How to Serve Mouthwatering Beef Brisket Sandwiches

Beef brisket sandwiches are a barbecue staple, featuring tender, smoky sliced brisket piled high on a bun. While the star ingredient is obviously the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, how you assemble and serve these sandwiches can take them to the next level. From cheese and slaw to sauces and sides, use these tips to serve up truly exceptional beef brisket sandwiches.

Brisket Sandwich Assembly

A beef brisket sandwich starts with a base of a bun, roll, or bread. Top with smoked brisket, either chopped or sliced. Then flavor it up with your choice of accents and condiments:

• Bun – Brioche, ciabatta, potato rolls work well. Avoid hard/crusty breads.

• Brisket – Smoked or braised. Chopped, sliced, or pulled.

• BBQ Sauce – Slather on bun and brisket. Sweet, tangy, spicy – your choice!

• Cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack. Melted on top.

• Onions – Raw, grilled, or pickled. Adds crunch and tang.

• Slaw – For freshness, creaminess and crunch.

• Pickles – Dill, bread and butter, pepperoncini.

• Sauces – Mayo, ranch, horseradish, hot sauce.

Brisket Sandwich Condiment Ideas

Get creative with toppings and sauces to make the sandwiches your own. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Jalapeños
• Avocado
• Bacon
• Fried onion rings
• Spicy giardiniera
• Pepper relish
• BBQ ranch dressing
• Sriracha mayo
• Honey mustard
• Creamy horseradish sauce
• Hot pepper jelly

Mix and match flavors and textures to balance the rich brisket. Crunchy, creamy, spicy, sweet, tangy – the options are endless for customizing!

Best Cheeses for Brisket Sandwiches

Melting cheese on brisket sandwiches adds indulgence. Aim for melty cheeses that complement the beef:

• Sharp cheddar
• Pepper jack
• Swiss
• Provolone
• American
• Smoked gouda
• Pimento cheese

Avoid bland cheeses like mozzarella. Go for strong flavor and meltability.

Brisket Sandwich Bread/Bun Options

Choose a base that matches the style of your sandwich:

• Brioche buns – For classic barbecue brisket sandwiches. Sweet, fluffy, sturdy.

• Potato rolls – Also classic. Touches of sweetness with a soft texture.

• Ciabatta rolls – Heartier, holds up well to juicy brisket without getting soggy.

• Pretzel buns – For a fun twist. Adds salty crunch.

• Hawaiian rolls – For slider-style mini brisket sandwiches.

• Texas toast – Extra thick-cut white bread. Traditional taste.

• Baguettes – A French approach with the crisp exterior and soft interior.

• Cornbread – For a unique Southern touch. Sturdy and flavorful.

Sides to Serve with Brisket Sandwiches

Since the sandwiches are so rich, pair with lighter sides for balance:

• Coleslaw – A classic. Crunchy and creamy, often served right on the sandwich.

• Potato salad – Another classic cookout pairing. Chilled potatoes contrast the hot brisket.

• Pasta salad – Fun flavors like pesto or lemon dill. Not just mayo-dressed.

• Leafy salad – Greens, tomatoes, cucumbers. Simple vinegar dressing.

• Fruit salad – Let the sweetness of berries or melon counter the smoked meat.

• Macaroni salad – Often found at barbecue joints. Echoes the cheese flavors.

• Baked beans – Traditional with smoked meats. Can be dressed up many ways.

• Grilled corn on the cob – In season, charred corn is a perfect brisket match.

• Chips and dip – Relish the crunch of kettle chips or potato chips alongside.

Sauces and Dips for Beef Brisket Sandwiches

Serve additional sauces for even more flavor options:

• BBQ sauces – Regional styles like Kansas City, Carolina, Texas
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Honey mustard
• Horseradish cream
• Aiolis and mayos – Chipotle, sriracha, garlic, etc.
• Hot sauces – Louisiana-style or vinegars
• Chimichurri – Fresh herb sauce pairs nicely
• Salsas – Tomatillo, pico de gallo, corn, etc.

Drinks to Serve with Beef Brisket Sandwiches

Quenching beverage options include:

• Iced tea – Sweet or unsweet, brisket’s classic partner.

• Lemonade – Fresh lemon complements the richness.

• Beer – From lagers to IPAs, pick your preferred style.

• Wine – Opt for bolder reds that can stand up to the meat.

• Whiskey cocktails – A whiskey sour or mint julep are perfect.

• Margaritas – Smoked meat meets citrus and salt.

• Mexican sodas – Agave sweetness next to salty, savory brisket.

How to Serve Beef Brisket Sandwiches for a Crowd

For parties, potlucks, or tailgates, make it easy on yourself:

• Cook brisket ahead. Reheat just before serving.

• Offer sandwiches as build-your-own. Set out components buffet-style.

• Bread/buns, pickles, onions, slaw, sauces in separate containers.

• Place sliced or chopped brisket in chafing dishes to stay warm.

• Have guests make their custom sandwiches with provided disposable gloves.

• Use paper boats, boxes, or wraps to contain the loaded sandwiches.

• Offer a cooled beverage tub with ice and canned/bottled drinks.

With juicy brisket and fresh toppings ready to go, feed the brisket sandwich cravings of a crowd with ease!

Brisket sandwiches are already amazing on their own, but creative condiments, cheese, and sides can take them to extraordinary new heights. Use these serving ideas to complement the tender smoked meat in the best ways. Your guests will be raving over your mouthwatering brisket sandwiches.