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If you’ve got leftover brisket, this is the sandwich to make. A smoked brisket sandwich is everything you want in a hearty meal: tender meat, bold toppings and just the right hit of tang and spice. It layers smoky slices of brisket with pickled red onions, jalapenos and crispy fried onions, all packed into toasted buns with barbecue sauce. Perfect for an easy dinner, a casual get-together or a satisfying weekend lunch, this sandwich delivers on both flavor and texture.

Enjoy the best BBQ brisket sandwich topped with fried onions, jalapeños, pickles, and pickled onions, served with savory barbecue sauce. A perfect way to savor a smoked brisket sandwich experience!.

This smoked brisket sandwich layers brisket, pickled onions, jalapenos, and more on a toasted bun for a bold, satisfying meal with great flavor and crunch.

If you like this recipe, you might also like to try a classic Reuben sandwich or the Rachel version, or perhaps whip up some chopped cheese sandwiches.

Enjoy the best BBQ brisket sandwich with classic brisket sandwich toppings—pickles, jalapeños, and onions—all served with barbecue sauce in a tray. Perfect for anyone craving a delicious sandwich using leftover brisket!.

Why You’ll Love It

Great use of leftovers: A smart and delicious way to repurpose leftover brisket.
Bold flavors: The combo of smoky, tangy and spicy hits every note.
Quick to prepare: Comes together fast with just a few simple steps.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or sauces to make it your own.

Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pickled onions, jalapeños, crispy onions, and sauce on a hoagie roll—perfect for those seeking delicious brisket sandwich toppings or a satisfying sandwich using leftover brisket.

Smoked Brisket Sandwiches Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

French bread sandwich buns: Soft rolls that hold up well to juicy brisket and all the toppings.
Brisket: Tender, smoky leftover meat that serves as the heart of the sandwich. Try my smoked brisket recipe!
Jalapenos: Thin slices that add a bold, spicy kick to each bite.
Sandwich pickles: Crunchy and tangy, perfect for balancing the rich brisket.
Fried onions: Crispy and savory, adding texture and extra flavor.
Barbecue sauce: A smoky, sweet sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
Coleslaw: Creamy slaw that adds freshness and a cool crunch.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for quick pickling, bringing sharpness and bite.
Garlic: To infuse the pickled onions with depth and aroma.
Peppercorns: Whole peppercorns for subtle spice in the pickled mixture.
White vinegar: Used to pickle the onions, adding tang and brightness.

Sliced brisket, hoagie rolls, coleslaw, Homemade Pickled Red Onions, jalapeños, and barbecue sauce on a board—everything you need for the best BBQ brisket sandwich or a tasty sandwich using leftover brisket.

How to Make Smoked Brisket Sandwiches

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the pickled onions: Combine sliced red onion, garlic, peppercorns and vinegar in a mason jar. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Prep the buns: Slice rolls and brush with barbecue sauce if liked.
Warm the meat and buns: Add brisket slices to buns and heat in the oven until warmed through.
Assemble the sandwiches: Add pickled onions, pickles, fried onions and jalapenos.
Serve: Plate with a side of barbecue sauce and coleslaw.

Two BBQ brisket sandwiches with homemade pickled red onions, jalapeños, and crispy onions on a tray with BBQ sauce—a top contender for the best BBQ brisket sandwich and loaded with delicious brisket sandwich toppings.

Substitutions and Variations

Try a different bread: Use brioche buns, pretzel rolls or ciabatta.
Swap the protein: Pulled pork or smoked turkey also work well.
Adjust the heat: Leave out jalapenos or use banana peppers for a milder option.

Smoked Brisket Sandwich stacked with pickled onions, jalapeños, and crispy onions in a toasted bun—an irresistible way to enjoy brisket sandwich toppings or use up leftover brisket.

Serving Suggestions

With side dishes: BBQ sauce and coleslaw pair beautifully with this smoked meat sandwich. I imagine that French fries, onion rings, corn on the cob, or rice and beans would pair nicely too. More ideas include mac ‘n cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked asparagus, maple bacon wrapped green beans, or steamed veggies.
With a salad: Potato salad is always good. I love this chicken pasta salad too and I just omit the chicken for a side version of the salad.

Enjoy our Best BBQ brisket sandwich—two sandwiches using leftover brisket, packed with classic brisket sandwich toppings like pickles, jalapeños, onions, and served with a side of barbecue sauce.

How to Store BBQ Brisket Sandwiches

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 2 days. It’s best to only assemble as many brisket sandwiches as you’re going to need, as they go soggy once assembled. You can keep the meat and toppings separate and also the pickled onions if you have any left. They’ll probably keep for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these sandwiches.

Smoked Brisket Sandwich piled high with sliced brisket, classic brisket sandwich toppings like pickles, crispy onions, jalapeño slices, and tangy sauce on a fresh bun—a perfect way to enjoy a sandwich using leftover brisket.

Top Tips

Toast the buns: A light toast adds texture and keeps them from getting soggy.
Make ahead: Pickled onions can be made several days in advance.
Double the batch: Great for feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week.

Enjoy a Smoked Brisket Sandwich topped with pickles, jalapeños, pickled onions, and crispy fried onions on a bun—the best BBQ brisket sandwich for any occasion.

Brisket Sandwich FAQs

How do I warm beef brisket for a sandwich?

You can reheat it in the oven or heat in a skillet over medium heat.

How much brisket per person for sandwiches?

3 to 4 ounces per sandwich is a good amount per sandwich when served along with side dishes.

How long does smoking a brisket take?

Somewhere between 30 to 60 minutes per pound of brisket is a good rule of thumb. This means a 16-pound brisket will take around 11 hours at 275°F, so start it early in the morning!

Brisket sandwich using leftover brisket, topped with fried onions, pickles, jalapeños, homemade pickled red onions, and barbecue sauce served in a tray.

Smoked Brisket Sandwich Recipe

5 from 9 votes

Smoked Brisket Sandwich

This smoked brisket sandwich is a go-to when you want something hearty, easy and loaded with flavor. With bold toppings and a toasted bun, it’s a satisfying meal every time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Pickling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients 

  • 5 sandwich buns, baguette bread
  • 1 Pounds brisket, leftover, sliced
  • 2 jalapenos, thinly sliced
  • ¼ Cup pickles, sandwich-style
  • ½ Cup fried onions

For the Pickled Red Onions 

To Serve

Instructions 

Make Pickled Red Onions 

  • Thinly slice red onion and cut garlic cloves in half. Add red onion slices, garlic, and peppercorn to a small container or mason jar. Fill the jar with white vinegar and put the lid on.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Warm the Bread

  • Set oven to “warm” or 200°F.
  • Slice your bread if not pre-sliced. Brush inside the rolls/buns lightly with BBQ sauce. This is optional and you can just add BBQ sauce later if preferred.

Assemble the Brisket Sandwiches

  • Add 2 to 3 slices of brisket meat to the centre of each roll. Place into the oven for 10 minutes to lightly warm and toast. 
  • Remove rolls from the oven. Top with pickled red onions, pickles, fried onions, and jalapeno slices.  
  • Serve with a side of BBQ sauce and coleslaw.

Notes

Toast the buns: A light toast adds texture and keeps them from getting soggy.
Make ahead: Pickled onions can be made several days in advance.
Double the batch: Great for feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 4mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

When you need a meal that is satisfying, bold and just a little messy, this smoked brisket sandwich using leftover brisket is sure to hit the spot. It combines tender brisket, tangy, spicy toppings, homemade pickled red onions, and sweet, rich BBQ sauce for something that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re using up leftovers or cooking brisket just to make this sandwich recipe, it’s well worth it.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 9 votes (3 ratings without comment)

9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My hubby loves to grill and brisket is one of his faves. I am gleaming with pride when I served him this and got his stamp of approval!

  2. 5 stars
    I’m so thrilled with how this recipe turned out. It’s definitely going to become a go-to in our meal planning!

  3. 5 stars
    These brisket sandwiches have ALL the good stuff in them! Those homemade pickled red onions are so delicious.