Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt

Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt

Introduction

The Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt is a delicious twist on the classic cheesesteak. It’s packed with tender, flavorful brisket, gooey cheese, and crispy accents that make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Smoked to perfection, each bite is a burst of savory goodness that will leave you wanting more.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds, but it also brings the joy of cooking and smoking meat right into your kitchen. Smoking brisket takes time, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. The combination of melting cheeses and juicy smoked brisket in a toasted sourdough sandwich is something every food lover should try. Plus, it’s great for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in!

How to Make Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt

Ingredients:

• Brisket
• Yellow mustard
• Pepper-heavy brisket rub
• Hickory wood pellets
• Apple cider vinegar
• Beef tallow
• Onions, diced
• Avocado oil
• Kosher salt
• Unsalted butter
• Sourdough bread
• Crispy fried onions
• Colby Jack cheese
• Provolone cheese
• BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. Prep the Brisket: Trim any excess fat from the brisket. Coat the brisket evenly with yellow mustard as a binder, then add a generous layer of brisket rub. Place it in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours.

2. Smoke the Brisket: Preheat your pellet smoker to 210°F using hickory wood pellets. Place a water pan beneath the meat and smoke the brisket for 9–10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165–170°F.

3. Wrap & Finish Smoking: After smoking, wrap the brisket in butcher paper. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and beef tallow inside the wrap. Increase the smoker’s temperature to 250°F and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 204–206°F.

4. Rest the Brisket: Once done, let the wrapped brisket rest in a cooler for 2–3 hours. This step helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender.

5. Caramelize Onions: In a pan, sauté the diced onions in avocado oil with kosher salt and butter over medium heat until they turn a deep golden and caramelized color.

6. Assemble the Melt: Take two slices of sourdough bread. Layer one slice with Colby Jack cheese, slices of brisket, caramelized onions, crispy fried onions, BBQ sauce, and Provolone cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top.

7. Grill the Sandwich: Heat a cast iron skillet and toast the sandwich with butter over medium heat. Grill each side for 3–4 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese melts beautifully.

How to Serve Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt

Serve the Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt warm. You can slice it in half for a great presentation. Pair it with chips, a side salad, or pickles for a delightful meal.

How to Store Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt

If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet to restore some of that crispy texture.

Tips to Make Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt

• Use high-quality brisket for the best flavor.
• Be patient while smoking; it takes time but is worth it!
• Don’t skip the resting step; it makes a huge difference in tenderness.
• Feel free to play with the cheese options to find your favorite.

Variation

You can substitute the brisket with smoked pulled pork or turkey for a different flavor profile while keeping the essence of the melt.

FAQs

• How long does it take to smoke the brisket?
  It usually takes about 9–10 hours at low temperatures to properly smoke the brisket.

• Can I use a different type of wood pellet?
  Yes! While hickory is a great choice, you could also use mesquite or cherry wood pellets for different flavor notes.

• What if I don’t have a pellet smoker?
  You can use a regular smoker or even an oven; just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Pellet Smoked Brisket Melt recipe!