Brisket used to intimidate me. It felt like a cut only pitmasters with a smoker in the backyard could handle, and I was scared to ruin an expensive piece of meat. Then I started looking around at what other cooks were doing with it, and I realized brisket is way more forgiving, and way more versatile, than I thought.
It can be smoked low and slow, braised in the oven, or even tossed into the slow cooker before you leave for work. And once it is cooked, it can become tacos, sliders, nachos, or a Sunday dinner centerpiece.
Below are 22 brisket recipes from creators I trust, covering every method and every way to serve it. Let’s dig in.
1. Texas Smoked Brisket
Over The Fire Cooking goes straight to the classic here with a true Texas-style smoked brisket.
It is all about the rub, the smoke, and a whole lot of patience.
The first time I tried a recipe like this, I understood why people talk about brisket the way they do.
If you have a smoker and a free afternoon, this is the one to start with.
2. Oven Baked Beef Brisket
The Mom 100 proves you do not need a smoker at all to get tender, flavorful brisket.
Baking it low and slow in the oven gets you nearly the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This is the recipe I turn to when it is raining and grilling outside is not an option.
It is a great starting point if brisket still feels a little intimidating.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce
RecipeTin Eats makes this one about as hands-off as brisket gets.
You load the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a house that smells incredible.
The BBQ sauce cooks right into the meat, so there is no extra saucing step needed.
This is my go-to on busy weekdays when I still want a real dinner waiting for me.
4. Thyme and Garlic Brisket
What’s Gaby Cooking keeps the seasoning simple with just thyme, garlic, and a few pantry staples.
It lets the natural flavor of the beef come through instead of covering it up with heavy sauce.
I like making this one when I am serving people who prefer classic, savory flavors over anything sweet or spicy.
It also makes the kitchen smell amazing while it cooks.
5. Passover Brisket
Feed Me Phoebe shares a brisket built for the holiday table, though I make it well beyond Passover too.
It is braised with vegetables and a rich broth that turns into a deeply flavorful gravy.
This is the kind of recipe that feels like a special occasion even on a regular Sunday.
Leftovers, if you have any, taste even better the next day.
6. Honey Garlic Brisket
Pamela Reiss adds honey to the mix here, giving the brisket a sticky, sweet glaze.
The garlic keeps it from tasting too sugary, so the flavors stay balanced.
This is one of my favorites when I want something a little different from the usual smoky style.
It pairs really well with roasted vegetables or a simple rice side.
7. Coffee-Rubbed Smoked Beef Brisket
Sense and Edibility uses a coffee rub here, which might sound unusual but adds a deep, almost smoky richness.
The coffee forms a dark, flavorful crust as it smokes.
I was hesitant to try this at first, but it turned out to be one of the boldest, most interesting brisket recipes I have made.
If you want to impress guests, this is a fun one to bring out.
8. Sweet & Smoky Brisket
Food52 combines brown sugar and smoked paprika for a rub that hits both sweet and smoky notes.
It is a great middle ground if you cannot decide between a sweet glaze or a smoky bark.
I have made this one for backyard get-togethers and it always gets compliments.
It works well whether you finish it in the oven or on the grill.
9. Red Wine Braised Brisket
The Practical Kitchen braises this brisket in red wine, which makes for a rich, almost restaurant-style dish.
The wine reduces down into a deep, flavorful sauce as the meat cooks.
This is the brisket I make when I want something that feels a little fancier for a dinner party.
Serve it with mashed potatoes to soak up all that sauce.
10. Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Brisket
Mommy’s Home Cooking brings smoky heat here with chipotle peppers in the slow cooker.
It has just enough kick without being overwhelming.
I like shredding this one up for tacos or burrito bowls later in the week.
It is a great option if your family likes a bit of spice.
11. Beef Brisket with Balsamic Sauce
Will Cook For Smiles uses balsamic vinegar to build a tangy, slightly sweet sauce for this brisket.
The acidity cuts through the richness of the beef in a really nice way.
This is one of the more unique brisket flavors on this list.
I like serving it with something simple like roasted potatoes so the sauce is the star.
12. BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos
The Creme De La Crumb turns leftover brisket into tacos loaded with BBQ flavor.
This is exactly what I make with extra brisket from a big batch earlier in the week.
The BBQ sauce and toppings turn it into something that feels completely different from the original meal.
It is one of my favorite ways to stretch brisket across a few dinners.
13. Brisket Quesadilla
Running to the Kitchen stuffs melty cheese and brisket into a crispy quesadilla here.
It is quick, easy, and a great way to use up small amounts of leftover meat.
I make this one for lunch more than dinner since it comes together so fast.
Add a little hot sauce or salsa on the side and you are set.
14. Crock-Pot BBQ Brisket Sandwiches
Chocolate With Grace makes these easy, saucy sandwiches straight from the crockpot.
The brisket shreds apart easily after slow cooking, which makes piling it onto a bun so simple.
This is a great one for feeding a crowd without much hands-on effort.
I like serving these with coleslaw piled right on top.
15. Beef Brisket Sliders
The Salty Pot turns brisket into bite-sized sliders that are perfect for parties.
They disappear fast whenever I bring them to a get-together.
Small buns and a bit of sauce are really all you need to make these work.
This is one of my go-to recipes for game day.
16. Brisket Nachos
Running to the Kitchen shows up again with a loaded nacho recipe that turns brisket into a shareable appetizer.
Cheese, brisket, and all your favorite toppings come together on a big tray of chips.
This is what I make when I have friends coming over to watch a game.
It rarely lasts long once it hits the table.
17. Beef Brisket Burrito
Proper Foodie wraps up brisket, rice, and beans into one filling burrito here.
It is a great way to turn brisket into a full meal you can eat with your hands.
I like meal prepping a batch of these for quick lunches during the week.
They also freeze well if you want to make extras ahead of time.
18. Brisket with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Fire and Smoke Society pairs smoked brisket with classic mashed potatoes and gravy.
This is pure comfort food, the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
I make this one for Sunday dinners when I want something hearty and familiar.
The gravy made from the brisket drippings really ties the whole plate together.
19. Braised Beef Brisket with Caramelized Onions + Vegetables
Lost Recipes Found builds this one around caramelized onions and root vegetables.
The onions melt down into the sauce and add a deep, sweet flavor.
This feels like the kind of brisket recipe a grandmother would have passed down.
It is filling enough to be a complete meal on its own.
20. Brisket Mac and Cheese
Grandbaby Cakes combines two comfort food favorites into one dish here.
Creamy mac and cheese topped with tender brisket is exactly as good as it sounds.
This is one of the richest recipes on this list, so I usually save it for special occasions.
It is a great way to use up brisket in a completely new way.
21. Loaded Brisket Baked Potato
Fatty Butts BBQ turns a simple baked potato into a full meal by loading it with brisket and toppings.
Cheese, sour cream, and brisket piled on a fluffy baked potato is hard to beat.
This is a great option when you want something filling but do not want to make a whole spread.
It is also an easy way to use up smaller amounts of leftover brisket.
22. Beef Brisket Rice Bowl
USA Rice rounds out this list with a simple, balanced brisket rice bowl.
Brisket over rice with a few fresh toppings keeps things light compared to some of the heavier recipes above.
This is what I make when I want to use up brisket but I am craving something a little more balanced.
It is quick to put together if you already have brisket cooked and ready to go.
That wraps up 22 ways to make the most of a brisket, from low and slow smoked classics to quick weeknight remixes using leftovers.
My honest advice if you are new to brisket is to start with the oven-baked or slow cooker version, since both are more forgiving than smoking. Once you get comfortable, work your way through the tacos, nachos, and sliders for some fun ways to stretch it further.
Let me know which one you try first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to keep brisket from drying out?
Cooking it low and slow, and slicing against the grain once it rests, are the two biggest factors in keeping brisket moist.
How long does it take to cook a brisket?
Depending on the size and method, brisket can take anywhere from four hours in the oven to twelve or more hours when smoked.
Can I freeze leftover brisket?
Yes, cooked brisket freezes well for up to three months when stored in a sealed, airtight container.
What sides go well with brisket?
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, and mac and cheese are all classic pairings that work well with brisket.
