Brisket Cheesesteaks – The Ultimate Fusion of BBQ & Comfort Food

Name: Brisket Cheesesteaks – The Ultimate Fusion of BBQ & Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups smoked brisket, thinly sliced or chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth); 4 hoagie rolls, toasted; 4 slices provolone, cheddar, or American cheese; Jalapeños for heat; Mushrooms, sautéed with the peppers and onions; Cheese sauce for an extra creamy texture

February 27, 2025February 26, 2025 by Noureddine

What happens when you combine smoky, tender brisket with the gooey cheesiness of a Philly cheesesteak? You get a sandwich that’s rich in flavor, incredibly satisfying, and a must-try for BBQ lovers and cheesesteak enthusiasts alike.

This Brisket Cheesesteak takes the best of both worlds—slow-cooked beef with deep smoky notes and the melty, savory goodness of a classic cheesesteak. Whether you use leftover brisket, add a Texas-style BBQ twist, or keep it traditional with provolone and sautéed onions, this sandwich is packed with bold flavors.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect Brisket Cheesesteak, from selecting the right meat to choosing the best cheese and toppings.

If you love smoky flavors, you might also enjoy our guide on Big Green Egg Smoked Turkey – A Complete Guide, where we explore the best techniques for perfectly smoked meats.

Brisket vs. Ribeye – Which One Wins the Cheesesteak Battle?

Many cheesesteak purists swear by ribeye, but brisket brings a whole new level of flavor. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Brisket Cheesesteak	Classic Ribeye Cheesesteak
Flavor	Smoky, rich, deep	Buttery, mild
Texture	Tender, fall-apart	Thinly sliced, juicy
Best Cheese Pairing	Smoked Gouda, provolone	Cheez Whiz, American
Cooking Time	Slow-cooked (8–12 hrs)	Quick sear (5 min)
Best Served With	Toasted hoagie, BBQ sauce	Soft hoagie, classic onions

Want the best of both worlds? Try mixing brisket and ribeye together for a sandwich with unbeatable flavor and texture.

How to Make the Ultimate Brisket Cheesesteak

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb smoked brisket, sliced thin or chopped
1 large onion, caramelized
1 green bell pepper, sautéed
3 hoagie rolls, toasted
½ cup provolone or smoked Gouda, melted
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp BBQ sauce (optional, for a Texas twist)

For extra tenderness, reheat the brisket with a splash of broth or Worcestershire sauce.

Choosing the right cut of beef is essential for a rich and juicy cheesesteak. Learn more about the differences between ground beef and other cuts in our article How to Make Ground Beef Extra Lean.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the onions and peppers in butter until soft and caramelized. Set aside.
Reheat brisket in a pan with Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder for extra moisture.
Melt cheese over the brisket on a griddle or in a pan.
Toast hoagie rolls with butter for added crispness.
Assemble the sandwich, layering brisket, onions, and peppers onto the toasted rolls.

For even more flavor, brush the hoagie rolls with garlic butter before toasting.

Best Cheese for Brisket Cheesesteaks

The right cheese can elevate your brisket cheesesteak, adding creaminess, depth, and the perfect melt. Whether you prefer classic flavors or something bolder, here are the top cheese choices to complement smoky, tender brisket.

1️⃣ Provolone – The Classic Choice

✔️ Mild and creamy, with a smooth melt that blends seamlessly into the brisket.
✔️ Pairs well with caramelized onions and peppers without overpowering the meat.
✔️ Choose aged provolone for a sharper, slightly tangy kick.

💡 Best for: Traditional cheesesteak lovers who want a balanced, silky cheese pull.

2️⃣ Smoked Gouda – Deep, Smoky Flavor

✔️ Rich and buttery, with a mild smokiness that enhances the brisket’s BBQ notes.
✔️ Melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture that coats every bite.
✔️ Pairs well with tangy BBQ sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

💡 Best for: Those who love smoky, BBQ-inspired cheesesteaks with a velvety finish.

3️⃣ Cheddar – Bold & Sharp

✔️ Strong, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with slow-cooked brisket.
✔️ Sharpness cuts through richness, balancing the meat’s deep umami taste.
✔️ Works great with caramelized onions and a hint of Worcestershire sauce.

💡 Best for: Those who enjoy punchy, bold flavors with a classic beef-cheddar combo.

4️⃣ Pepper Jack – A Spicy Kick 🌶️

✔️ Infused with jalapeños and spices, bringing heat to every bite.
✔️ Creamy texture melts smoothly, making it easy to mix with brisket.
✔️ Pairs well with pickled jalapeños or chipotle mayo for extra zing.

💡 Best for: Spice lovers who want extra heat and excitement in their cheesesteak.

🧀 Pro Tip: Mix Two Cheeses for the Ultimate Melt

For a rich, complex flavor, try combining two cheeses:
✔️ Provolone + Smoked Gouda → Smooth, smoky, and classic.
✔️ Cheddar + Pepper Jack → Bold, tangy, and spicy.
✔️ Gouda + Pepper Jack → Creamy, smoky, with a hint of heat.

No matter which cheese you choose, the perfect brisket cheesesteak is all about balance—gooey, melty cheese with the right contrast to the smoky, juicy brisket! 🥪🔥

Topping Variations – Customize Your Brisket Cheesesteak

Classic Style

Provolone cheese
Caramelized onions
Toasted hoagie roll

Spicy BBQ Brisket Cheesesteak

Smoked Gouda
Pickled jalapeños
Drizzle of BBQ sauce

Gourmet Truffle Cheesesteak

Truffle aioli
Arugula for freshness
Shaved Parmesan

For extra crunch, add crispy fried onions or coleslaw on top.

Pro Cooking Hacks for a Juicy Brisket Cheesesteak

A perfect brisket cheesesteak is all about flavor, texture, and balance. Follow these expert tips to make sure your sandwich turns out juicy, cheesy, and packed with smoky goodness!

1️⃣ Keep Brisket Moist While Reheating

Brisket can dry out quickly, so it’s essential to reheat it the right way:
✔️ Add a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire sauce while warming it in a skillet.
✔️ Cover the pan briefly to trap steam and lock in moisture.
✔️ Avoid microwaving—it can make the meat rubbery instead of tender.

2️⃣ Use a Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle for the Best Sear

A cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle ensures a crispy sear and prevents sogginess:
✔️ Preheat your pan to medium-high before adding the brisket.
✔️ Let the brisket develop a crust before stirring—it intensifies the smoky flavor.
✔️ Griddle cooking helps absorb extra seasonings and juices, creating a more flavorful bite.

3️⃣ Press the Sandwich for the Ultimate Melt

A brisket cheesesteak should be ooey-gooey, with cheese melting perfectly into the meat. To achieve this:
✔️ Lightly press the sandwich with a spatula while cooking on the griddle.
✔️ Cover the pan for 30 seconds to let the cheese melt fully.
✔️ Use a mix of cheeses (provolone, cheddar, or American) for a rich, creamy texture.

4️⃣ Keep the Focus on the Brisket’s Smoky Flavor

While toppings are great, they shouldn’t overpower the star of the dish—the brisket!
✔️ Stick to classic add-ons like grilled onions and peppers.
✔️ Go easy on sauces—a drizzle of cheese sauce or a hint of mayo is plenty.
✔️ Use fresh, soft hoagie rolls to balance the textures without competing with the meat.

Seasoning plays a major role in enhancing the taste of your brisket. If you love bold flavors, check out The Best Meatloaf Seasoning Recipe for a mix that can also work wonders on your brisket.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Brisket Cheesesteaks

Can I make a brisket cheesesteak without a smoker?
Yes! Use slow-cooked brisket or even braised beef as an alternative.

What’s the best bread for a brisket cheesesteak?
A toasted hoagie roll or crusty baguette holds up well to the meat and cheese.

How do I keep my brisket from drying out?
Reheat it low and slow with a bit of broth or Worcestershire sauce.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast or short ribs can be great substitutes for brisket.

Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try a Brisket Cheesesteak

Smoky, melty, and full of flavor
A unique twist on a classic cheesesteak
Perfect for BBQ lovers and sandwich enthusiasts
Endless ways to customize it

Ready to make the ultimate brisket cheesesteak? Try it out and experiment with your favorite flavors!