Picture this: smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, tangy barbecue sauce, and an irresistible duo of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese, all snuggled between perfectly toasted, buttery bread. That’s the joy packed into every bite of a Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese. This sandwich isn’t just a clever way to use leftover brisket; it’s a knockout main course that delivers layers of comfort, bold flavors, and pure Southern charm. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight treat or slipping a little barbecue magic into lunch, this is the kind of grilled cheese recipe that lingers on your mind — and in your cravings — for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese truly sing is its short list of stellar ingredients. Each one shines on its own but, when combined, they create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need and how each item adds something special:
- Thick-cut white bread: Sturdy and soft, thick white bread crisps beautifully on the outside while staying tender enough to soak in buttery flavor.
- Butter (softened): The key to getting a golden, rich crust — let it soften for easy spreading and even toasting.
- Cooked beef brisket (shredded or chopped): Smoky, juicy, and full of deep flavor; use leftovers for restaurant-style results at home.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Offers a bold, tangy melt that cuts through the richness of the brisket and barbecue sauce.
- Pepper jack cheese (shredded): Creamy with a subtle kick, it adds a gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet, smoky, and sticky; your favorite BBQ sauce glues the brisket and cheese together perfectly.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Provides a crisp bite and a little bite of sweet sharpness in every mouthful.
- Pickled jalapeños (optional): Bring a lively zing and vibrant color if you like a little heat in your sandwich!
How to Make Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients before you fire up the skillet. Shred or chop your brisket, slice the onions thin, shred your cheeses, and grab the barbecue sauce and pickled jalapeños. Having everything ready makes the sandwich-building process smooth and satisfying.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Generously spread the softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This buttery layer is what guarantees a crispy, golden crust. Lay four slices butter-side down on your work surface, ready for topping.
Step 3: Layer on the Goodness
Divide the brisket among the four bottom slices, then drizzle each heap with barbecue sauce. Scatter on some red onion slices, sprinkle with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and add pickled jalapeños if you want a dash of heat. Top each with a second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Toast to Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium. Once hot, gently transfer the sandwiches to the pan. Toast for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is deep golden and the cheese has reached molten, gooey perfection. If you have a panini press, this is its time to shine!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
As soon as the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese sandwiches are crisp and melty, transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for a minute (if you can resist), then slice in half to make that glorious cheese pull happen. Serve hot and enjoy the crosstown traffic of flavors with each bite.
How to Serve Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
To really let your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese shine on the plate, try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or even a few extra pickled jalapeños on top. For a finishing touch, add a swirl of barbecue sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Side Dishes
Pair this powerhouse sandwich with classic Southern sides. A simple coleslaw brings crunch and tang, potato salad adds creaminess, or go with crispy shoestring fries for a bit of salty fun. For something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed in a zippy vinaigrette helps balance all that savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the lunchbox! Cut your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese into strips and serve with barbecue sauce for dunking at a party. Or, top each half with a dollop of coleslaw for a bistro-style vibe. For a crowd, stack mini versions on a platter with toothpicks for the ultimate slider tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the cooled sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them wrapped helps preserve moisture while preventing the bread from drying out.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese for later enjoyment. Wrap each sandwich individually in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months; just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To restore that crispy crust and gooey cheese, warm your sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until heated through. An oven set at 325°F also works well — about 10 minutes should do the trick. Microwaving is a quick fix, but the bread won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While thick-cut white bread is a classic choice, you can swap in sourdough, Texas toast, or even whole grain. Just pick a sturdy loaf that can hold up to plenty of filling without falling apart.
What’s the best type of brisket to use?
Leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket yields incredible flavor thanks to its tenderness and smokiness. If you have plain cooked brisket, jazz it up with your favorite barbecue sauce before using it in the sandwich.
Can I make Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese in advance?
You can assemble the sandwiches ahead and store them in the fridge (un-toasted and tightly wrapped) for several hours. Cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat for the crispiest, meltiest experience.
How can I make these sandwiches spicier?
Besides using pepper jack cheese and pickled jalapeños, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce or mix in roasted green chiles with the cheese layer. There’s plenty of room to turn up the heat!
What’s the best cheese combination for Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese?
Sharp cheddar and pepper jack are a winning team, but you can experiment with smoked gouda, Colby jack, or even a layer of creamy pimento cheese for a deeper Southern twist. The key is using cheeses that melt beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve had your first bite, there’s simply no going back — Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese is comfort food at its most soulful and irresistible. So gather your ingredients, get the skillet sizzling, and treat yourself and your friends to a sandwich that turns ordinary moments into something worth celebrating. Don’t forget to share your creations and spread the Southern love!
Print
Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese. Packed with shredded beef brisket, gooey cheeses, and tangy barbecue sauce, this sandwich is a flavor explosion!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread
Brisket Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 pound cooked beef brisket (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble Sandwich: Layer brisket, barbecue sauce, red onion, cheeses, and jalapeños between bread slices.
- Cook: Grill sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with cheese variations or add coleslaw for extra crunch.
- A panini press is great for making multiple sandwiches efficiently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
