When you think about a brisket sandwich, your mind probably jumps to tender, smoky meat and maybe a splash of BBQ sauce. But what about cheese? Believe it or not, the right cheese can take your brisket sandwich to the next level, balancing the richness of the brisket with its creamy texture and flavor.
This article will walk you through the best cheeses that go with brisket, the flavor combinations that work best, and how to build a perfect brisket and cheese pairing. Whether you’re making a classic sandwich or getting creative with gourmet cheeses, we’ve got you covered.
Why Pairing Cheese with Brisket Works
Pairing cheese with brisket isn’t just about adding another ingredient to the sandwich—it’s about enhancing flavors and textures.
- Flavor Profiles: Brisket is rich, smoky, and savory, and a well-chosen cheese can either complement or contrast these flavors. The sharpness of a good cheddar or the creaminess of a Monterey Jack can bring out the best in your brisket.
- Texture Contrast: Tender, juicy brisket benefits from the creaminess of melted cheese, which adds a comforting, silky layer to your sandwich.
- Regional BBQ Influence: Different BBQ regions often incorporate cheese in their brisket sandwiches. In Texas, you’ll find sharp cheddar melting into the brisket, while in other areas, milder cheeses like provolone are preferred.
Classic Cheese Choices for Brisket Sandwiches
When it comes to pairing cheese with brisket, some options are classic for a reason. These cheeses offer reliable, familiar flavors that pair well with the smoky, savory notes of brisket.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a go-to cheese for pairing with brisket, particularly if you prefer a bold, sharp flavor.
- Why It Works: The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the richness of brisket, balancing its heaviness.
- How to Use It: Shredded or sliced cheddar melts perfectly over both sliced and pulled brisket sandwiches. Its strong flavor also works well in brisket grilled cheese.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack offers a creamy, mild flavor that pairs well with the smokiness of brisket without overpowering it.
- Why It Works: Its smooth texture complements the tenderness of brisket, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- How to Use It: Monterey Jack is perfect for melting over brisket in a grilled sandwich or incorporating into mac and cheese with leftover brisket.
Provolone
Provolone is another mild, slightly smoky cheese that complements BBQ brisket perfectly.
- Why It Works: The subtle smokiness of provolone mirrors the brisket’s smoky flavors, creating harmony in the sandwich.
- How to Use It: Provolone is best melted over slices of brisket for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
Gourmet Cheese Pairings for a Unique Brisket Experience
For those looking to elevate their brisket sandwiches, gourmet cheeses can add an unexpected twist. These cheeses bring complex flavors that turn a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience.
Gouda
Smoked gouda is a popular choice for pairing with brisket because it adds an extra layer of smokiness.
- Why It Works: The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of smoked gouda enhances the smoky richness of brisket, creating a seamless flavor profile.
- How to Use It: Use smoked gouda in a grilled brisket sandwich or layer it over pulled brisket for a creamy, smoky kick.
Gruyère
Gruyère is known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor, and it’s a fantastic pairing for brisket.
- Why It Works: Gruyère’s rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with brisket, creating a sophisticated flavor combination.
- How to Use It: Add gruyère to a brisket grilled cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience or pair it with caramelized onions for an extra gourmet touch.
Blue Cheese
For the more adventurous palate, blue cheeses provides a strong contrast to the smoky, tender brisket.
- Why It Works: The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese cuts through the richness of brisket, creating an exciting balance of flavors.
- How to Use It: Crumble blue cheese over sliced brisket or mix it into a sauce for a gourmet twist.
Melting and Textural Considerations for Brisket Sandwiches
The way cheeses melts can make or break your brisket sandwich. Some cheeses melt more smoothly than others, while some add a nice crumbly texture that enhances the overall experience.
- Cheese Melting Points: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gruyère are great melting cheeses, making them ideal for hot sandwiches. On the other hand, crumbly cheeses like blue cheese don’t melt as well but add an interesting texture.
- Texture Balance: For pulled briskets, a smooth, melty cheese works best. For sliced briskets, you might prefer a cheese with a bit more structure, like provolone or gouda, to complement the texture of the meat.
Brisket Grilled Cheese: A Popular Take on the Classic
Few things are as comforting as a brisket grilled cheeses. Combining smoky, tender briskets with melty cheeses between two slices of crispy bread is a match made in BBQ heaven.
The Components of a Brisket Grilled Cheese
- Choosing the Cheese: For a brisket grilled cheeses, cheddar and Monterey Jack are top choices. They both melt easily and offer a delicious contrast to the brisket.
- Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like Texas toast or sourdough works best. It holds up to the moisture of the brisket and the melted cheese without falling apart.
Steps for the Perfect Brisket Grilled Cheese
- Layer the Ingredients: Start with a layer of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on one slice of bread. Add a layer of brisket, then top with more cheeses.
- Grilling Tips: Butter the outside of the bread and grill it on medium heat until the cheeses is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Creative Cheese and Brisket Pairings for Regional BBQ Styles
Different regions of the U.S. have their own BBQ styles, and these styles influence the best cheeses pairings for briskets.
Texas Brisket and Cheddar
- Why It Works: Texas BBQ focuses on the flavor of the brisket, and sharp cheddar adds just enough bite without overpowering the meat.
- How to Use It: Melt cheddar over sliced briskets on Texas toast for a classic Texas BBQ sandwich.
Kansas City Brisket with Smoked Gouda
- Why It Works: Kansas City BBQ is known for its sweet, molasses-based sauces, and smoked gouda adds a nutty, smoky depth that complements the sweetness.
- How to Use It: Layer smoked gouda over pulled briskets and add a drizzle of Kansas City BBQ sauce.
Carolina-Style Brisket with Blue Cheese
- Why It Works: The vinegar-based sauces in Carolina BBQ offer a tangy contrast to the richness of blue cheeses.
- How to Use It: Crumble blue cheeses over your briskets and drizzle with Carolina vinegar sauce for a bold flavor combination.
Cheese-Free Options for Brisket Sandwiches
Not everyone wants cheese with their brisket sandwiches, and that’s okay! There are plenty of other ways to add flavor and texture to your sandwich without cheeses.
- Pickles: The tangy crunch of pickles offers a refreshing contrast to the rich brisket.
- Onions: Whether raw, grilled, or caramelized, onions add sharpness and sweetness.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy topping that balances the savory meat.
Sides and Drinks to Pair with Brisket and Cheese
A great brisket sandwich deserves equally great sides and drinks. Here are some ideas for rounding out your meal.
Classic Sides
- Coleslaw: Creamy and crunchy, coleslaw cuts through the richness of the brisket and cheese.
- Potato Salad: A BBQ classic, potato salad adds a comforting side to your meal.
Drinks
- Beer: A cold lager or IPA pairs wonderfully with the smoky and cheesy notes of a brisket sandwich.
- Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened, iced tea refreshes the palate between bites of smoky brisket and melty cheese.
Unique Side Options
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements both the smoky brisket and the rich cheese.
- Grilled Vegetables: A healthier, lighter side that still pairs well with the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pairing Cheese with Brisket
Pairing cheese with brisket might seem simple, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin the balance of flavors.
- Choosing the Wrong Cheese: Some cheeses, like brie or goat cheeses, are too mild or tangy to stand up to the bold flavors of briskets.
- Overloading the Sandwich: Too much cheese can overwhelm the smoky flavor of the meat, so balance is key.
- Not Toasting the Bread: A sturdy, toasted bread helps hold the sandwich together and adds an important layer of texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes with brisket sandwiches?
Classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are great options. For something different, try sweet potato fries or grilled vegetables.
What is a brisket sandwich made of?
A brisket sandwich is typically made with smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, and toppings like coleslaw or pickles, served on a sturdy bun or Texas toast.
What is the best bread for a brisket sandwich?
Brioche buns, potato rolls, and Texas toast are great options. They’re sturdy enough to hold the brisket and toppings without getting soggy.
Conclusion:
Pairing cheese with brisket opens up endless possibilities for creating a delicious, memorable sandwich. Whether you prefer the classic combination of cheddar and briskets or want to get adventurous with blue cheeses or smoked gouda, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate your BBQ experience. So next time you’re preparing a briskets sandwich, don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses and enjoy the unique flavors they bring to the table.