Best Cheeses To Compliment Brisket Sandwiches

Brisket sandwiches are a delicious way to use up leftover brisket from a weekend cookout. A popular choice is to make a grilled cheese sandwich, with the addition of BBQ sauce and cheese. The best cheeses for brisket grilled cheese sandwiches are those that melt well and have a strong flavour, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or Comté.

Best cheese for brisket grilled cheese sandwiches

Brisket grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover brisket and create a delicious, hearty meal. When it comes to choosing the best cheese for these sandwiches, there are a few options that pair perfectly with the smoky, juicy flavours of the brisket.

Smoked Cheddar and Gruyere (or Comte)

The combination of shredded smoked cheddar and Gruyere or Comte cheese is a match made in heaven for brisket grilled cheese sandwiches. Both Gruyere and Comte melt incredibly well and have a mild flavour that won't overpower the brisket. Smoked cheddar adds a great flavour and also melts well, creating a gooey, mouthwatering texture. This combination of cheeses will take your sandwich to the next level.

Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack

If you're looking for a more common option, Monterey Jack cheese is a great choice for brisket grilled cheese sandwiches. It melts well and has a mild, creamy flavour that complements the brisket. For a little extra kick, try Pepper Jack cheese, which adds a spicy twist to your sandwich.

Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and it pairs well with brisket too. Its sharp flavour means you can use less cheese while still getting a big punch of taste. It melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture.

Other Options

Other cheeses that can work well in brisket grilled cheese sandwiches include Colby Jack, Mozzarella, and American cheese. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of these cheeses to find your perfect match.

Tips for the Perfect Brisket Grilled Cheese

When making a brisket grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to use thick, sturdy bread that can hold up to the weight of the brisket and all the cheesy goodness. Texas Toast, Italian bread, or sourdough are great options. Don't forget to butter your bread generously for that golden, crispy exterior.

For an extra special touch, try adding some Dijon mustard to your sandwich. It adds a pop of flavour and acidity that contrasts nicely with the richness of the meat and cheese. You can also include caramelised onions for a touch of sweetness.

How to make a brisket grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:

• Leftover brisket (sliced, shredded, or chopped)
• Bread (Italian, Texas toast, sourdough, brioche buns, or ciabatta rolls)
• Butter (softened)
• Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, Gruyere, or Comte)
• BBQ sauce
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Caramelized onions (optional)

Instructions

Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Warm up your leftover brisket. You can do this in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of BBQ sauce if the meat is dry.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread butter-side down in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
• Add a slice of cheese to each piece of bread.
• Top the cheese with a generous layer of warmed BBQ brisket.
• Add another slice of cheese over the brisket.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
• Cook the sandwich for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
• Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• If you want to add a bit of extra flavour, spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of the bread before adding the cheese.
• For a sweeter sandwich, add some caramelized onions on top of the cheese.
• If you prefer your brisket chopped, you can include all the different parts of the brisket (flat, point, chips, and burnt ends) in your sandwich.

Best bread for brisket sandwiches

When it comes to the best bread for brisket sandwiches, there are several options that pair well with this juicy meat. Here are some top choices to consider:

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian white bread made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. It has a light and airy texture with a crisp crust and a chewy interior. Ciabatta is ideal for brisket sandwiches due to its ability to hold up under heavy fillings. Its large size and sturdy structure make it a perfect choice for a hearty brisket sandwich. The crunchy crust helps retain its shape, while the soft interior soaks up juices and sauces without falling apart.

Sourdough

Sourdough is a unique type of bread made with a fermented dough starter, giving it a tangy flavour that pairs well with savoury ingredients. It has a chewy texture and holds up well, making it an excellent choice for brisket sandwiches. Sourdough is a common choice for sandwiches, and its ability to soak up juices and hold its shape makes it a reliable option for a delicious brisket sandwich experience.

Brioche Bun

If you're looking for a classic brisket sandwich, the brioche bun is a fantastic option. Brioche is a soft, buttery bread with a light, golden-brown crust. It pairs well with brisket, especially when lightly toasted to add a bit of firmness. The soft texture of brioche makes it ideal for a lighter, breakfast brisket sandwich, as it won't weigh you down in the morning.

Pretzel Bun

For an anytime snack, the pretzel bun is a delightful choice to pair with brisket. Pretzel buns have a salty, crisp crust and a soft, slightly sweet interior. This combination enhances the smoky flavour of the brisket. Keep the toppings minimal to let the bread and meat shine. Pretzel buns are best suited for chopped or shredded brisket as they can be delicate and may fall apart with sliced meat.

Texas Toast

Texas Toast is a thick, extra-large slice of white bread. Its sturdiness makes it perfect for brisket sandwiches as it can withstand the weight of the meat. Texas Toast is commonly used for grilled cheese sandwiches and can add a crunchy texture to your brisket creation.

In conclusion, the best bread for a brisket sandwich depends on your personal preference and the specific recipe you're using. However, the options listed above are excellent choices to complement the juicy, smoky flavours of brisket and provide a delightful sandwich experience.

How to reheat brisket for sandwiches

There are several ways to reheat brisket for sandwiches, but some methods work better than others. Here are some of the best ways to reheat your brisket:

Oven

The oven is a classic method to reheat brisket that allows the meat to heat evenly and retain its moisture. This method is ideal for larger portions of brisket, as it requires more time to heat than other methods.

To reheat brisket in the oven, preheat your oven to between 225-350°F. Place the brisket in a pan or dish and pour beef broth, beer, apple juice, or another flavorful liquid over the meat. Cover the brisket tightly with aluminium foil, creating a double layer, and place it in the oven. Reheat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 150-165°F. Let the meat rest for 5-15 minutes before slicing.

Slow Cooker

The slow cooker method is perfect for busy days when you don't have time to watch over the meat. It produces extra juicy meat because of the moist heat of the slow cooker. Keep in mind that you'll need a slow cooker that can fit your brisket in one piece for the most even reheating.

To reheat brisket in a slow cooker, place the leftover brisket in the cooker with some reserved drippings. Add enough liquid to submerge about a quarter of the meat. Cover and set on low heat until the internal temperature reaches 155-165°F, which will take about 2 hours for a 1.5-pound piece of brisket.

Stovetop

The stovetop method is ideal if you have just a few servings of brisket that's already been sliced and is destined for sandwiches. Add a single layer of slices to a nonstick skillet with just a splash of flavorful liquid, such as beef broth, beer, apple juice, or barbecue sauce thinned with water. Keep the heat low and resist the urge to stir, as the meat may fall apart.

Arrange the slices in an even layer in the skillet and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid. Cover and cook over low heat until the meat is piping hot and the liquid is bubbly, about 8 minutes. Do not boil, and remove from heat as soon as the meat is hot to avoid overcooking.

Sous Vide Machine

The sous vide method is excellent for reheating brisket as it cooks at a low temperature, preserving the meat's tenderness and moisture. It is perfect for smaller portions of brisket but requires some specialised equipment.

To reheat brisket using a sous vide machine, preheat your machine to 135°F. Place your leftover brisket in a vacuum-sealed bag and add reserved brisket drippings. Place the sealed bag into the machine bath and cook for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the brisket from the bag, pat it dry, and sear it in a hot pan for a few seconds on each side to get a smoky flavour and crust. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Grill or Smoker

If you have a grill or smoker, this is a great way to reheat your brisket. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225-250°F. Wrap your brisket in 2 layers of aluminium foil and place it in a baking pan. Add a cup of reserved cooking juices to the pan to keep the brisket moist. Cover the pan with foil and place it in the smoker or grill until the internal temperature reaches 155-165°F, which usually takes 2-3 hours.

Tips for Reheating Brisket:

• Skip the microwave, as this can dry out the meat.
• Only slice what you need, as whole brisket reheats better than sliced meat.
• Let the meat come to room temperature before reheating.
• Crisp up the exterior by searing fully reheated unsliced meat briefly in a smoking-hot pan.
• Slice across the grain to interrupt the long muscle fibres and create a more tender chew.

How much brisket per sandwich

When it comes to brisket sandwiches, the amount of meat you'll need depends on the type of sandwich you're making and the appetite of those who'll be eating it. For a regular-sized bun, you can expect to get 3-4 sandwiches per pound of brisket. If you're making jumbo sandwiches, you may need more like 2-3 sandwiches per pound.

Of course, the yield will also depend on how much meat you get from the packer brisket. One person reported getting about a 60% yield, which is why they prefer flats for catering as it helps control costs.

If you're making grilled cheese sandwiches with brisket, a little brisket goes a long way. These sandwiches typically call for shredded or chopped brisket, and you can adjust the amount to your liking.

For a heartier sandwich, you might use 1 pound of brisket for 3 sandwiches, especially if you're adding other ingredients like barbecue sauce, cheese, and vegetables.

So, depending on your sandwich size and desired heartiness, plan on using anywhere from 1/4 pound to 1/2 pound of brisket per sandwich.

Frequently asked questions