Today we’re diving into the delicious world of Smoked Brisket and Cheese Pizza! Now, if you haven’t tried this heavenly combo yet, you’re in for a treat. Picture this: succulent smoked brisket piled high on a bed of gooey cheese, all nestled atop a perfectly crispy pizza crust. Are you drooling yet? Well, hold onto your taste buds, because I’m about to walk you through how to whip up this mouthwatering masterpiece!
How to Make Smoked Brisket and Cheese Pizza
First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show: the smoked brisket. Now, I know what you’re thinking – smoking meat sounds like a daunting task, right? Wrong! It’s easier than you think, especially with the right tools and a little bit of patience.
- Prep the Brisket: Start by seasoning your brisket with your favorite rub. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – you want those flavors to really shine through. Then, pop it onto your smoker and let it work its magic for a few hours until it’s tender and juicy.
- Shred the Brisket: Once your brisket is smoked to perfection, it’s time to shred it up into bite-sized pieces. Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that perfect bite of pizza.
- Prepare the Pizza: Roll out your pizza dough and slather on a generous layer of your favorite tomato sauce. Then, sprinkle on a hearty helping of shredded cheese – the more, the better, in my opinion! Finally, top it all off with your mouthwatering smoked brisket.
- Fire Up the Grill: Now, here’s where the magic happens. Slide your pizza onto a preheated grill or pizza stone and let it cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The smell alone will have your neighbors knocking down your door!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your pizza is hot off the grill, slice it up and dig in! I guarantee you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.
What type of wood/pellets to use for this recipe?
When it comes to smoking brisket, the type of wood you use can make all the difference in the flavor profile. Personally, I’m a fan of hickory wood for its rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beefy goodness of brisket. However, feel free to experiment with different wood varieties to find your perfect match!
Additional Tips
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! A generous layer of gooey, melted cheese is key to taking your pizza to the next level.
- Want to kick up the heat? Add some sliced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist on this classic recipe.
- Don’t have a smoker? No problem! You can achieve a similar flavor by using pre-cooked brisket and adding a few drops of liquid smoke to your pizza sauce.
What to serve
Now, what’s a pizza without some tasty sides to round out the meal? I like to serve my smoked brisket and cheese pizza with a crisp, refreshing salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s the perfect contrast to the rich, indulgent flavors of the pizza.
What to do with leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (hey, no judgment here if you polish off the whole pie!), you can use them to create some delicious leftover remixes. Try chopping up the remaining brisket and adding it to scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast scramble, or use it as a topping for loaded nachos for a tasty game day snack.
Overall, making smoked brisket and cheese pizza is easier than you think and oh-so-worth it for the incredible flavor payoff. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this drool-worthy dish!
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Smoked Brisket and Cheese Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pound brisket trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced onions bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos
Instructions
Preparing the Brisket
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- The next day, preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C), using hickory wood for optimal flavor.
- Place the marinated brisket on the smoker rack and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is tender and easily shreds. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Once the brisket is fully smoked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Then, using tongs or two forks, shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Making the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference and the shape of your baking surface.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly greased pizza peel. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then evenly distribute the shredded smoked brisket on top. Add any additional toppings, if desired.
- Slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Once the pizza is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!