BBQ Brisket Melt with Pimento Cheese

There’s nothing quite like a BBQ Brisket Melt with Pimento Cheese to satisfy your craving for something smoky, cheesy, and downright comforting. This sandwich is the ultimate fusion of BBQ and Southern flavors, combining tender, slow-smoked brisket with creamy homemade pimento cheese, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery toast. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors that make it a standout dish, whether for a weekend meal, game day, or a casual backyard cookout. If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s indulgent yet easy to make, this is it!

What Makes This BBQ Brisket Melt So Special?

Unlike a standard brisket sandwich, this BBQ Brisket Melt takes it up a notch by layering smoky beef, tangy pimento cheese, and crispy toasted bread in a way that melts together into pure comfort food. The brisket adds a deep, rich flavor, while the pimento cheese brings a creamy, slightly tangy kick with a hint of spice. The bread, grilled to golden perfection with butter, creates that satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, cheesy, crispy, and absolutely mouthwatering.

Ingredients for the Ultimate BBQ Brisket Melt

For the Pimento Cheese:

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup diced pimentos (drained)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

For the Sandwich:

1 lb smoked brisket (thinly sliced or shredded)
8 slices thick-cut bread (Texas toast, sourdough, or brioche)
2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
¼ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for added flavor)

How to Make the Best BBQ Brisket Melt with Pimento Cheese

Make the Pimento Cheese

To start, prepare the pimento cheese by combining shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, then add diced pimentos, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well until fully incorporated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This step enhances the depth of flavor and ensures the spread has a smooth, rich texture.

How to Smoke a Brisket for the Perfect BBQ Brisket Melt

Smoking a brisket is a low and slow cooking process that develops deep, smoky flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a first-time smoker, following these key steps will ensure your brisket turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and easy to slice for your BBQ Brisket Melt.

1. Choose the Right Brisket

Start with a high-quality brisket, preferably USDA Prime or Choice. A whole brisket (also called a “packer brisket”) includes both the flat (leaner section) and point (fattier section). If you’re making sandwiches, the flat works best for slicing, but if you want extra juiciness, keep both sections.

2. Trim the Fat

Using a sharp knife, trim excess fat to about ¼ inch thick. This ensures the brisket has enough fat to stay moist while preventing large, chewy fat pockets from forming. Remove any silver skin from the meat’s surface to allow for better seasoning absorption.

3. Season the Brisket

A simple salt, pepper, and garlic (SPG) rub is traditional, but you can also use a brisket seasoning blend. For extra BBQ flavor, coat the brisket in yellow mustard or olive oil before seasoning—it helps the rub stick and creates a flavorful crust (bark) during smoking.

4. Preheat Your Smoker

Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) and use hardwood like oak, hickory, or mesquite for bold, smoky flavor. If you prefer a milder smoke, try fruitwoods like apple or cherry. Let the smoker come to temp before placing the brisket inside.

5. Smoke the Brisket (Low and Slow)

•Place the brisket fat-side up on the smoker grates to allow the fat to render and self-baste the meat.

•Maintain a consistent temperature of 225°F–250°F for an even cook and smoke penetration.

• Spritz with apple cider vinegar or beef broth every 1-2 hours to prevent the surface from drying out.

6. The Stall (What to Expect at 165°F)

When the brisket reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, it may stop rising in temp—this is called “the stall.” Moisture evaporating from the meat cools it down, slowing the cooking process.

To push through the stall faster:

•Wrap the brisket in butcher paper (Texas Crutch)—this locks in moisture while maintaining a crispy bark.

•Alternatively, foil-wrap the brisket for a juicier texture, but note that it softens the bark.

7. Finish Cooking Until 200-205°F

Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F (93-96°C). The probe should slide in effortlessly when the brisket is done—think of the texture like soft butter.

8. Rest the Brisket for Maximum Juiciness

Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for at least 1 hour (wrapped in butcher paper or foil, inside a cooler). This step is crucial for keeping the brisket moist—resting allows the juices to redistribute into the meat instead of spilling out when sliced.

9. Slice Against the Grain

For the most tender bites, slice the brisket against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices. If making brisket for sandwiches, you can chop it finely or slice it thinner for easier layering.

Now your perfectly smoked brisket is ready to be used in your BBQ Brisket Melt with Pimento Cheese! Whether you enjoy it fresh off the smoker or save leftovers for sandwiches, this method ensures the best texture and flavor possible.

How to Grill a Brisket Melt Sandwich

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat and let it warm up for a minute. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, ensuring it coats the entire surface for even browning. Place the sandwiches onto the heated pan, pressing them down gently with a spatula to ensure full contact with the surface. Let the sandwich cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, checking occasionally to ensure it’s turning golden brown without burning.

Carefully flip the sandwich and repeat the process on the other side. If you want to create that crispy cheese crust, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese directly onto the pan before placing the sandwich back down. The cheese will crisp up, forming a deliciously crunchy layer that elevates the texture and flavor of the sandwich. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board to rest for a minute.

4. Serve the Perfect BBQ Brisket Melt

Once the sandwiches are ready, slice them in half and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melty. Pair them with pickles, coleslaw, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping. The contrast of crisp, buttery bread, gooey pimento cheese, and smoky brisket makes every bite an experience worth savoring.

How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Grilled Bread

One of the defining features of a perfect melt sandwich is crispy, golden-brown bread that delivers a satisfying crunch while still holding up to the hearty filling. The key to achieving this is using the right bread, the right amount of butter, and cooking it at the perfect temperature. Thick-cut bread, like Texas toast, sourdough, or brioche, works best because it can handle the weight of the brisket and pimento cheese without becoming soggy.

Before grilling, spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each slice. This ensures that the bread toasts evenly and develops that signature golden crust. Cooking the sandwich over medium-low heat is essential—too high, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts; too low, and the sandwich won’t develop a crispy crust. As the sandwich cooks, gently press it down with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan, but avoid pressing too hard, as this can squeeze out the melted cheese.

Final Thoughts on BBQ Brisket Melts

This BBQ Brisket Melt with Pimento Cheese is comfort food at its finest, bringing together bold BBQ flavors, creamy cheese, and crispy golden bread. It’s an easy-to-make yet restaurant-quality sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a weekend indulgence. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just someone looking for a seriously satisfying sandwich, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Plus, it’s highly customizable—add caramelized onions, jalapeños, or even swap the brisket for pulled pork for a twist on the classic. However you make it, one thing is certain: this melt will be a new favorite in your lineup of go-to recipes!

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of smoky BBQ flavors, rich pimento cheese, and crispy golden bread, this BBQ Brisket Melt is the sandwich you need to try. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a weekend cookout. The combination of melted cheese, tender brisket, and buttery toasted bread creates an unforgettable bite every time.

Want more mouthwatering BBQ and comfort food recipes? Check out all of our recipes at the link below. From juicy burgers to smoky BBQ favorites, you’ll find everything you need to level up your home cooking. Enjoy!