Mastering Leftovers: The Best Way to Reheat Brisket Without Drying It Out
Brisket is one of BBQ’s crown jewels—rich, smoky, and tender when it first comes off the pit. But what happens when you’ve got leftovers? Reheating brisket can be tricky. Do it wrong, and you’re left with dry, chewy slices. Do it right, and you’ll enjoy meat that’s almost as good as the day it was smoked. In this guide, we’ll cover how to reheat brisket using every method—from oven and smoker to sous vide, slow cooker, grill, and even microwave—so you can decide the best way to reheat brisket for your setup and time frame.
Prepping Brisket for Reheating
The secret to juicy reheated brisket starts long before you reheat. Here’s how to prep:
- Store it properly: Wrap brisket tightly in saran wrap or butcher paper, then place in an airtight container.
- Save the juices: Always keep leftover au jus or rendered drippings. Adding them back prevents dryness.
- Cool quickly: Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to avoid food safety risks.
How to Reheat Brisket in the Oven
The oven is the most common and forgiving method for home cooks. If you’re asking, “how long to reheat brisket in oven?”—here’s the breakdown.
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 250°F–300°F.
- Place brisket in a baking dish with reserved juices or beef broth.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam.
- Reheat until internal temperature hits 155°F–165°F (usually 30–60 minutes depending on size).
This low-and-slow method mimics the original cook and keeps slices moist.
How to Reheat Brisket in a Smoker
If you want to maintain BBQ authenticity, the smoker is a fantastic option. Here’s how to reheat a smoked brisket without overcooking:
- Set smoker to 225°F.
- Wrap brisket in foil with a splash of beef stock or leftover juices.
- Heat until internal temp reaches 155°F–165°F.
This method brings back smoky aroma and texture but requires more patience.
How to Reheat Brisket Sous Vide
Ask any pitmaster, and many will say sous vide is the best way to reheat brisket. It keeps the meat sealed, moist, and reheats evenly.
- Vacuum-seal brisket (or use a heavy-duty freezer bag with air removed).
- Set sous vide water bath to 150°F.
- Place brisket in water for 1–2 hours (thicker cuts may take longer).
The result? Perfectly juicy brisket without risk of drying out.
How to Reheat Brisket on a Grill
Wondering “how to heat up smoked brisket on the grill?” Use this method if you want smoky flavor with a bit of char:
- Preheat grill to medium-low (250–300°F).
- Wrap brisket in foil with a little broth.
- Place on indirect heat and warm until internal temp hits 155°F–165°F.
This is great for summer BBQs when you don’t want to fire up the oven.
How to Reheat Brisket in a Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is ideal for busy days. Here’s how:
- Place brisket in the crockpot with ½ cup broth or juices.
- Set to low heat for 3–4 hours (or high for 1–2 hours). This is assuming you're reheating a whole brisket; if you're reheating slices or brisket pieces it will take a lot less time
- Check often to avoid overcooking.
This method works well for shredded brisket sandwiches.
How to Reheat Brisket in the Microwave
Sometimes speed wins. While not ideal, here’s the quickest option:
- Place slices on a microwave-safe plate.
- Add a splash of broth or juices and cover with a lid or damp paper towel.
- Heat in 30–60 second bursts until warmed through.
Best for weekday lunches when you’re in a rush.
How to Reheat Sliced Brisket
Reheating sliced brisket takes extra care. Here’s the best way to reheat sliced brisket:
- Lay slices in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour broth or au jus over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and reheat at 250°F until warm.
This keeps individual slices moist instead of drying out edges.
Best Tips to Keep Brisket Juicy
- Always reheat covered to trap steam.
- Use leftover juices or broth every time.
- Never overheat—target 155°F–165°F, not higher.
- Slice against the grain after reheating, not before.
FAQs
What’s the best way to reheat brisket without drying it out?
Sous vide is the most foolproof, while oven or smoker are great practical methods if you use broth and cover tightly.
How long does it take to reheat brisket in oven?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on brisket size. Always use a thermometer to confirm 155°F–165°F internal temp.
Can you reheat brisket twice?
It’s best not to. Reheat only what you plan to eat to avoid dryness and food safety concerns.
How do you reheat brisket the next day?
Wrap it in foil with broth and use either the oven (250°F) or sous vide. Both keep it tender.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve got a few slices left from last night’s dinner or a whole smoked brisket from the weekend, knowing how to reheat brisket properly makes all the difference. From sous vide to oven, smoker, slow cooker, grill, and even microwave, every method has its place. The key? Keep it low, slow, and moist. With these techniques, your brisket leftovers will taste almost as good as the first slice off the pit.
Check out our Brisket Essentials collection to make your next brisket unforgettable.
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