Slow-Smoked Brisket with Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze

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

Tender slow-smoked beef brisket glazed with a sweet and smoky maple bourbon barbecue sauce, perfect for a flavorful Green Bay-inspired cookout. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 460 minutes pairs beef brisket, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 8, 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: 40 min Cook: 420 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a bowl and rub evenly over all sides of the 4 lbs beef brisket. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of soaked apple wood chips for smoke. Place the brisket fat side up on the rack and smoke for about 6 hours, maintaining temperature and replenishing wood chips as needed.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: After 6 hours, brush the brisket generously with the maple bourbon BBQ glaze and continue smoking for another 1 hour to set the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove the brisket from the smoker, tent with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving with extra glaze on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Brisket with Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 460 minutes (40 min prep + 420 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 Slow-Smoked Brisket with Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze?

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 beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Brisket with Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze?

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 Brisket with Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze 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 Brisket with Maple Bourbon BBQ Glaze?

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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