If you’re craving a sandwich that hits all the right notes—smoky, cheesy, savory, and downright comforting—then you have to try this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe. It’s a perfect marriage of tender shredded brisket smothered in rich BBQ sauce, melted provolone cheese, and sweet caramelized onions all nestled inside a warm, toasted hoagie roll. This BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe will quickly become your go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends because nothing quite satisfies like a melty burger of smoky goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own layer of flavor and texture to the BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe. From the juicy brisket to the melty cheese and savory onions, every component plays an important part in creating that irresistible sandwich.
- 1 lb brisket, cooked and shredded: The star of the show, tender and smoky, providing hearty texture.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor that perfectly complements the brisket.
- 4 slices of provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild sharpness.
- 4 hoagie rolls: The sturdy bread holds everything together and crisps nicely in the oven.
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the BBQ flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Drizzled on top to help the rolls crisp and add richness.
How to Make BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven will be perfectly hot when you pop in your sandwiches, allowing the cheese to melt just right and the bread to toast to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix Brisket and BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, combine the shredded brisket with the BBQ sauce, stirring until every tender strand is generously coated. This is where all the juicy, smoky, tangy flavor comes together, so don’t be shy with the sauce!
Step 3: Prepare the Rolls
Slice your hoagie rolls in half lengthwise and lay them flat on a baking sheet, cut side up. This setup makes it easy to pile on the fillings and lets the bread crisp up beautifully under heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Evenly spread the BBQ-brisket mixture across the bottom halves of the rolls. Layer a slice of provolone cheese on top of the brisket to bring creamy, melty goodness with every bite.
Step 5: Add Caramelized Onions and Olive Oil
Top each sandwich with the sweet caramelized onions, then drizzle a little olive oil over the open faces. The oil helps create a crispy, golden finish on the bread, plus extra flavor depth.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the sandwiches into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rolls have a lovely toasted crunch. This final step melds all the flavors and textures into mouthwatering harmony.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, close your sandwiches, and get ready to indulge in melty, smoky barbecue heaven. Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh pickle slices or a handful of chopped cilantro add a burst of freshness and zip that cuts through the richness of the brisket melts. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also bring just the right amount of kick if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Balance these hearty BBQ Brisket Melts with classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw for crunch and tang, or even a light green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette to brighten up your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the brisket melts as sliders using smaller rolls for easy grab-and-go bites. Or, for a fun twist, open the sandwich like a melt-in-a-bowl by serving the brisket and toppings over toasted bread pieces, letting everyone dig in with a fork.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Brisket Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components together will preserve the flavors well, but slightly under-toasting before storing helps prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, assemble the sandwiches but skip baking. Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwiches and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again and the sandwiches are warmed through. This keeps the bread crispy and the filling tasty.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone adds a nice mild melt, cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can be delicious alternatives, depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for.
Is it okay to make the brisket from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade brisket can elevate this recipe even more with personalized seasoning and cooking methods. Just be sure the brisket is tender and easy to shred for the best melt experience.
Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?
While BBQ sauce is key for signature flavor, you can substitute it with a smoky tomato sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce if you want to try a different twist. Just remember the balance between moisture and flavor is crucial.
What can I use instead of hoagie rolls?
Any sturdy sandwich bread will work well, such as ciabatta, baguette, or even thick sandwich slices, as long as they hold up to the warm filling without getting soggy too quickly.
How do I caramelize onions properly for this recipe?
Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in a bit of oil over low heat until they turn deep golden and sweet, usually around 20-30 minutes. Patience is key to unlock that rich, mellow flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a delicious and easy sandwich that packs a punch, this BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe is a must-try. It brings together smoky brisket, luscious melted cheese, and sweet onions in one perfect bite. Trust me, once you make these melts, you’ll want to savor them again and again!
Print
BBQ Brisket Melts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the rich, smoky flavors of tender shredded brisket smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, layered with gooey provolone cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled inside toasted hoagie rolls. These BBQ Brisket Melts are a quick and irresistible oven-baked sandwich perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner that will surely ignite your tastebuds!
Ingredients
Brisket Mixture
- 1 lb brisket, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
Assembly
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 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, thoroughly mix the shredded brisket with the BBQ sauce 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.
- Layer Brisket: Evenly distribute the BBQ-coated brisket mixture on the bottom halves of each roll, ensuring an ample amount for every sandwich.
- Add Cheese: Place one slice of provolone cheese directly on top of the brisket layer of each sandwich, allowing it to melt over the meat.
- Add Caramelized Onions: Spoon the caramelized onions over the provolone cheese on each sandwich to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the open-faced sandwiches to enhance browning and add a rich finish.
- Bake Sandwiches: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sandwiches for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, close each sandwich with the top half of the hoagie roll, and serve hot for a delicious, melty BBQ brisket experience.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly caramelized onions made by slowly cooking sliced onions until golden brown and sweet.
- Leftover cooked brisket works wonderfully for this recipe, making it a great way to repurpose meat.
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella or cheddar cheese according to preference.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the brisket mixture.
- Serve with pickles or a side of coleslaw for added texture and flavor contrast.
