Butcher Paper Smoked Brisket with Custom BBQ Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-smoked brisket wrapped in butcher paper to lock in juiciness, served with a rich medley BBQ sauce crafted from unique spices. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 620 minutes, pairs beef brisket (whole packer), trimmed, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 600 min Serves 10 American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 3 tablespoons kosher salt, 3 tablespoons black pepper, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a bowl to create the dry rub. Rub evenly over the entire 8-pound trimmed beef brisket.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and place brisket fat side up directly on the smoker grate. Smoke for 6 hours uncovered.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: After 6 hours, remove brisket and wrap tightly in butcher paper to retain moisture and continue smoking for another 4-6 hours until internal temperature reaches 200°F and meat is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove brisket from smoker and let rest wrapped for 30 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with the custom BBQ sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Butcher Paper Smoked Brisket with Custom BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 620 minutes (20 min prep + 600 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Butcher Paper Smoked Brisket with Custom BBQ Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Butcher Paper Smoked Brisket with Custom BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Butcher Paper Smoked Brisket with Custom BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Butcher Paper Smoked Brisket with Custom BBQ Sauce?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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