Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are few things in this world as satisfying as a good grilled cheese. But what if you took that classic comfort food and loaded it up with tender, smoky brisket and tangy BBQ sauce? This Loaded Brisket BBQ Grilled Cheese is my answer to that. It’s a genius mashup that combines all the best flavors of a barbecue feast into one gooey, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible sandwich. This is the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds and coming back for more.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how it takes a simple concept and elevates it to a whole new level. The combination of the rich, smoky brisket with a tangy BBQ sauce is a perfect contrast to the creamy, melted cheddar cheese. The pickles and red onion add a crucial layer of crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness, making every bite feel fresh and exciting. This sandwich is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you have leftover brisket on hand, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a special snack.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread
- 1 lb of cooked brisket, shredded
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced red onion
- 1/2 cup of diced pickles
- 1/4 cup of butter
Swaps and Notes
- Bread: Thick-cut bread is a must here. Sourdough or a rustic white bread would be perfect, as they hold up well to all the fillings.
- Brisket: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover brisket. If you don’t have any, you can also use pulled pork or shredded chicken.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. A smoky, tangy sauce works great here.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses.
- Toppings: The diced red onion and pickles add a crucial layer of flavor and texture. Don’t skip them!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Brisket: In a small bowl, mix the shredded brisket with the BBQ sauce until it is well combined.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, on a skillet or griddle preheated to medium heat. Top each slice with a generous amount of the shredded brisket mixture, followed by a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the diced red onion and pickles over the cheese.
- Finish the Sandwich: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
- Grill to Perfection: Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. You may need to press it down gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use Thick-Cut Bread: Thick bread is crucial here. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it can make it hard to grill the sandwich evenly.
- Low and Slow: Cook the grilled cheese over medium heat. This ensures the bread gets a beautiful golden crust without burning, and it gives the cheese enough time to melt completely.
- Serve Immediately: Grilled cheese is always best eaten fresh, right off the skillet.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Loaded Brisket BBQ Grilled Cheese is a meal in itself. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. You can serve it with a simple side of potato chips, a fresh green salad, or a side of coleslaw. For a fun party spread, it would go perfectly with other crowd-pleasing foods like a crockpot nacho dip or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately. The brisket mixture can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To make a fresh sandwich, simply warm the brisket mixture and then follow the recipe as written.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- How I turned a classic sandwich into the ultimate cheesy hot dip
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Brisket BBQ Grilled Cheese is a perfect example of a new classic. It’s a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite way to upgrade a classic grilled cheese? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Loaded Brisket BBQ Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Sandwich Upgrade
Ingredients
- 1 lb of cooked brisket
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1 cup of diced red onion
- 1 cup of diced pickles
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 4 tablespoons of butter
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer the brisket, BBQ sauce, diced red onion, diced pickles, and shredded cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot.
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