Savory Beef Brisket Sliders with Smoky Barbecue Sauce
Tender, juicy beef brisket sliders paired with a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours (depending on method)
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
- 12 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls preferred)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, cheddar cheese slices
Instructions
- Trim and prep the brisket by removing excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor and moisture. Pat dry with paper towels. (10 minutes)
- Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and about 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Let rest while preparing the sauce. (5 minutes)
- Make the barbecue sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and chipotle chili powder if using. Stir and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste. (15 minutes)
- Cook the brisket: For slow cooker, place brisket in slow cooker, pour half the barbecue sauce over it, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until fork-tender. For Dutch oven, sear brisket on all sides in hot Dutch oven with oil, add half the barbecue sauce, cover and cook in 300°F oven for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the cooked brisket using two forks and mix in the remaining barbecue sauce to moisten and flavor. (10 minutes)
- Brush slider buns with melted butter and toast in skillet or oven until golden and slightly crispy. (5 minutes)
- Assemble sliders by piling shredded brisket on bottom bun, adding optional toppings like pickles or coleslaw, then topping with the bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip simmering the barbecue sauce to concentrate flavors. Let brisket rest 15-20 minutes before shredding to keep moist. Searing brisket before cooking adds flavor. Toast buns just enough to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Adjust chipotle chili powder for desired heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: beef brisket sliders, smoky barbecue sauce, easy sliders, party food, slow cooker brisket, Dutch oven brisket, homemade BBQ sauce