place them on a baking sheet, heating at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese has remelted. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts but beware of sogginess—oven reheating preserves that delightful melt texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully with a mild flavor, sharp cheddar or smoked gouda can add a bolder, richer taste if you prefer. Feel free to swap depending on your cheese love.
How should I cook the brisket before making this recipe?
For best results, slow-cook your brisket until tender and easy to shred. You can use a slow cooker, oven roasting, or even pressure cooking. The more tender, the better your BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe will be!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This is a meat-centric dish, but you can experiment with smoked jackfruit or shredded mushrooms as a substitute for brisket. Use vegan BBQ sauce and cheese alternatives to keep the same smoky, melty vibe.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste preferences—whether sweet, spicy, or smoky. A classic hickory or Kansas City-style sauce often complements the brisket well in this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe.
Is it possible to grill these sandwiches instead of baking?
Definitely! After assembling, wrap the sandwiches in foil and grill on medium heat for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread crisps nicely. It adds a subtle charred flavor that’s amazing.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe is a delicious, comforting treat that’s surprisingly simple to make but impressive to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or a crowd, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its blend of smoky, cheesy, and sweet flavors. I can’t wait for you to savor every melty, juicy bite of this absolute delight. Give it a go and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Brisket Melts combine tender, shredded brisket coated in tangy BBQ sauce with melted provolone cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled inside warm hoagie rolls for a comfort-filled, flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Brisket Mixture
- 1 lb brisket, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sandwiches.
- Mix Brisket and Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded brisket with BBQ sauce and stir until the meat is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet to prepare for layering.
- Assemble Brisket Layer: Distribute the BBQ brisket mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of each hoagie roll.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of provolone cheese atop the brisket on each sandwich to ensure it melts beautifully.
- Top with Onions: Spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the cheese on each sandwich for added sweetness and depth.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled sandwiches to enhance flavor and help crisp the bread while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, close the sandwiches by placing the top halves over the melted fillings, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or leftover brisket for best flavor.
- Caramelize your onions ahead of time to save prep time.
- Feel free to substitute provolone with cheddar or mozzarella based on preference.
- For extra crispiness, broil the sandwiches for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
