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When you crave BBQ, these BBQ Brisket Sandwiches made in a slow cooker hit the spot. There's hardly any hands-on work. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning brisket into fall-apart bites loaded with smoky flavors. Folks keep coming back for seconds—this meal never disappoints at our gatherings or lazy weekends.
The first backyard bash I made this for was unforgettable. Grownups kept asking for more and even the picky kids cleaned their plates. By night’s end, everyone needed to know how it’s made.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Salt and black pepper: Super important for drawing out the beef’s best flavor
- Garlic and onion powders: These simple spices bring big, savory notes
- Smoked paprika: Spanish smoked paprika gives a bold smoky punch
- Brown sugar: Balances the rub and helps that BBQ crust go crispy
- Coleslaw: Creamy or tangy slaw keeps things fresh and adds crunch
- Onions: Thin slices for a snappy bite in every mouthful
- Pickles: Crisp and bright—perfect for cutting through rich beef
- Burger buns: Sturdy choices like brioche hold up best, no mess
- BBQ sauce: Grab your favorite smoky-sweet bottle, since it does all the flavor work
- Beef brisket: Choose a cut with plenty of marbling for extra tenderness, ask the butcher for a good trim
Irresistible Step-by-Step
- Fix Up the Sandwiches:
- Lay the brisket on toasty buns. Spoon on more BBQ sauce, toss on pickles, onions, and lots of slaw. That’s the flavor combo you want.
- Let It Rest and Get Shredding:
- After it’s done, take the brisket out, chill it for ten minutes, then shred or slice thin across the grain for juicy, tender bites.
- Slow Cook Until Tender:
- Snuggle the brisket in the BBQ sauce bath, lid on, cook low and slow for 7-8 hours till it’s pull-apart soft.
- Make and Rub Your Spice Mix:
- Stir brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together. Rub all sides of the brisket so it’s coated in flavor.
- Get That Cooker Ready:
- Spread a cup of BBQ sauce across the bottom of your slow cooker first.
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I always say slaw is the game-changer here. That cool crunch and tangy bite cut through the smoky beef and wake up the whole sandwich. My crew? They never settle for just a dab—they want a heaping scoop. Family cookout tip: Slaw actually beat the chips one year. Aunt June was thrilled.
Storing Leftovers
Put leftover brisket in a sealed container and keep it chilled for up to three days. Heat on the stove with a splash of BBQ sauce to freshen it up. If you’re freezing it, pack into ready-to-go portions for simple grab and heat lunches.
Smart Swaps
Use chicken thighs or a chuck roast if brisket’s not around—you’ll still get tasty results. Want to whip up your own BBQ sauce? Just simmer ketchup, a little molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices until it’s just the way you like it.
Ways to Serve
Pair your brisket sandwiches with summer sides like creamy potato salad, grilled corn, or baked beans. Need something new? Tuck some brisket into a grilled cheese, or heap it on nachos for movie night snacks everyone will go wild for.
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Some Barbecue Backstory
The tradition of cooking brisket low and slow started in the South but quickly spread everywhere when backyard cookouts grew popular. Covering it in BBQ sauce and gathering around the table is the best part every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What's the trick to getting brisket super tender in a slow cooker?
Keep the heat on low and try not to peek or open the lid. Giving the meat a little rest before you go to shred makes it extra juicy too.
- → Could I swap out the brisket for another beef cut?
Chuck roast works if you can't find brisket and still gives you that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- → Any topping ideas that go really well with these brisket sandwiches?
Try slaw, barbecue sauce, sharp onions, or pickles. They all add something crispy, cool, or tangy with the rich beef.
- → How do I kick up the heat in the spice blend?
Cayenne or chili powder works wonders—just toss a little into the dry rub and you'll get some zing.
- → Should I serve these sandwiches hot or cold?
Brisket is best warm, but leftovers taste great cold or you can gently warm them back up.