How to Make the Ultimate Chopped Brisket Sandwich
If you love smoky brisket and crave a sandwich packed with bold barbecue flavors, this chopped brisket sandwich recipe is a must-try.
Using leftover beef brisket, this easy dinner recipe transforms tender brisket into one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover BBQ brisket or just searching for a delicious meal, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy BBQ flavors.
With simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality chopped beef sandwich in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great Use for Leftovers: Leftover brisket often tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for this recipe.
- Perfect BBQ Flavor: With tangy BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, every bite bursts with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Slow cooking isn’t required—this dish comes together quickly using already smoked brisket.
- The Best Texture: Juicy, smoky brisket, crunchy coleslaw, and soft brioche buns create a delicious contrast.
Ingredients for Chopped Brisket Sandwich
For the Sandwich:
- 2 lbs of leftover chopped brisket
- 4 Brioche buns
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup Tangy BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup Pickled red onion
- ¼ cup Pickled jalapeños
For the Coleslaw:
- 1 bag Angel hair coleslaw
- ½ cup Mayo
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
How to Make a Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Coleslaw
Start by making the coleslaw at least 20 minutes before assembling the sandwiches. In a large bowl, combine the angel hair coleslaw, mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well and let it chill in the refrigerator. This step allows the flavors to meld and creates the perfect crunchy coleslaw topping.

Step 2: Heat the Brisket
Chop the leftover beef brisket into small, bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped pieces of brisket. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat the meat evenly.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and infuse the beef with smoky and tangy flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Buns
For the best sandwiches, toasting the buns is essential. Spread a thin layer of mayo on the inside of the brioche buns.
Place them face down in a hot skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor and helps keep the buns from getting soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part—building the perfect chopped beef sandwich!
- Start by placing pickled red onions and pickled jalapeños on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Add a generous portion of the chopped brisket.
- Drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce over the brisket.
- Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on top.
- Finish with a scoop of the crunchy coleslaw.
- Top with the other half of the brioche bun and press together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your chopped brisket sandwich is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot with your favorite sides like crunchy potato chips, potato salad, or baked beans.

Tips for the Best Chopped Brisket Sandwich
- Use Good Quality Brioche Buns: Their slight sweetness complements the smoky brisket perfectly.
- Reheat Brisket Gently: Since it’s already cooked, avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding crispy fried onions, spicy barbecue sauce, or even sliced pickles for a twist.
What to Serve with a Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Pair your sandwich with classic barbecue sides like:
- Potato Salad: The creamy texture balances the smoky brisket.
- Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad: The perfect pasta salad for a barbecue.
- Baked Beans: A staple for any Kansas City-style BBQ meal.
- Mac and Cheese: The rich, cheesy flavor pairs well with the smoky brisket.
Why This is the Best Leftover Brisket Sandwich Recipe
This easy recipe makes incredible use of leftover BBQ brisket, turning it into a completely new meal. The combination of smoky brisket, tangy BBQ sauce, and crunchy coleslaw delivers a satisfying sandwich that’s packed with texture and flavor. Next time you have leftover brisket, make this chopped beef sandwich—it might just become your new favorite recipe!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of smoked brisket and BBQ flavor, this chopped brisket sandwich is a must-try. It’s an easy recipe that takes just a few simple steps, yet delivers a mouthwatering meal. Whether you enjoy it with family or serve it at a backyard cookout, this delicious meal will leave everyone satisfied.
Save this recipe for the next time you have leftover brisket—it’s the perfect way to enjoy those smoky flavors in a new and exciting way!
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Chopped Brisket Sandwich
A chopped brisket sandwich is one of the best ways to use leftover brisket. Smoked brisket, coated in bbq sauce topped with crunchy coleslaw pickled jalapeños and red onions.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of leftover Chopped brisket
- 4 Brioche buns
- 4 slices Pepper jack cheese slices
- 1 cup Bbq sauce
- ¼ cup Pickled red onion
- ¼ cup Pickled jalapeños
- Coleslaw
- 1 bag Angel hair coleslaw
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix coleslaw by combining all ingredients in a bowl 20 minutes prior to assembly then refrigerate.
- Chop leftover brisket into small bite sized pieces then add in a hot skillet and coat in bbq sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the meat and sauce is caramelized.
- Toast the inside of the brioche buns by spreading mayo on the inside of the buns. Place the buns down flat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes. Remove when golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwich: pickled red onion and pickled jalapeños on the bottom of the bun, chopped brisket, light drizzle of BBQ sauce, slice of pepper jack cheese and coleslaw on top.
- Place the bun on top then press together.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes