5 Amazing Ways to Transform Leftover Smoked Brisket

by Matt

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Got leftover smoked brisket and not sure what to do with it? Don’t let that delicious meat go to waste!

 In this post, we'll explore five fantastic ways to transform your leftover brisket into mouthwatering dishes.

Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a savory dinner, we've got you covered. Let's get into these easy and creative recipes that will make your brisket leftovers the star of your meals!

Smoked brisket with chorizo-cheese fondue and assorted dippers for a sophisticated dinner.

Reheating Your Brisket

First things first, often I am pulling brisket out of the freezer for this dishes.

If that’s the case for you too, it's important to know how to properly defrost and reheat it.

I have written a guide on safely freezing, defrosting, and reheating smoked meats. It'll walk you through everything you need to keep your brisket just as tasty the second time around!

Smoked Brisket With Chorizo-Cheese Fondue

When you want to impress and indulge, try this Smoked Brisket with Chorizo-Cheese Fondue. This recipe isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece. It combines the tender smokiness of brisket with the spicy kick of chorizo in a luscious cheese fondue.

Ingredients:

  • Cheese Blend: Gouda and Fontina for creaminess and sharpness.
  • Brisket: Smoked to perfection and chopped.
  • Chorizo: Finely diced and cooked to release oils.
  • Cornstarch: To coat shredded cheese, preventing clumping.
  • Dippers: Toasted baguette slices, crisp veggies, soft pretzels.

Steps:

  1. Cook Chorizo: Release oils and spices.
  2. Prepare Cheese: Shred and coat with cornstarch.
  3. Combine: Melt cheese with chorizo base, adding brisket pieces.
  4. Serve: Keep fondue warm, serve with dippers.

Serving Tips:

  • Dippers: Use toasted baguette slices, crisp veggies, or soft pretzels.
  • Keep Warm: Use a fondue pot or slow cooker to maintain temperature.

This dish is perfect for casual get-togethers or sophisticated dinner parties, turning leftover brisket into a luxurious treat that's hard to resist.

Variety of Brisket Bites including bacon-wrapped pieces, stuffed mushrooms, mini sandwiches, and Korean bao buns.

Brisket Burnt Ends

Transforming leftover brisket into irresistible Brisket burnt ends is a game-changer. These finger foods pack a punch in flavor and convenience, perfect for parties or family gatherings. Here are some creative ways to use your leftover brisket:

  • Bacon-Wrapped Brisket Bites: Wrap brisket pieces in bacon, secure with a toothpick, and bake until crispy.
  • Brisket-Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill baby bellas with brisket, cream cheese, and herbs, then broil until golden.
  • Mini Brisket Sandwiches: Use small rolls, fill with brisket slices, and add your favorite sauce or cheese.
  • Korean Bao Brisket: Stuff bao buns with brisket flavored with soy, garlic, and sesame.

Experiment with flavors and textures to create exciting new dishes from your leftovers. Keep the brisket warm and serve promptly for the best experience. Your guests will never guess these started as last night's dinner.

Delicious brisket quesadillas with cheese and crispy onion strings in golden tortillas.

Leftover Brisket Quesadillas

Looking for a creative way to repurpose your brisket leftovers? Brisket Quesadillas blend Tex-Mex favorites with barbecue goodness. Tender pulled brisket pairs with melty cheese and crispy onion strings between flour tortillas, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded leftover brisket
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Steps:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle cheese over it.
  3. Add brisket, onions, and BBQ sauce on one half of the tortilla.
  4. Fold the tortilla and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
  5. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, avocado, extra BBQ sauce, or sour cream.

These quesadillas are perfect for family dinners, quick lunches, or party appetizers. Serve with sour cream or salsa for an extra kick. Enjoy the fusion of Texan barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine in every bite.

Beef brisket sliders topped with caramelized onions and Alabama White BBQ Sauce.

Beef Brisket Sliders with Alabama Sauce

Imagine a backyard gathering where the aroma of smoked beef brisket fills the air. Beef Brisket Sliders with Alabama White BBQ Sauce are the perfect way to repurpose leftovers and delight your guests with a unique twist.

Ingredients:

  • Brisket: Juicy, smoked, and chopped.
  • Buns: Freshly baked, soft.
  • Caramelized Onions: Deep golden-brown for sweetness.
  • Alabama White BBQ Sauce: Creamy and tangy.

Steps:

  1. Prepare Onions: Caramelize until deep golden-brown.
  2. Assemble Sliders: Split buns, layer brisket, add caramelized onions, and drizzle with Alabama White BBQ sauce.
  3. Serve: These sliders make a fantastic main dish or appetizer.

These sliders make a fantastic main dish or appetizer, loved by all ages. They transform leftover brisket into a flavorful, easy-to-make treat that will surely become a favorite at your gatherings. Enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Hearty Leftover Brisket Chili with cornbread, featuring beans, peppers, and smoked brisket.

Leftover Brisket Chili

When it's chilly outside, there's nothing better than a bowl of heartwarming chili, especially made with leftover smoked brisket. Transform your brisket trimmings into a rich and hearty Leftover Brisket Chili, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • 3 cups leftover smoked brisket, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ½ tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
  • ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bottle beer
  • ¼ cup coffee
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • ½ can black beans, drained
  • ½ can kidney beans, drained
  • ½ can corn, drained
  • 1 can diced green chili

Steps:

  1. Sauté bacon, then onions, bell pepper, and garlic.
  2. Add brisket and dry seasonings.
  3. Deglaze with beer and coffee, then add remaining ingredients.
  4. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for richer flavor.

Serving Tips:

  • Side: Serve with cornbread for a perfect pairing.
  • Versatility: Use as a topping for nachos, filling for tacos, or enjoy in a bowl.

This chili not only warms your stomach but also your soul, making it an ideal dish for cozy evenings.

Brisket Nachos with tender smoked brisket, melted cheese, soft onions, and gently cooked jalapeños.

Brisket Nachos

Transform leftover brisket into a crowd-pleaser with Brisket Nachos. This dish combines the heart of comfort food with the smoky essence of brisket, creating an irresistible snack.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz corn tortilla chips
  • 1 cup shredded leftover brisket
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pinto beans
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 oz shredded cheese
  • Garnishes: cilantro, avocado, lime wedges

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Layer chips and half the toppings in a skillet or baking sheet.
  3. Add a second layer of chips and toppings.
  4. Bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
  5. Garnish as desired and serve.

These nachos are customizable and perfect for sharing during game day or as a solo treat. Ensure the brisket is well-prepared for the best results.

Brisket Loaded Fries with melted cheese, white BBQ sauce, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions.

Brisket Loaded Fries

When your taste buds crave something extraordinary, Brisket Loaded Fries are the answer. This dish turns an unassuming pile of fries into a gourmet indulgence, showcasing the versatility of leftover brisket.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 lb second cut brisket
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce
  • Pico de gallo for serving
  • Truffle aioli for serving
  • 5-minute fries for serving

Steps:

  1. Season brisket and bake with BBQ sauce.
  2. Prepare pico de gallo and truffle aioli while brisket bakes.
  3. Bake fries, assemble with brisket, salsa, and aioli.

These loaded fries are perfect for game night or as a solo treat, combining the richness of brisket with gooey cheese and tangy toppings for an irresistible snack.

Brisket Stroganoff with creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory brisket chunks.

Brisket Stroganoff

Transform your leftover brisket into a savory Brisket Stroganoff. This dish combines the rich flavors of smoked brisket with a creamy sauce and tender noodles, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Brisket: 1 lb, cooked and roughly chopped.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided.
  • Mushrooms: 8 ounces baby portobello, sliced.
  • Seasonings: ½ teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.
  • Flour: 2 tablespoons.
  • Stock: 2 cups beef or mushroom.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
  • Noodles or Rice: 8 ounces egg noodles or 2 cups cooked rice.
  • Sour Cream: 1 cup.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Steps:

  1. Sauté Mushrooms: Cook mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter. Set aside.
  2. Make Roux: Melt remaining butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 5 minutes. Gradually add stock, whisking to remove lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Combine: Add mushrooms and noodles to the sauce, cook until noodles are done. Stir in brisket and sour cream, then cook for an additional 10 minutes. Season to taste.
  4. Serve: Spoon over noodles or rice and enjoy.

This recipe not only makes excellent use of leftover brisket but also creates a delicious and hearty meal that your family will love.

Faq.

How do I store leftover brisket?

Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag, then freeze for up to 3 months.

What's the best way to reheat brisket?

Reheat brisket in the oven at 300°F, wrapped in foil with a little beef broth to retain moisture. Heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze leftover brisket?

Yes, you can freeze leftover brisket. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How long does leftover brisket last in the fridge?

Leftover brisket lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

How do I prevent brisket from drying out when reheating?

To prevent dryness, reheat brisket wrapped in foil with a bit of beef broth in the oven at a low temperature.

About the Author

Matt Barrell

Hi, Matt Barrell here. A BBQ and Smoked meat enthusiast. I love grilling and smoking meat, it is not just my hobby its my passion. My goal is to share my passion with as many other like-minded people as possible.