BBQ brisket is a beloved staple of Southern cooking and a shining star in the world of slow-cooked meats. With its smoky bark, juicy interior, and rich, beefy flavor, it’s the kind of dish that draws a crowd and turns a simple gathering into a celebration. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout or cozy family dinner, BBQ brisket delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
What sets BBQ brisket apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The outside develops a dark, caramelized crust from hours of smoking and seasoning, while the inside stays tender and moist thanks to the natural marbling in the meat. This contrast creates a mouthwatering experience—smoky, salty, and slightly sweet, with every slice more satisfying than the last.
The rub is a key player, often a simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. As the brisket cooks low and slow over wood smoke, the rub melds into the surface of the meat, forming that signature bark. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors deepen and the more tender the brisket becomes.
BBQ brisket is typically sliced against the grain and served with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or pickles. A good barbecue sauce,whether tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky, can add an extra layer of flavor, but a well-cooked brisket is delicious even without it.
Leftovers are almost as exciting as the main event. BBQ brisket can be piled onto sandwiches, folded into tacos, mixed into mac and cheese, or added to breakfast scrambles. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, full of bold character and irresistible smokiness.
There’s a reason BBQ brisket holds legendary status in barbecue culture. It’s a dish that rewards time and attention, and one that’s always worth the wait. From the first slice to the last bite, BBQ brisket is pure comfort and tradition, smoked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef brisket trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup barbecue sauce use your favorite variety
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, covering it completely.
- Place the brisket in the preheated smoker.
- Smoke the brisket for 6-8 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
- During the last hour of smoking, brush the brisket with barbecue sauce.
- Once done, remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain and serve with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Meat so tough it could fight back! Maybe I did something wrong?
I dunno, mine always turns out real tender! Maybe try a different cut next time?
It sounds like you might not have smoked it long enough or at the right temp. Brisket needs time to tenderize!
My uncle has been smoking brisket for 30 years and he says never use a rub! Just salt! He’s a pro.
Amazing recipe! I used homemade barbecue sauce and it was perfect.
Smoke it longer guys! My grill’s been broken for a week, so I used the oven and it was decent.
What? You can’t really cook brisket in the oven like that. It needs to be smoked. You should fix your grill ASAP!
I totally agree! Longer smoking really brings out the flavors. Oven just ain’t the same, but glad it turned out decent for you!
All this talk about BBQ makes me hungry. But is it really BBQ without a side of coleslaw?
Great recipe! I added some Worcestershire sauce to the rub and it rocked! Will make again.
Best brisket ever! I’m gonna try this recipe for my party! 🎉
That sounds awesome! Can’t wait to hear how your party goes. 😊
BBQ sauce is just too sweet! This coulda been better with less sugar, y’know? Might try it my way next time!
BBQ sauce is just a lot of sugar, right? This recipe seems unhealthy.
smoke it longer than 8 hours I say! more flavor! but it great too.
Hmmm, I don’t get why everyone loves brisket. Mine turned out kinda dry and not flavorful.
I had the same issue! Maybe try a different rub or let it brine for a bit? Brisket is tricky!
Seriously, how do you smoke it for 8 hours? I can barely wait 4!
How much barbecue sauce do I need? I think my recipe needs more!
This brisket is fantastic! The flavors are just wow!
Why is it 195 degrees? I cooked mine at 200 and it was fine. Don’t overthink it!
This BBQ brisket recipe is the best! My family loved it. Totally making this again.
I’m not very good at cooking, but even I could do this. It’s pretty simple.
I dunno… smoking for 6-8 hours seems kinda long. Will it really be worth it?
That’s great to hear! BBQ brisket is sooo delicious, you’ll impress everyone!
I can’t believe how easy this was! Smoked it perfect at 225°F. Yum!
Sounds delicious! I love smoked brisket, but I find it hard to get the timing right. How did you manage it so well?
Honestly, I think 225°F is too low for brisket. It takes forever! I usually go at 250°F.
Can someone help me? What’s ‘against the grain’ mean? I’m confused.
Good! 👍 Would make again. Was a hit at the family gathering!
Never made brisket before but this seems easy enough. Excited to try it this weekend!
This brisket is AMAZING!! It was so juicy and flavorful! Definitely a 5 star! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Glad you loved it! BBQ brisket is my fave! 🍖
Yummy and easy, loved it! Can’t wait to make it for my BBQ party!
LOL at people who try to smoke a brisket in an hour. Y’all gotta be patient!
No way this cooks in 8 hours, I’ve made brisket for years. It takes <=12 hours to really get that melt-in-your-mouth thing.
This BBQ brisket recipe is AMAZING! I followed it exactly and my family devoured it! 5 stars!
I knew it would be good, but wow, I didn’t expect it to be THIS good! Thanks for sharing! 😋
I tried this recipe but didn’t have a smoker. I used the oven and it was not the same. Kind of disappointed.
Yeah, smoking really makes a difference! The flavor is way better. Don’t give up, maybe try a small smoker next time!
Sorry to hear that! I tried the oven once too, didn’t go well. Not the same without the smoke, huh?
I don’t have a smoker, can I use an oven? Not sure how that would work.
Ovens don’t taste the same as smokers tho… Might not get that smoky flavor you want? But hey, give it a shot!
Yes, you can totally use an oven! Just set it to low and slow, like about 225°F. Wrap it in foil to keep moist. It’s not quite the same but can still be delicious!
Pretty good, but I think I overcooked my brisket. Next time I’ll keep an eye on the temp.
Overcooked brisket is a bummer! Next time, just use a meat thermometer. It’s a game changer!
Too many spices! I like my meat simple. Might try less next time.
I tried this and it was okay, but I don’t think 225° is low enough. My brisket was dry. Maybe I did something wrong?
I think 225° is standard for brisket. Maybe try wrapping it in foil for the last few hours next time? It helps keep it moist.
Nah, I always cook mine at 250°F and it turns out great! Maybe you should try that next time.
Yum! Used my homemade sauce instead and it still was super delicious! Highly recommend! 5/5
Homemade sauce? That’s nice but I dunno, store sauce has its own flavor, right? 🤔
That sounds awesome! I can see how a homemade sauce would make it even better. Gonna try it next time! 👍
Too much sugar! I prefer my meat without all that sweetness. Anyone else feels the same?
I totally get you! Too much sugar ruins the savory flavors. Meat should be meat, not dessert!
Yum! This is the best brisket I’ve ever made! My family couldn’t get enough of it. Thank you for sharing!
Just wow! I made this for my BBQ night and it was a hit! Everyone asked for the recipe.
I dunno, I tried it and my brisket came out dry. Maybe I did something wrong? 🤷
Absolutely love this recipe! The brisket turned out super tender and flavorful. Will definitely make again!
It was okay, but I think I overcooked it. Should’ve paid more attention.
This is a no-go for my diet. Too much sugar in the sauce and all.
I don’t like garlic much, so I just left it out. Still tasted great!
My brisket was still tough after 8 hours! What did I do wrong? 🤔
YASSS! Best brisket ever, topped it off with extra sauce! 😍
I don’t understand all the fuss about brisket. It turned out tough for me. 😒