Best Cheeses To Compliment Brisket: A Tasty Guide

Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the chest of the cow. It is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from BBQ sandwiches to grilled cheese. When it comes to choosing the best cheese to pair with brisket, it depends on the preparation and flavour profile of the meat. For a Texas-style BBQ brisket, a young, creamy cheddar is recommended as the meat is already packed with flavour and does not need any extra salt. On the other hand, a sliced brisket sandwich can be topped with slightly spicy queso for a Tex-Mex twist. For those who prefer a milder cheese, Monterey Jack and cheddar are also excellent choices for a BBQ beef brisket grilled cheese sandwich.

Brisket grilled cheese sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, and adding brisket takes it to a whole new level. Here's a recipe for a brisket grilled cheese sandwich that serves as a perfect lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients:

• Bread: Sourdough, Italian, Texas toast, brioche, or French bread.
• Cheese: A combination of shredded smoked cheddar and Gruyere (or Comté) works best. However, you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
• Butter: For spreading on the bread.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich.
• Leftover brisket: Shredded or sliced.

Instructions:

• Warm up the leftover brisket in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. This helps retain moisture and improves the texture.
• Assemble the sandwich: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side, layer Dijon mustard, followed by cheddar cheese, a generous amount of shredded brisket, and then top with Gruyere (or Comté) cheese.
• Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
• Heat a cast iron skillet or a panini press to medium heat.
• Cook the sandwich for 3-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Cut the sandwich in half and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• You can add a few tablespoons of your favourite barbecue sauce to the brisket before placing it in the sandwich for extra moisture and flavour.
• If you want to make your own brisket, try smoking it or using a slow cooker for tender, juicy meat.
• For a crispier sandwich, butter the skillet or pan instead of the bread.
• For a more substantial meal, serve the sandwich with sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad.

Best cheese for brisket grilled cheese

There are several types of cheese that go well with brisket, depending on the type of brisket and the desired flavour profile. Here is a guide to help you choose the best cheese for your brisket grilled cheese sandwich.

Texas Toast with BBQ Brisket

For a classic BBQ brisket grilled cheese sandwich, Texas Toast is a popular choice of bread thanks to its pleasant garlic flavour that pairs well with brisket. When it comes to cheese, you'll want something that melts easily and has a mellow, creamy taste so as not to overpower the brisket.

Monterey Jack and cheddar are excellent choices as they are easily available and complement the BBQ flavour of the brisket. Smoked cheddar, in particular, can enhance the smokiness of the meat. If you're looking for something a little more distinctive, Gruyere and Comté are semi-hard cheeses with a nutty taste that goes well with traditional BBQ flavours. They melt beautifully and provide a creamy texture to your sandwich.

Brisket Sandwiches with Coleslaw

If you're looking for a cheesier option, a brisket sandwich with coleslaw is a great choice. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as sharp white cheddar, pepper jack, or smoky Gruyere. These cheeses have more bite and will add a tanginess to your sandwich. When preparing this sandwich, it's important not to melt the cheese too far in advance, as you want to maintain that gooey, cheesy factor.

Brisket Grilled Cheese with Mustard

For a sandwich with a kick, a Brisket Grilled Cheese with Dijon mustard is a perfect choice. This sandwich uses a combination of smoked cheddar and Gruyere or Comté cheeses, providing a nice balance of flavour and meltability. The Dijon mustard adds a pop of flavour and acidity to contrast the richness of the meat. This sandwich is best served with a fruity and acidic wine, like Barbera, or a Pilsner beer to cut through the richness.

Corned Beef Grilled Cheese

For a corned beef grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to pair it with an allium-tinged cheese to mimic the flavours of colcannon, a traditional side dish served with corned beef. Emmentaler, also known as "Swiss Cheese", is a perfect match. Alternatively, Long Clawson Dairy Cotswold is another cheese suggestion to complement the corned beef.

How to make a brisket grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

To make a brisket grilled cheese sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bread (Italian, Texas toast, sourdough, French, or brioche)
• Butter
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, Gruyere, Comté, pepper jack, or mozzarella)
• Leftover brisket
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Barbecue sauce (optional)

Method

• If you don't have any leftover brisket, start by cooking your brisket. You can cook it in an oven, smoker, or slow cooker.
• Once your brisket is cooked, shred or slice it.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place the bread buttered-side down in a skillet or on a baking sheet.
• Cover the unbuttered side of the bread with shredded or sliced cheese.
• Add a layer of brisket on top of the cheese.
• Top the brisket with another layer of shredded or sliced cheese.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, unbuttered side down.
• Heat a pan, preferably cast iron, over medium heat.
• Cook the sandwich for 3-5 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
• If desired, add a layer of Dijon mustard to the inside of the bread before adding the cheese. You can also add barbecue sauce to the brisket before adding it to the sandwich for extra moisture and flavour.

Best Cheeses to Pair with Brisket

While there are several cheeses that go well with brisket, some of the best options include:

• Cheddar: especially a young, creamy cheddar as it won't add extra saltiness to the brisket.
• Monterey Jack: this cheese melts well and is a good option if you don't have smoked cheddar or Gruyere.
• Smoked cheddar: adds a smoky flavour that pairs well with the brisket.
• Gruyere or Comté: these mild cheeses melt incredibly well and won't overpower the brisket.
• Pepper jack: delivers both meltiness and flavour.

Wine and beer pairings for brisket grilled cheese

Brisket grilled cheese is a delicious, flavourful, and comforting meal. The best wines to pair with this dish are full-bodied reds with soft tannins, high acidity, and a hint of smokiness. Here are some specific examples:

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: This medium-bodied red wine has soft tannins and enough acidity to cut through the richness of the brisket grilled cheese. It offers robust herbal and tobacco-like flavours with some chocolate notes that complement the crispy exterior of the brisket.
• Ribera del Duero Reserva: This full-bodied Spanish red wine features soft tannins and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, cassis, brown sugar, smoke, and dark chocolate. The soft tannins and earthy layer from oak ageing make it a perfect pairing for the tender, savoury brisket grilled cheese.
• Syrah: A medium-bodied Syrah from France or California pairs well with the peppery crust of the brisket. It offers refreshing fruit elements like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, along with complex notes of spice, black pepper, meat, bacon, rosemary, and smoke.
• Chardonnay: While unconventional, a rich Chardonnay can be a good choice for brisket grilled cheese, especially if the dish is served with a creamy sauce. The high tannins and buttery flavour of Chardonnay can help cut through the richness of the meal.

If you're not a wine drinker, don't worry! Brisket grilled cheese also pairs well with full-bodied or dark beers, such as a porter or a stout. The carbonation in beer can help cut through the richness of the dish.

Additionally, a glass of whiskey, a strong cup of coffee, or sweet iced tea can also be refreshing and flavourful beverage choices to accompany your brisket grilled cheese.

Cheese Recommendations for Brisket Grilled Cheese

When it comes to cheese selections for your brisket grilled cheese, the possibilities are endless! Here are some suggestions:

• Sharp White Cheddar: This cheese has a little more bite and can add a tangy flavour to your sandwich.
• Pepper Jack: This cheese has a similar spice level to Sharp White Cheddar but will give a different texture and flavour profile to your sandwich.
• Smoky Gruyere: For a more subtle and smoky flavour, Gruyere is an excellent choice.
• Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey, creamy texture to your grilled cheese.
• Provolone: Provolone has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a good choice for those who want a more subtle cheese presence in their sandwich.

When preparing your brisket grilled cheese, it's essential to add the cheese to the buns just before melting to ensure it stays hot and gooey. Don't be shy with the cheese quantity, as you want it to shine through in your sandwich!

Other leftover brisket recipes

While brisket grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular way to use up leftover brisket, there are plenty of other recipes to try. Here are some ideas for what to do with leftover brisket:

Brisket Tacos

Give your leftover brisket a new lease of life by turning it into taco filling. Simply dice up some brisket, fry it in a pan with a little oil and a good sprinkle of chilli powder, then load up your tortillas with your favourite taco fillings. You could also add some scrambled eggs or refried beans.

Brisket Sandwiches

Neat slices of brisket are perfect for sandwiches. Grab your favourite bread and your choice of condiments, add some onion, pickle or another vegetable for crunch, then top with brisket. You could also add cheese and pop the sandwich under the grill until the cheese melts.

Brisket Hash

Hash is a great way to use up leftovers. Try this recipe for leftover brisket flannel hash with crispy fried eggs: just three slices of meat add tons of flavour to a sweet-and-savoury hash packed with colour thanks to sweet potato, apple and beets.

Brisket Nachos

Leftover brisket makes a great topping for nachos. Spread tortilla chips on a platter, then add toppings like refried beans, chopped brisket, jalapeños, onions and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese has melted, then serve with garnishes like pico de gallo, chopped cilantro and sour cream.

Brisket Bibimbap

If you already have leftover sliced brisket, you can make bibimbap in no time. Use a recipe like Marge Perry’s Easy Weeknight Bibimbap as a template, and simply swap in slices of reheated brisket.

Brisket Salads

Brisket turns just about any salad into a protein-packed meal. Try adding sliced brisket to this Italian-inspired orecchiette salad or this Greek dinner salad.

Frequently asked questions