Brisket Sandwich Recipe

In Texas, barbecue isn’t just a meal, it’s a way of life. And when it comes to showcasing smoked brisket, nothing does it better than a Texas-style brisket sandwich. 

Piled high with tender, smoky slices of beef, drizzled with a little BBQ sauce (or none at all, if you’re a purist), and stacked on buttery Texas Toast or a soft bun, this sandwich is simple, bold, and downright one of the best ways to use a smoked brisket.

Follow the simple steps below to learn the Texan secrets so you can master this easy dinner recipe. Perfect for family gatherings, or a great way to use your leftover beef brisket to make your own sandwiches on a busy day. Get ready to add this to your list of favorite recipes.

What Do They Pair Best With?

The smoked brisket sandwich pairs best with classic BBQ sides that can add crunch, tang, or a little sweetness:

• Pickles & Red Onions are Texas sandwich traditions that can cut through the richness of the BBQ brisket sandwiches
• Crunchy Coleslaw can be added, creamy or vinegar based, for extra crunch
• Potato Salad or a Simple Green Salad adds the perfect, cool, creamy contrast from the rich barbecue brisket. Try this Potato Salad Recipe that won 1st place at the Houston Rodeo.
• BBQ Baked Beans are a Texas staple that are smoky, sweet, and packed with flavor. Try our award-winning smoked baked beans here!
• Cornbread or Texas Toast are a go-to for most of us, because carbs and BBQ beef brisket are best friends

Basic Steps for Making Texas Brisket Sandwiches

A Texas beef brisket sandwich is all about perfectly smoked juicy brisket, a toasted bun, and just the right toppings. Here's how to build one like a true pitmaster!

1. Smoke the Brisket
   • Start with a full packer brisket (preferably USDA Prime or Choice)
   • Trim excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat for moisture
   • Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder (aka the classic Texas-style rub)
   • Smoke at 225°F for 12-16 hours using post oak wood (or a mix of oak and hickory for extra depth)
   • Wrap in butcher paper after the bark sets (around 170°F internal temp)
   • Cook until the brisket is tender enough (poke the brisket to assess if it's tender) and reaches an internal temp of 206°F, then let it rest for at least 1 hour before slicing
2. Choose the Right Bread
   • Soft buns like brioche rolls, plain white sandwich buns, or a potato bun works great
     • Burger Buns work well too, but we recommend going with one of the sturdier breads we mentioned above
   • Texas Toast is another option for an open-faced BBQ sandwich
   • Lightly butter and toast the bun on a griddle or in the smoker for extra flavor!
3. Slice or Chop the Brisket
   • For a classic Texas brisket sandwich, chop the brisket point into tender morsels, or slice the flat against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices
   • For a juicier, saucier version, chop the brisket and mix it with a little of your favorite BBQ sauce or beef tallow
4. Pick Your Favorite Toppings
   These are some of our absolute favorite ways to bring your Brisket Sandwich to a whole new level
   • Classic Texas Style (Pickles, sliced onions, and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce)
   • Fully Loaded (Coleslaw, jalapeños, and a fried egg)
   • Spicy Kick (Hot BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, and diced serrano peppers)
   • Brisket & Cheese Melt (Melted cheddar or smoked gouda over chopped pieces of brisket)
5. Add BBQ Sauce (or NOT!)
   • Texas purists often skip the sauce to let the tender brisket shine
   • If using sauce, choose a thinner, tangy sauce over a thick, sweet one
   • Serve sauce on the side so guests can add as much (OR AS LITTLE!) as they want
6. Assemble & Serve
   • Pile the brisket onto the toasted bun and add your toppings
   • Serve with BBQ sides like baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, or even crunchy potato chips
   • Pair this all with an ice cold beer or Texas iced tea for the full Texas BBQ experience

Tips & Substitutions for the Perfect BBQ Brisket Sandwich Recipe

• Use the Right Cut of Brisket
  • A whole packer brisket (both point & flat) gives you juicy brisket slices and chopped "fatty" brisket from the point
  • If only using the flat, expect leaner slices and keep it moist by adding a little beef tallow or extra BBQ sauce (maybe try some of our homemade barbecue sauce)
• Low & Slow for Maximum Flavor
  • Smoking at 225°F with post oak wood is the true Texas way
  • Don't rush anything! Brisket takes 12-16 hours to fully cook but is worth every single second
• Rest Before Slicing
  • Let the brisket rest for at least 1 hour or longer after smoking to keep the juices in
  • Resting in a cooler for 3-4 hours keeps it warm and even juicier
• Toasting the Buns is a Must
  • Buttered and griddled buns add flavor and keep the bread from getting soggy
• Slice It Right!
  • Always slice against the grain for the most tender bite
  • For the best barbecue brisket sandwiches that are extra juicy, chop the brisket point and in a small bowl mix in a little beef tallow or drippings
• Balance the Toppings
  • Chill out and keep it simple with pickles and red onions for the classic Texas-style sandwich
  • Want it creamy? Add crunchy Coleslaw as a topping!
  • Like it spicy? Jalapeños and your favorite barbecue sauce (make sure it's a hot sauce!) do the trick
• No Smoker? No problem!
  The only thing you can do to get the juiciest, most tender Brisket is to use a smoker! Below are some alternatives, but they won't get you the perfect Texas Brisket for this perfect easy recipe!
  • Oven Method - Cook the Brisket low and slow at 250°F, wrapped in foil after a few hours
  • Slow Cooker Version - Cook with beef broth, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, and BBQ spices for 8-10 hours, then begin to shred the whole brisket
  • Instant Pot Hack - Use a small brisket or short ribs for a faster version, cook on the pot-roast or braised beef setting. Shred and mix with BBQ sauce for a complete meal.
    

How to Store Leftover Brisket Sandwiches

Leftover brisket sandwiches can be just as delicious the next day (if you store them properly)! Here's how to keep them fresh and tasty!

1. Separate the Components (If Possible)
   If you haven't wrapped them up yet:
   • Remove the bread and store it separately to prevent it from getting soggy.
   • Wrap the brisket and toppings (like onions or pickles) in foil or place in an airtight container.
   • Store buns in a zip-top bag or bread box at room temp for a day or two (or refrigerate if they’re homemade and perishable).
2. Refrigerate Prompty
   • Place brisket (and any condiments or toppings) in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
   • Refrigerate within 2 hours of serving.
   • Leftover brisket will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Reheating Tips
   • Brisket: Reheat low and slow—wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven or in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce to keep it juicy.
   • Bread: Toast it lightly in the oven or skillet for that fresh, slightly crispy texture.
   • Assemble freshly for best texture and flavor.
4. Freezing Option
   • You can also freeze just the brisket for longer storage—wrap tightly in plastic and foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
   • Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This way, your brisket sandwiches won't just survive the fridge, they'll come back strong for round two!