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Best Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends Sliders: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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These Best Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends Sliders are the result of an obsession to recreate legendary burnt ends from a now-closed barbecue joint. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for game day or any gathering, featuring a double-glaze technique that creates an incredible caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs smoked brisket (point cut preferred, already cooked and trimmed)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian sweet rolls recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Optional toppings: thinly sliced pickles, coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, extra barbecue sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Let the smoked brisket sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Cut the brisket into 1-inch cubes, trimming large pieces of hard fat but leaving some for flavor.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, honey (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  4. Place the cubed brisket in a 9×13 baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Pour the glaze over and toss until every cube is well coated.
  5. Scatter the cubed butter over the top of the glazed brisket. Do not stir.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil, stir the burnt ends gently, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
  8. While the burnt ends finish, split the slider buns and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Mix melted salted butter with garlic salt and brush generously over the cut sides. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Assemble the sliders: Place a generous spoonful of hot burnt ends on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add desired toppings, place the top bun on, and press down gently.
  10. Serve immediately while the buns are crispy and the burnt ends are tender.

Notes

The double-glaze technique is key: brush the burnt ends with extra barbecue sauce about 5 minutes before they’re done for an extra-sticky, candy-like coating. Let the meat rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to prevent soggy buns. For best results, use the point cut of brisket for more fat marbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, burnt ends, sliders, barbecue, game day, party food, easy recipe