Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce

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

A tender, smoky beef brisket slow-cooked and glazed with a rich, sweet cherry-infused barbecue sauce for a flavorful finish. This bbq & smoked ready in about 405 minutes blends beef brisket flat cut, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 45 min Cook: 360 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl to create the brisket rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lbs beef brisket evenly with the spice mix, pressing it into the meat. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F and smoke the brisket fat side up for about 6 hours or until internal temperature reaches 195°F, adding wood chips as needed for smoke.
  4. Step 4: While the brisket smokes, combine 1/2 cup cherry preserves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened into a sweet cherry BBQ sauce.
  5. Step 5: Brush the sauce over the brisket during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
  6. Step 6: Remove the brisket, wrap in foil, and rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving with extra cherry BBQ sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 405 minutes (45 min prep + 360 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Sweet Cherry 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket with Sweet Cherry BBQ Sauce?

BBQ & Smoked 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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