Brisket grilled cheese for one is a great way to enjoy leftover brisket, in just 10 minutes! Instead of eating the exact same leftovers, add it to your grilled cheese to make a salty, creamy brisket grilled cheese sandwich.
[This recipe was originally posted in June 2020. It has been updated with cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
Table of contents
How many times are you left with just a bit of leftover BBQ brisket? Or maybe pot roast or pulled pork?
No need to waste it, turn those great leftovers into an easy brisket grilled cheese instead of eating it the same way for a few days.
This sandwich is bursting with salty, meaty, and cheesy flavor. It'll feel special, yet will just take you 7-10 minutes to throw together. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Plus it's versatile, use whatever kind of bread or cheese you have on hand.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the brisket grilled cheese recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick description of what's in this recipe.
- Butter: A smear of butter adds nice flavor and helps your bread get crispy on the outside.
- Bread: Use your favorite bread in this brisket grilled cheese sandwich.
- Brisket/leftover pot roast: Use what you've got. If it's good on it's own, it'll be great in this sandwich. You can use leftover pulled pork or similar meat too. Coat it in BBQ sauce if desired.
- American cheese: Is there a better cheese for grilled cheese? Nope. It melts really well and has a classic grilled cheese taste. It's really good paired with the brisket.
- Cheddar cheese: I like to use 2 types of cheese in this brisket grilled cheese recipe. Cheddar cheese mellows out the flavors just a bit, while still melting well. Shredding it will help it melt easier and more evenly.
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.
1. Butter both slices of bread. Heat pan over medium heat.
2. Add American cheese, brisket, shredded cheddar cheese, another slice of American cheese and 2nd slice of bread, butter side up. Cook.
3. Cook on both sides. Cut in half and serve your brisket grilled cheese as is, or with a green salad, tomato soup, or side options below.
Sides for your grilled cheese
Storage/Reheating Tips
A brisket grilled cheese is best fresh. If you want leftovers, assemble and cook your sandwich just prior to enjoying.
If you have leftovers or need to reheat it, store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stove for crispy edges.
Substitutions/Tips
- Use your favorite kind of bread, if using frozen bread, toast until thawed before making grilled cheese.
- Don't have brisket? Swap for pulled pork, leftover pot roast, or roast beef lunch meat.
- Use whatever cheese you have on this brisket grilled cheese. Use at least 2 kinds for flavor. Mozzarella + cheddar, cheddar + parmesan, pepper jack cheese + cheddar, etc are all great combos.
- Other great add-ins: red onion, caramelized onions, Spicy Pickled Onions, pickles, red pepper flakes or jalapenos, etc would all be great in a brisket grilled cheese.
FAQ
Add it to this brisket grilled cheese, eat as a sandwich (swap for roast beef), in an omelet, or make a BBQ brisket pizza.
Reheat your brisket grilled cheese by roasting it with it's fat, or spritz with some water if reheating in the microwave.
My favorites are American cheese and cheddar cheese, especially a combination of them. American cheese has lots of flavor and melts beautifully.
Other good sandwich recipes
What to do with leftover ingredients
When you're cooking for one, you often have leftover produce, cans of whatever ingredient, etc. Here are a couple ideas on how to use up the leftover ingredients. It'll help you save money by wasting fewer ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese: Protein Mac & Cheese, 10 Minute Queso, and Breakfast Tacos.
- American Cheese: Single Serving Baked Mac and Cheese orswap for cheddar cheese in a recipe, or add to a cheesesteak sandwich, or make a plain grilled cheese sandwich.
- Brisket: make into a sandwich or serve with garlic cheesy mashed potatoes.
Did you make this brisket grilled cheese? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Brisket Grilled Cheese (with leftover brisket)
Equipment
- Small Frying Pan
- spatula
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 2 slices bread either fresh or lightly toasted if previously frozen
- ½ cup Chopped/shredded brisket
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1 tablespoon Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat up a small frying pan over medium heat. Spread ½ of the butter on one side of the bread, do the same to 2nd slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter side down on hot frying pan.
- Place one slice of American cheese on bread, then add ½ cup of brisket, top with other 1 T shredded cheddar cheese, then add slice of American cheese on part of bread without American cheese. Top with 2nd slice of bread, butter side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bread is desired brownness.
- Flip sandwich with spatula, cook anther 2-3 minutes. Add a lid if cheese isn't melting fast enough, turn down heat to medium-low. Check doneness of bottom bread slice. Remove once bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Cut in half and serve as is, or with a green salad or tomato soup.
Notes
- Use your favorite kind of bread, if using frozen bread, toast until thawed before making grilled cheese.
- Don't have brisket? Swap for pulled pork, leftover pot roast, or roast beef lunch meat.
- Use whatever cheese you have. Use at least 2 kinds for flavor. Mozzarella + cheddar, cheddar + parmesan, pepper jack + cheddar, etc are all great combos.
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Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Oh, you went THERE... It doesn't get any better than leftover brisket and melty cheese!
Rebecca says
oh yes! and totally agree! such a great combo
Cindy says
My kiddos and I made this together! We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen lately and its so fun. They really enjoyed making this recipe but they enjoyed eating it even more! Thanks for this delish creation, we are adding it to our “make again” list!! This is a 100% comfort food! YUMMM
Rebecca says
great to hear! so glad you enjoyed making it with your kids 🙂
Cate says
Yum! This looks like the ultimate comfort food, saving this one for sure!
Rebecca says
awesome!
Carrie Robinson says
What an amazing idea for a grilled cheese! Looks so good! 🙂
Rebecca says
oh it's SOO good!
Gloria Duggan says
OMG...you have elevated the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level of yum. We love smoking some brisket. This would be a great place for leftovers.
Rebecca says
sure did! haha
Jessica Formicola says
Um, this. is. genius! Brisket on a grilled cheese?? I know what we're having for dinner tonight!
Rebecca says
oh it's insane!