Brisket Sandwich Recipe: Perfect Toppings & Sides Guide

If you’re a fan of barbecue, you’ll love this brisket sandwich recipe. The combination of tender smoked brisket and flavorful toppings, all nestled between soft bread, creates an irresistible meal. Whether you’re using leftover brisket or cooking a fresh batch just for sandwiches, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure your brisket sandwich turns out perfect. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this delicious sandwich.

How to Choose the Right Brisket Cut

The key to a great brisket sandwich recipe lies in selecting the right cut of brisket. Smoked brisket is ideal, offering a rich, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with various toppings. However, if you don’t have a smoker, oven-cooked brisket can also work well. When selecting your brisket, look for a well-marbled cut. The flat cut is leaner and slices well, while the point cut is fattier and ideal for chopping or pulling.

Suggested Image: A close-up of a well-cooked smoked brisket being sliced.

Preparing the Brisket: Chopped, Sliced, or Pulled?

Now that you’ve got your brisket, it’s time to prepare it for your sandwich. This brisket sandwich recipe offers different methods—chopping, slicing, or pulling—to achieve the perfect texture and flavor:

Chopping: This method allows you to include all parts of the brisket, including the burnt ends, which are packed with flavor. Perfect for a more rustic brisket sandwich.
Slicing: Sliced brisket works well if you prefer a cleaner, more structured sandwich.
Pulling: Pulled brisket offers a casual feel, ideal for pairing with a generous amount of BBQ sauce.

Pro Tip: Use all the parts of the brisket, including the burnt ends, for maximum flavor in your brisket sandwich.

Suggested Image: A visual comparison of chopped, sliced, and pulled brisket, showing different textures.

Reheating Tips to Keep Your Brisket Tender

Reheating brisket properly is key to maintaining its tenderness and flavor, especially in this brisket sandwich recipe. Avoid drying out the meat by following these methods:

Oven: Place the brisket in a covered dish with a bit of BBQ sauce and reheat at a low temperature.
Skillet: Heat the chopped brisket in a skillet over medium heat, stirring in BBQ sauce for added moisture. For a great BBQ sauce recipe, check out this link.
Microwave: For a quick option, reheat the brisket in the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.

Integrating your BBQ sauce during reheating enhances the brisket’s flavor, making it perfect for your brisket sandwich.

Suggested Image: Brisket being reheated in a skillet with BBQ sauce, ready to be placed on a sandwich.

Choosing the Best Bread for Your Brisket Sandwich Recipe

The bread you choose for your brisket sandwich recipe is just as important as the brisket itself. The right bread will complement the flavors without overpowering them. Here are some top choices:

Brioche Buns: Soft and slightly sweet, brioche buns are a popular choice. They hold up well without getting soggy. Perfect brioche buns can be found here.
Ciabatta Rolls: These are sturdier and have a chewy texture that pairs well with the richness of the brisket.
Hawaiian Buns: If you want to make sliders, Hawaiian buns are perfect with their subtle sweetness.

Lightly toast the bread for added texture and to prevent sogginess in your brisket sandwich.

Suggested Image: A selection of different bread options—brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, and Hawaiian buns—showcased next to brisket slices.

Toppings and Condiments to Elevate Your Brisket Sandwich

A great brisket sandwich is all about balancing flavors and textures. While the brisket is the star, the right condiments and toppings can take your brisket sandwich recipe to the next level:

BBQ Sauce: Whether you prefer sweet & tangy or spicy, BBQ sauce is a must. It enhances the smoky flavor of the brisket.
Slaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and creaminess, balancing the richness of the meat.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy contrast that cuts through the heaviness of the brisket. Learn how to pickle onions here.
Optional Toppings: Consider adding bread & butter pickles, relish, fried shallots, cilantro, or even cheese (though some purists believe cheese doesn’t belong on a brisket sandwich).

Tip: Use a combination of these toppings to complement, not overpower, the brisket in your brisket sandwich.

Suggested Image: A top-down view of a fully assembled brisket sandwich with all the recommended toppings.

How to Assemble Your Brisket Sandwich for Maximum Flavor

Here’s how to put together your ultimate brisket sandwich:

Toast the Bread: Start by toasting your chosen bread or bun.
Layer the Toppings: Place pickles or relish on the bottom bun, followed by the chopped or sliced brisket.
Add Slaw and Onions: Top the brisket with slaw and pickled red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Drizzle BBQ Sauce: Finish with a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Serve immediately to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors in this brisket sandwich recipe.

Suggested Image: A step-by-step collage of the sandwich assembly process, highlighting each layer.

The Best Sides to Pair with Your Brisket Sandwich

No brisket sandwich recipe is complete without the perfect side dish. Here are some classic pairings:

Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs well with the smoky brisket.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers a cool contrast to the warm, rich sandwich.
Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad can balance the heaviness of the brisket.
Macaroni Salad: Another creamy side, macaroni salad adds an extra layer of comfort to your meal.
Potato Chips: For a simple, crunchy side, potato chips are always a winner.

Pair your meal with a bold drink like an IPA, stout, or Belgian Strong Ale for the ultimate experience. For dessert, consider a Crab Brulee, which offers a gourmet twist on a classic dish.

Suggested Image: A complete meal setup with the brisket sandwich, sides, and a cold beer.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Brisket in Your Brisket Sandwich Recipe

If you have leftover brisket, there are plenty of creative ways to enhance your brisket sandwich recipe:

Brisket Tacos: Use the brisket as a filling for soft tacos with your favorite toppings.
Brisket Ragu: Incorporate brisket into a rich pasta sauce for a hearty meal.
Burnt Ends: Reheat the burnt ends separately for a crunchy, flavorful snack.
Brisket Grilled Cheese: Combine brisket with melted cheese between two slices of buttered bread for a decadent grilled cheese.
Chili: Add chopped brisket to your chili for an extra meaty, smoky flavor.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Stir chopped brisket into mac ‘n’ cheese for a smoky, cheesy delight.

Suggested Image: A variety of dishes featuring leftover brisket, like tacos, grilled cheese, and mac ‘n’ cheese.

FAQs About Your Brisket Sandwich Recipe

What bread goes with brisket? Brioche buns and ciabatta rolls are top choices because they complement the brisket’s texture and flavor.
How do you reheat brisket for sandwiches? Reheat brisket in a skillet with BBQ sauce or in the oven to keep it moist.
How much brisket per person for sandwiches? Typically, 1/3 pound (about 5 oz) of brisket per sandwich is ideal.
What sides go well with brisket sandwiches? Baked beans, potato salad, and arugula salad are excellent choices.
What to drink with a brisket sandwich? Pair with a bold beer like an IPA, stout, or Belgian Strong Ale.

With this guide, you’re now ready to craft the perfect brisket sandwich. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making it from scratch, these tips will ensure your sandwich is a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors, balance the textures, and savor every bite of your ultimate brisket sandwich.

the Ultimate Brisket Sandwich Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight