Juicy Brisket with Rich Homemade Barbecue Sauce

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Few dishes scream backyard comfort and Southern indulgence quite like a juicy, slow-cooked brisket slathered in a sticky, sweet-and-smoky barbecue sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a summer get-together or creating a hearty Sunday dinner, this brisket recipe is sure to steal the spotlight. With a caramelized crust on the outside and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat on the inside, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

The homemade barbecue sauce is what sets this brisket apart. It’s bold, tangy, and laced with a little brown sugar and spice for depth. Cooking it low and slow allows the brisket to soak up every bit of flavor while staying incredibly juicy. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself) with this unforgettable meaty masterpiece.

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What Kind of Brisket Should I Use?

When it comes to brisket, selecting the right cut makes all the difference. Opt for a whole packer brisket if you want the full experience, which includes both the flat and point cuts. The flat cut is leaner and slices beautifully, while the point cut is fattier and ideal for shredding. For smaller meals or easier handling, you can go with just the flat cut—just make sure it has a nice fat cap to keep the meat moist.

Look for brisket with marbling and a flexible texture when you bend it. That means it’s not overly tough and will break down nicely during cooking. A 5 to 6-pound brisket is perfect for a family dinner with leftovers.

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Ingredients for the Juicy Brisket with Rich Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Beef Brisket – The star of the show. Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy results.

Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and encourages caramelization during roasting or smoking.

Smoked Paprika – Brings a rich, smoky note to the rub.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds savory depth and balance.

Chili Powder – Offers subtle heat without overpowering the meat.

Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and highlighting natural meat flavors.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Introduces tanginess to the barbecue sauce, cutting through richness.

Tomato Paste or Ketchup – Forms the base of the barbecue sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and complexity.

Liquid Smoke (optional) – Enhances the smoky flavor, especially if you’re not using a smoker.

Beef Broth – Keeps the brisket moist and creates a flavorful base for basting.

Olive Oil – Helps the spice rub adhere to the meat and supports caramelization.

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How To Make the Juicy Brisket with Rich Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Brisket with Dry Rub

Pat the brisket dry with paper towels and place it on a large tray. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the brisket with olive oil, then generously apply the dry rub all over the meat. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Brisket

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the brisket fat-side up in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pan, surrounding the meat. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the brisket is tender enough to shred with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Homemade Barbecue Sauce

While the brisket cooks, combine the ketchup or tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and optional liquid smoke in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Finish with a Saucy Roast

Once the brisket is tender, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Brush a generous layer of the homemade barbecue sauce over the top of the brisket. Return it to the oven uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce caramelizes and forms a beautiful glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Cut against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve with additional sauce on the side.

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Serving and Storing Your Juicy Brisket

Brisket is best served warm and fresh out of the oven. Serve slices with a spoonful of extra barbecue sauce for full flavor impact. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions with sauce in freezer bags up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

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What to Serve With Juicy Brisket with Rich Homemade Barbecue Sauce?

Creamy Coleslaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the brisket and adds a refreshing bite.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

These cheesy potatoes are an indulgent, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with savory brisket. Check them out here

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Their earthy sweetness complements the barbecue flavor without overpowering it. Try this version

Southern Deviled Eggs

Classic and creamy with a touch of tang, deviled eggs add a nostalgic Southern flair to your meal. Make them this way

Cornbread or Corn Muffins

Soft and slightly sweet cornbread soaks up all that barbecue goodness.

Pickles and Pickled Onions

A tangy contrast to the rich meat, pickles refresh your palate between bites.

Baked Beans

Smoky, savory beans are a classic barbecue side and a crowd-pleaser.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp, buttery green beans bring color and freshness to the plate.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this juicy brisket, you’ll definitely want to try these satisfying meals next:

• Crock Pot Cube Steak and Gravy
• Easy Shepherd’s Pie
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni
• The Best Turkey Meatloaf
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a smoky bourbon BBQ finish or a spicy rub variation? I’d love to hear your take—drop your version in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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