If there’s one sandwich I could eat on repeat, it’s the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese. Imagine your favorite smoky brisket, oozy sharp cheddar, a kiss of buttery crisp bread, and maybe even a swirl of barbecue sauce—a glorious fusion of classic Southern barbecue and cozy comfort food. This sandwich transforms leftover brisket into pure magic, upping the ante with creamy cheese pulls and rich caramelized onions. Every bite brings melty, hearty, tangy joy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard lunch or simply satisfying a midnight craving, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to build a Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese, but each one is chosen for max flavor and that crave-worthy texture. Think about contrasting melts, tangy pops, and a buttery crunch that pulls it all together. This lineup ensures your sandwich turns out perfectly golden and completely irresistible.
- Thick-cut white bread or sourdough (8 slices): Opt for a sturdy, bakery-style bread that will crisp beautifully and stand up to all the cheesy, meaty layers inside.
- Cooked brisket (2 cups, shredded or sliced): Use leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket—the richer the flavor, the better your sandwich will be.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): This brings a sharp bite and gooey melt that pairs perfectly with smoky beef.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella (1 cup): For ultra-melty, creamy texture, this cheese makes each bite stretch delightfully.
- Caramelized onions (½ cup, optional): Earthy sweetness adds extra complexity and depth—don’t skip these if you love a little savory punch.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Brushing both sides amps up that golden, crisp exterior and infuses richness throughout.
- Barbecue sauce (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds tangy, smoky-sweet flair; pick your favorite style for a personalized touch.
- Pickles for serving (optional): The tart crunch is a classic Southern pairing, cutting through the richness in every mouthful.
How to Make Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prep the Bread
Start by getting everything within arm’s reach, because this recipe comes together fast once you get rolling! Butter one side of each bread slice, ensuring every corner is well coated. This guarantees a perfectly crisp, golden finish and that iconic grilled cheese flavor.
Step 2: Build That Sandwich Layer
On your work surface, place four slices of bread, buttered side down. Sprinkle a generous mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on each one—don’t be shy, a good melt needs plenty of cheese! Next, pile on that beautifully shredded brisket. If you’re adding caramelized onions or want a swipe of barbecue sauce, now’s your moment to layer them over the brisket. The final touch: top each stack with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add your sandwiches—work in batches if needed, to avoid a crowded pan. Let them sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even browning and melty middles. Adjust heat if the bread’s browning too quickly; patience pays off with the ideal crispy crust.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
When your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese is gloriously golden and oozing cheese, transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute before slicing, which helps keep the cheese where it belongs. Serve warm, with crunchy pickles, chips, or any favorite sides you fancy.
How to Serve Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
A Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese practically begs for a colorful finishing touch! Classic dill pickles add a refreshing, tart snap that balances all the gooey richness. For a pop of brightness, sprinkle on a bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives just before plating. If you went bold with barbecue sauce in the sandwich, a little extra drizzle on the side for dipping never hurts.
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwich with crispy kettle chips or a heap of sweet potato fries for ultimate comfort vibes. Coleslaw is always welcome—its creamy crunch and gentle tang perfectly complement brisket and cheese. For a lighter meal, a simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette works wonders to balance the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese into triangles for nostalgic lunch vibes, or slice them into hefty strips for dipping. Hosting a party? Try mini versions on slider buns or serve bite-sized cubes on a platter with barbecue sauce shooters for crowd-pleasing appetizers. For a fun twist, add a slice of fried green tomato or a swipe of pimento cheese inside each sandwich before grilling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese (and that’s a big “if”!), let them cool to room temperature before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—they’ll keep their flavor and reheat beautifully.
Freezing
Want to save a few for a future snack attack? Assemble and grill your sandwiches as usual, let them cool completely, then wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to a month. When a craving hits, you’ll have a magical meal waiting in the wings!
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until the bread crisps up again and the cheese melts. You can also use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if you can—it softens the bread—but in a pinch, a quick zap will do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brisket?
Absolutely! Grab sliced or shredded brisket from your favorite barbecue joint or the prepared foods section at the grocery. Just be sure to warm it up before adding to your sandwich for even melty layers.
Is there a cheese substitute if I don’t have Monterey Jack?
Go with mozzarella or even provolone for that oozy texture if Monterey Jack isn’t handy. Just make sure at least half your cheese is sharp cheddar to keep the bold flavor front and center.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
You can! Swap the brisket for smoky roasted mushrooms or jackfruit in barbecue sauce. The sandwich will still turn out satisfyingly rich and melty, with all the comfort vibes of the original.
What bread works best for Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese?
A sturdy, thick-sliced white or sourdough bread holds up best. It gets beautifully crisp and won’t collapse under the weight of brisket and cheese, giving you that ideal crunchy bite.
How can I add even more Southern flair?
Try tucking in a slice of fried green tomato, a layer of pimento cheese, or a few jalapeño rounds for a Southern spin that takes this grilled cheese to legendary status.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn brisket leftovers into something magical, the Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese is your new go-to. This recipe always brings out unbeatable smiles around my table, and it’s so easy to make your own with different toppings and cheeses. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite sandwich!
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Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Brisket Grilled Cheese recipe. Packed with tender brisket, gooey cheeses, and savory flavors, this sandwich is a surefire hit for any meal.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread or sourdough
Brisket:
- 2 cups cooked brisket, shredded or sliced
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
Additional:
- ½ cup caramelized onions (optional)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)
- Pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Layer cheese, brisket, onions, and barbecue sauce on half the bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Cook in a skillet until golden brown and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve hot with pickles or chips.
Notes
- Use leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket for enhanced flavor.
- For a Southern twist, consider adding fried green tomatoes or pimento cheese to the sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
