Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe

I want to share my take on the famous Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe that I perfected after countless visits to their stores. This sandwich features tender, smoky chopped brisket piled high on a soft brioche bun, topped with sweet barbecue sauce, crisp onions, and tangy pickles.

What makes this recipe special is how it transforms leftover brisket into something extraordinary. I learned that the key lies in properly chopping the meat rather than pulling it, which gives it that authentic Buc-ee’s texture.

The best part? You can make this incredible sandwich right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic tools.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s practical, versatile, and downright fun to make. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Perfect for Leftovers: Use up your leftover brisket to create something extraordinary.
2. Customizable: Adjust the toppings and sauce to match your taste.
3. Quick and Easy: With simple steps, this recipe is great for beginners.
4. Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this flavorful sandwich.
5. Inspired by Buc-ee’s: Get the taste of your favorite gas station classic at home.

How finely should I chop the brisket?

Aim for pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. You want them small enough to stay on the sandwich but not so fine that they lose their texture. I find that chopping the brisket into roughly pencil eraser-sized pieces gives the best eating experience.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make this Buc-ee’s-inspired sandwich:

Brisket:

• 6 pounds of beef brisket – Trimmed and ready to cook or use leftover brisket.

Barbecue Seasoning:

• 3 tbsp smoked paprika: For that deep, smoky flavor.
• ½ tbsp cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
• 1 ½ tbsp salt: Enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the heat with sweetness.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder: Adds depth to the seasoning.
• 1 tbsp onion powder: A classic flavor booster.
• ½ tbsp black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning.

For the Sandwich:

• 6-8 Brioche buns – Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold up well with the brisket.
• 1 cup Sweet barbecue sauce – Use your favorite brand or make your own.
• 1 Onions – Thinly sliced for a bit of crunch.
• 1 cup bread and butter pickles – Sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.

Possible Substitutions for This Recipe

Don’t have all the ingredients? Here are some substitutions:

1. Brisket: Swap with pulled pork, smoked chicken, or store-bought pre-cooked brisket.
2. Brioche buns: Use regular hamburger buns, pretzel rolls, or even sliced bread.
3. Barbecue sauce: Try a spicier, tangier, or smokier version.
4. Pickles: Dill pickles work well if you prefer less sweetness.
5. Onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet touch if raw isn’t your thing.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

Oven or smoker: To cook the brisket if starting from scratch.

1. Vacuum sealer (optional): For reheating leftover brisket.
2. Knife: For chopping the brisket.
3. Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.
4. Tongs: To handle the brisket.

How to Make Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare the Brisket

If you’re starting with uncooked brisket, season it generously with the barbecue seasoning mix. Cook it in the oven or smoker at 275°F for 6-8 hours until tender. If using leftovers, reheat your brisket to keep it moist and juicy.

Step 2 | Chop the Brisket

Once the brisket is warm, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. The texture should be coarse but easy to eat.

Step 3 | Toast the Buns

Toast the brioche buns lightly if you prefer a bit of crunch. This step is optional but recommended.

Step 4 | Assemble the Sandwich

Place a generous handful of chopped brisket on the bottom bun.

Drizzle sweet barbecue sauce over the meat.

Add sliced onions and bread and butter pickles on top.

Cover with the top bun.

Tips for Making the Perfect Sandwich

• Reheat the brisket properly: Use a vacuum-sealed bag to retain moisture or cover it tightly when reheating.
• Don’t over-sauce: Add sauce sparingly to avoid overpowering the brisket’s flavor.
• Toast the buns lightly: It adds a subtle crunch and prevents sogginess.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to add cheese, jalapeños, or coleslaw.

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning Ahead:

Cook up your brisket a couple days early and let it chill in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors get even better, just like grandma’s pot roast.

Quick Prep Trick:

Chop your brisket right after it cools down – trust me, it’s way easier than trying to slice cold meat. Store those tender bits ready to go for sandwich time.

Fresh Assembly:

Keep those buns crispy by waiting to toast them until you’re ready to eat. Build your sandwich right before serving – nobody likes a soggy bottom bun! The hot meat on a freshly toasted bun makes all the difference.

What to Serve with Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich

1. Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect side dish.
2. Potato chips: Adds a salty crunch.
3. Pickles: Serve extra pickles on the side.
4. Cornbread: A sweet and savory pairing.
5. Baked beans: Complements the smoky flavor of the brisket.

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers fresh with these tips:

Refrigerate:

Pack that chopped brisket in a container with a tight lid before popping it in the fridge. It’ll stay tasty for about 4 days – perfect for quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezer Tips:

Got more than you can eat? Press out the extra air from a freezer bag filled with brisket, seal it tight, and freeze it. Your future self will thank you for up to 3 months of ready-to-go sandwich meat.

Reheat:

When hunger strikes, warm your brisket low and slow at 300°F in the oven. Or toss it in a pan with a splash of water to keep all those juices locked in. The meat should come out just as tender as day one.

Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe FAQs

1. What’s the best way to reheat leftover brisket without drying it out?

The most effective method is vacuum-sealing the brisket and reheating it in hot water for 10-15 minutes. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, wrap the brisket tightly in foil with a splash of beef broth and heat it in a 250°F oven for about 20 minutes. The key is low and slow reheating.

2. What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A sweet barbecue sauce balances best with the smoky brisket, but the choice ultimately depends on your taste. I recommend starting with a sweet sauce and adjusting from there. Kansas City-style sauces typically work great with this sandwich.

3. Can I prep multiple sandwiches ahead for a gathering?

Yes, but I recommend keeping components separate until serving time. You can chop the brisket and store it with a bit of its juices, then reheat just before assembly. Keep buns, sauce, and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.

4. What’s the best way to keep the bun from getting too soggy?

Toasting the bun creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Also, if you’re not eating immediately, serve the sauce on the side. Another tip is to place a piece of lettuce between the bun and meat as a moisture barrier.

5. How much brisket should I use per sandwich?

For a sandwich similar to Buc-ee’s size, use about 6-8 ounces (1/2 pound) of chopped brisket per sandwich. This gives you that satisfying, overstuffed experience that Buc-ee’s is famous for.

6. What’s the secret to getting that authentic Buc-ee’s texture?

The key is chopping rather than pulling the brisket, and maintaining moisture during reheating. Also, use both the flat and point cuts of the brisket for a good mix of lean and fatty meat in your sandwich.

Continue to Content

Buc-ee's Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe

Yield: 6-8 sandwiches (depending on brisket portioning)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Recreate the famous Buc-ee's Chopped Brisket Sandwich Recipe at home! Tender, smoky brisket on brioche buns with BBQ sauce, onions, & pickles. Ready in no time!

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Ingredients

For the Brisket:

• 6 pounds beef brisket (trimmed and ready to cook or use leftover brisket)

Barbecue Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
• ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon black pepper

For the Sandwich:

• 6-8 brioche buns (soft and slightly sweet)
• 1 cup sweet barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bread and butter pickles (sweet and tangy)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brisket

If you’re starting with uncooked brisket, season it generously with the barbecue seasoning mix. Cook it in the oven or smoker at 275°F for 6-8 hours until tender. If using leftovers, reheat your brisket to keep it moist and juicy.

Step 2: Chop the Brisket

Once the brisket is warm, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. The texture should be coarse but easy to eat.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Toast the brioche buns lightly if you prefer a bit of crunch. This step is optional but recommended.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Place a generous handful of chopped brisket on the bottom bun.

Drizzle sweet barbecue sauce over the meat.

Add sliced onions and bread and butter pickles on top.

Cover with the top bun.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 450Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 28g

Conclusion

Making the perfect Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich at home brings the beloved Texas convenience store favorite right to your kitchen. Through countless attempts at perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned that the magic lies in the details – from properly reheating the brisket to achieving that perfect chop.

This sandwich isn’t just food; it’s a piece of Texas tradition that you can now recreate whenever the craving hits.

I’d love to hear how your version of the Buc-ee’s Chopped Brisket Sandwich turns out – share your experience with us and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes!