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Savory Smoked Beef Brisket Burger with Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Jam

smoked beef brisket burger - featured image

A rich and smoky beef brisket burger topped with sweet caramelized onions and creamy cheddar jam, delivering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs beef brisket (with good marbling)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or mustard
  • Brioche burger buns (or pretzel buns as substitute)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Cheddar cheese jam (see ingredients below)
  • Leafy lettuce or arugula
  • Pickles (optional)
  • For the Cheddar Jam:
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp ground mustard
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about a 1/4-inch fat cap for moisture. Rub olive oil or mustard over the meat to help the seasoning stick.
  2. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then massage the rub evenly over the brisket. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the brisket fat side up on the smoker grate. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part.
  4. Smoke for about 6-8 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). Wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil after 5 hours if you want to lock in moisture.
  5. While the brisket smokes, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
  6. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions turn deep golden brown and sweet, about 30-40 minutes.
  7. In a saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add shredded sharp cheddar, honey, heavy cream, and ground mustard.
  8. Stir continuously until cheese melts and the mixture thickens into a spreadable jam-like consistency. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  9. Slice the smoked brisket thinly against the grain. Lightly toast the brioche buns on a grill or skillet.
  10. Spread a generous layer of cheddar jam on the bottom bun, layer with sliced brisket, a heap of caramelized onions, fresh lettuce, and pickles if using. Top with the other bun.
  11. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Let the brisket rest for at least 30 minutes after smoking before slicing to keep juices locked in. Keep heat moderate when caramelizing onions and stir frequently to prevent burning. Use butcher paper instead of foil to lock in moisture and preserve bark. For dairy-free cheddar jam, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cheddar cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket burger, caramelized onion, cheddar jam, smoked beef, backyard smoker, savory burger, easy burger recipe