Leftover Beef Brisket Sandwich

Keeping Leftover Brisket Moist for Sandwiches

Keeping your leftover smoked brisket is really the key to a successful sandwich. But it’s very easy. Simply reheat the brisket in an oven-safe dish and add a little liquid to keep it moist. Beef broth, pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, or a combination keeps it juicy.

You’ll preheat your oven on low and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Heat it in the oven, then pull it out as soon as it’s hot. Those simple steps will keep your leftover brisket moist and delicious for days! 😋

Recipe Ingredients

1. Leftover Brisket – You can use sliced or shredded brisket for this recipe. Any way you slice it, it tastes amazing. 
2. Hamburger Buns – You can use any bread or buns for this recipe. Get something fancy from the store or use the sliced bread on hand – anything goes!
3. Toppings – My non-negotiable toppings for these sandwiches are BBQ sauce, sliced red onions, pickled jalapenos, and sliced cheese. From there, you can get as creative as you want. Carmelized onions, coleslaw, horseradish sauce, sliced avocado…the options are endless. 

How to Make Beef Brisket Sandwiches

Cook the Brisket

1. Start with brisket if you’re making it from scratch. Be mindful that cooking brisket takes time, so you want to plan accordingly. 

Reheat Leftover Beef Brisket

Oven Instructions

2. Preheat your oven to around 325°F (163°C) and place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish.
3. Add Liquid – Then add some liquid (beef broth, pineapple juice, or BBQ sauce) to help keep the brisket moist. 
4. Cover the baking dish to keep the meat from drying out, and place it in the preheated oven. 
5. Heat the brisket for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it! 

Stovetop Instructions

2. Heat a frying pan or skillet on medium and add a little oil or butter. 
3. Add Beef – Next, add the chopped brisket and cook (stirring occasionally) for a few minutes until heated through. 
4. Add Liquid to the pan if you want to keep the brisket extra moist.

Assemble the Brisket Sandwiches

5. Optional – You can toast the buns on a grill or in a pan if you want. 
6. Preheat the grill or place a skillet over medium heat. 
7. Slice the buns in half, lightly butter or oil them, and put them cut side down on the grill or skillet. 
8. Toast them for 1-2 minutes until they become lightly golden and crisp. 
9. Bottom – Next, take the bottom half of the bun and lay it down on a plate or cutting board. 
10. Add Meat – Add a layer of sliced brisket on the bread, covering the surface evenly. 
11. BBQ Sauce – Drizzle BBQ sauce over the brisket and distribute it evenly. 
12. Toppings – Start adding your desired toppings. 
13. Serve – Close the bun and enjoy your BBQ brisket sandwich!

Recipe Variations

• Vietnamese-Inspired Brisket Banh Mi: Slice a baguette lengthwise and slather it with mayonnaise on both sides. Layer the leftover brisket slices on the bottom half. Top with pickled carrots and daikon radishes, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, and cucumber, then drizzle with sriracha or hoisin sauce. 😄
• Brisket Reuben: Butter one side of two slices of rye bread and spread Thousand Island dressing on the other side. Pile the leftover brisket slices on one slice of bread and top with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side out, and grill it until the bread toasts and the cheese melts. 🤤
• Brisket Philly Cheesesteak: Saute thinly sliced onions and bell peppers in a skillet until softened and slightly caramelized. Push them to one side and add the leftover brisket slices to the other, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Then top with provolone cheese, and scoop the mixture onto a hoagie roll as soon as the cheese melts. 🤯
• Chopped Beef Sandwich – This isn’t just a chopped brisket sandwich recipe because you don’t have to use brisket. Any leftover beef works deliciously.

Tips and Tricks

• If the leftover brisket is slightly dry, add moisture and enhance the flavor with a bit of barbecue sauce, beef broth, or au jus before assembling the sandwich. That will keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Choose the right bread. Consider using bread that can hold up to the hearty nature of brisket, such as a sturdy roll, ciabatta, or sourdough. These bread options have a nice texture and can handle the weight and juiciness of the brisket without becoming too soggy.
• Layer the ingredients strategically. Start with a generous portion of the brisket slices, then your favorite condiment (BBQ sauce, horseradish, mustard, etc.). Follow with toppings like cheese, sautéed onions, or pickles. And finish it with fresh greens, lettuce, or your favorite sliced veggie for a refreshing crunch.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe is already a make-ahead dish since we’re using leftover brisket. You can make the brisket 3-5 days ahead of time. That way, the sandwiches come together in no time – just reheat the brisket and assemble the toppings.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Serve these sandwiches with plenty of fun toppings and your favorite sandwich sides. If you have leftover brisket or toppings, store them separately in the fridge. I don’t recommend storing assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator as the bread tends to go soggy. Use leftovers within a day or two since we’re already using leftover brisket here.

FAQs

What Goes With Leftover Beef Brisket Sandwiches

Smoked baked potatoes or potato chips and a pot of baked beans make good sides for this hamburger knockoff. And easy coleslaw is a must-have.

More Sumptuous Sandwich and Burger Recipes to Try

1. Tri-Tip Sandwich
2. Avocado Burger
3. Smoked Burgers
4. Salmon Burger
5. Smoked Brisket Sliders

Conclusion

Turn leftovers into something special with this BBQ beef brisket sandwich recipe! Ready for more ways to grill and smoke your way into chef status? Give me a follow on social media for more fun, easy, and, most importantly, mouthwatering recipes! 🙌