This smoked brisket sandwich is SO GOOD! It’s a hearty sandwich using leftover brisket with homemade pickled red onions and other brisket sandwich toppings. This smoked meat sandwich is special enough for an impressive dinner. It pairs with all kinds of side dishes. So if you’re looking for the best BBQ brisket sandwich, read on to find out how to make this amazing treat!
This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
This brisket sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, featuring smoky brisket piled high on a soft bun and topped with tangy, homemade pickled red onions. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this delicious sandwich is sure to hit the spot.
You can use leftover brisket to make this sandwich or else cook some with this smoked brisket sandwich recipe in mind. Then all you have to do is choose your favourite brisket sandwich toppings.
What is Brisket Exactly?
The beef brisket comes from the lower chest or breast of a cow. Because cattle don’t have collarbones, this meat is highly muscled, meaning it needs to be tenderized correctly. Perfectly cooked brisket should be falling apart tender.
How do you Cook Brisket?
Brisket is good for roasting, smoking or grilling. Flavouring it before cooking with a spice rub is very popular, as is smoking or grilling it to infuse it with wonderful smoky flavour.
It is perfect for a smoked brisket sandwich or to add to other dishes. If you have leftover brisket, and you might because it comes in large cuts, there are other recipes. It’s great for tacos, nachos, meaty mac ‘n cheese, or adding to pasta or rice-based dishes. I have a great recipe for Mesquite Smoked Dry Rub Brisket that I used for this recipe.
Smoking brisket is my favourite cooking method for this cut of meat, but it does take a while! 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 degrees F, so start it early in the morning! My smoked brisket recipe is a good one!
You need to cook the meat until it’s at least 195 degrees F in the center. If you accidentally overcook your brisket, it can still go in a stew, shepherd’s pie or chilli recipe. ‘Burnt ends’ are popular in Texas. In fact some people like those best. Burnt ends are the crispy brisket ends with plenty of BBQ sauce. So don’t throw them out or feed them to your dog.
Leftover Brisket Sandwich Ingredients
I like to make this smoked brisket sandwich with French bread rolls because they’re crusty and sturdy enough to hold together. You can use another kind if you prefer, such as hoagie rolls or brioche buns.
Add a couple of jalapenos or feel free to use less or more, depending how much you like spice. Homemade pickled red onions go beautifully with the brisket. Pickles and crispy French-fried onions make great brisket sandwich toppings. This is one of the best brisket sandwiches with those toppings. There are plenty of delicious toppings that can be added to a beef brisket sandwich to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some popular options:
- Barbecue sauce: It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the smokiness of the meat.
- Coleslaw: Add a refreshing contrast to the rich and fatty brisket, while also adding some crunch.
- Pickles: Whether dill or sweet, cut through the richness of the meat and add a tangy flavour.
- Red onions: Onions add a crisp and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the meat.
- Cheese: Cheddar or pepper jack cheese adds richness and creaminess to the sandwich.
- Jalapenos: Sliced jalapenos or pickled jalapenos can be added for some heat.
- Horseradish sauce: Add a sharp and pungent flavour that complements the beef brisket.
Side Dishes for a Smoked Brisket Sandwich
BBQ sauce and coleslaw pair beautifully with this smoked meat sandwich. I imagine that French fries, onion rings, a simple green salad, corn on the cob, potato salad or 3-bean salad would pair nicely too. Want some more ideas? Then how about mac ‘n cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked asparagus, green beans, or steamed veggies?
My fave is this chicken pasta salad but I just omit the chicken for a side version of the salad.
How to Make Homemade Pickled Red Onions
All the brisket sandwich toppings in this recipe are just suggestions. So you can omit any you don’t want including the pickled onions. However, I think they go perfectly in this smoked meat sandwich and they’re easy to make.
Along with red onion, you will need peppercorns, garlic, and white vinegar. Thin slices of onion and garlic go into a jar with the peppercorns and vinegar. A mason jar is probably the handiest for making this. Refrigerate them for half an hour then serve. If you have leftovers, these pickled onions will keep for up to 3 weeks, although they taste freshest during the first few days of making them.
How to Assemble the Best BBQ Brisket Sandwich
If you have all the ingredients to hand, you can get started on making these. Cut the rolls in half because you’re going to toast the cut sides (this helps stop the juices from leaking through). At this point you can either butter the cut sides or spread some BBQ sauce over them. Else just omit both. This is the perfect way to use leftover smoked brisket.
Next add the sliced meat and then you can cook this sandwich using leftover brisket in the oven. Well you don’t need to ‘cook’ it so much as warming it through. Add whichever brisket sandwich toppings you want to use, such as pickles, red onions and jalapenos. Serve while they’re still warm, along with any sides.
Brisket Sandwich FAQs
You can reheat brisket in the oven or heat in a skillet over medium heat.
3 to 4 ounces per sandwich is a good amount per sandwich when served along with side dishes.
Smoked Brisket Sandwich Recipe
Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Homemade Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients
- 5 sandwich buns french bread
- 1 Pounds brisket leftover sliced meat
- 2 jalapenos thinly sliced
- 1/4 Cup pickles sandwich style
- 1/2 Cup fried onions
For serving
- 1/4 Cup barbecue sauce
- 1 Cup coleslaw
Homemade Pickled Red Onions
- 1 Red onion sliced thinly
- 1 Tablespoons peppercorn
- 4 Cloves garlic
- 1 Cup white vinegar
Instructions
- Set oven to “warm”, or 200 degrees F.
- Slice french bread rolls if not pre-sliced. Brush inside the rolls/buns lightly with BBQ sauce. This flavours the bread as the sauce melts into the bread as it warms but is optional if you prefer topping the finished sandwich with BBQ sauce instead.
- 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.
Homemade 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 seal. Pickled red onions will be ready to serve in 30 minutes. Keep refrigerated.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Tender and juicy brisket, smoky and savoury, is piled high on a fresh bun. Every bite is a perfect combination of meaty and zesty, making this leftover brisket sandwich a must-try for any barbecue lover. Whether you’re enjoying it at a backyard cookout or a cozy night in, this is the best brisket sandwich and sure to satisfy your cravings.
You Might Also Like
My husband would love this sandwich!
Can I come to have this with you?! It looks so goood
Brisket may just be one of my all time favorite dishes. I can’t wait to try this.
These brisket sandwiches have ALL the good stuff in them! Those homemade pickled red onions are so delicious.
This sounds SO DARN good!! My husband is obsessed with brisket!