Pumpkin Beer Brisket Melts with Pretzel Buns
Pumpkin Beer Brisket Melts with Pretzel Buns are a comforting and flavorful fall sandwich featuring tender brisket slow-cooked in pumpkin beer, infused with aromatic spices, and served inside soft, chewy pretzel buns topped with melted Swiss or cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, these melts combine savory, sweet, and smoky notes with an irresistible texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps)
Ingredients
Scale
Brisket and Marinade
- 3 to 4 lbs well-marbled beef brisket
- 1 bottle (12 oz) pumpkin beer
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Buns and Cheese
- 6 fresh pretzel buns
- 6 to 8 oz Swiss or cheddar cheese, sliced
Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes
- Sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for spicy version)
- Roasted red peppers or caramelized onions (for extra veggies)
- Fresh parsley or sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Pickles and mustard (optional accompaniments)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brisket: Season the brisket generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to create a flavorful crust that will hold up during slow cooking.
- Sear the Brisket: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket on all sides until nicely browned to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
- Slow Cook with Pumpkin Beer: Place the seared brisket in a slow cooker or heavy roasting pan. Add pumpkin beer, sliced onions, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the brisket is fork-tender and infused with the spicy-sweet sauce.
- Shred the Brisket: Remove the brisket once tender and shred it using two forks. Mix well with the cooking juices to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Assemble the Melts: Slice the pretzel buns horizontally. Pile on a generous amount of shredded brisket, then top with slices of cheese. Place under a broiler or in a hot oven just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the buns.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the melts from the oven. Add any desired garnishes, close the sandwiches, and serve hot for the perfect melty, savory bite.
Notes
- Slow cooking low and slow ensures tender brisket; avoid rushing the cook time.
- Choose a rich, malty pumpkin beer to enhance the sauce’s flavor; taste before using.
- Searing the brisket adds depth of flavor and prevents a flat taste.
- Add cheese at the very end to prevent burning under high heat.
- Lightly toast pretzel buns to add contrast between crunchy edges and soft centers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: Approx. 600 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: pumpkin beer, brisket, pretzel buns, fall sandwich, slow cooker, comfort food, autumn recipe, melted cheese, savory sandwich