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There’s nothing quite like a perfectly smoked brisket. Tender, juicy, and full of deep, smoky flavor, this iconic barbecue dish defines Texas cooking. Whether you’re a pitmaster in training or just love the smell of slow smoked meat, this **smoked brisket recipe** will help you master the art of **Texas style smoked beef brisket** complete with rich, caramelized **burnt ends** and a smoky sweet sauce to finish it off. 

## What Is Smoked Brisket 

**Smoked brisket** comes from the lower chest of the cow, a hardworking muscle that becomes ‘melt in your mouth tender’ when cooked low and slow. For anyone wondering, “**Is smoked brisket beef or pork?**”, the answer is always beef. Pork has its place in barbecue, but brisket is pure Texas born beef perfection. 

## How to Make Smoked Brisket 

### 1.Choose the Right Cut 

Go for a **whole packer brisket** that includes both the flat and the point. The point is where those juicy, flavorful **burnt ends** come from. Look for a brisket with solid marbling because fat means flavor. 

### 2.Trim and Season 

Trim excess fat but leave about ¼ inch of the fat cap to help keep the meat moist. Then, season generously with a **Texas style smoked brisket rub**: 
- ½ cup coarse salt
- ½ cup coarse black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for a deeper bark) 

Rub it on every side and let the brisket rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before smoking. 
[![dickeys order.png](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/dickeys_order_9b9e1c6427.png)](https://www.dickeys.com/quote/everyday?type=carryout)


### 3.Smoke It Low and Slow 

Set your smoker to 225°F and use oak or hickory wood for that signature Texas flavor. Place the brisket fat side up, close the lid, and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, usually 6 to 8 hours. Keep the smoke consistent and resist opening the lid too often. Patience is key. 

### 4.Wrap and Finish 

Once it hits 165°F, wrap the brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil, then return it to the smoker until the internal temperature reaches 203°F. This can take another 4 to 6 hours. Once done, let it rest (still wrapped) for at least an hour. 

![Brisket_Whole_TopView_RGB1.jpg](https://cms-www-dickeys-com.s3.amazonaws.com/Brisket_Whole_Top_View_RGB_1_8aeed667b2.jpg)


## Making Burnt Ends 

Now for the good stuff. The **burnt ends** come from the point of the brisket, the fattier, more flavorful half. 
1. Separate the point from the flat after resting.
2. Slice the point into 1-inch cubes and place them in an aluminum pan.
3. Toss the cubes with ½ to 1 cup of your brisket sauce (recipe below).
4. Return the pan to the smoker, uncovered, for another 1 to 1½ hours until the cubes are dark, sticky, and caramelized.

These little nuggets of smoky, saucy goodness are what barbecue dreams are made of. 

## Signature Brisket Sauce Recipe 

To finish your brisket or toss your burnt ends, try this **smoky honey bourbon BBQ sauce**. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and bold. 

**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional but delicious)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper

**Directions:**
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it thicken slightly before removing from heat. Toss your burnt ends or brush it over sliced brisket just before serving. 

## What to Do with Leftover Smoked Brisket 

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, there are endless ways to use smoked beef brisket:
- **Brisket tacos** topped with pickled onions and BBQ sauce
- **Brisket chili** for smoky comfort food
- **Brisket grilled cheese** or sliders
- **Breakfast hash** with eggs and potatoes

You can even freeze portions for later, and they reheat beautifully. 

## The Secret to the Best Smoked Brisket Recipe 

The secret isn’t fancy equipment or complicated marinades. It’s time, temperature, and trust. Keep your smoker steady, let the smoke do its work, and give your brisket time to rest. When you slice into it, you’ll taste every bit of that patience. 

Mastering **Texas style smoked beef brisket** is more than cooking, it’s an experience. From the first puff of smoke to the last bite of **burnt ends**, you’re creating something worth sharing. Fire up that smoker, grab your rub and sauce, and make your best **smoked brisket recipe** yet.

The Ultimate Smoked Brisket Recipe: How to Make Texas Style Brisket

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*Friday, October 31, 2025 – Enjoy a free kids meal with any Dine In adult meal purchase* 

 
This Halloween, [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.dickeys.com/) is serving up something spooktacular for families! On Friday, October 31, 2025, kids eat free in-store all day, with an adult meal purchase. It’s the ultimate treat with no tricks, just Texas-style barbecue that’s scary good. 

“Halloween is all about fun, family, and a little flavor magic,” said [Laura Rea Dickey](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/people/laurareadickey/), CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “At Dickey’s, we love giving families another reason to celebrate together. Whether your little ghosts and goblins are out trick-or-treating or stopping by before the candy hunt begins, our pits are open and the barbecue is smoking.” 

 

Families can dig into all their Dickey’s favorites including fall-off-the-bone ribs, slow-smoked brisket, creamy mac n’ cheese, buttery rolls and more. Each Kids Meal includes one meat, one side, a roll and a Lil’ Yellow Cup, making it the perfect Halloween treat for the tiniest barbecue fans. 

 

“We’ve been bringing families together around the pit for almost 85 years,” said [Roland Dickey, Jr.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7gaDKwS_zg), CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “Halloween is the perfect time to share a meal, a laugh and a little barbecue magic. We’re proud to keep that family tradition alive with a fun, affordable way to celebrate.” 

 

The Kids Eat Free Halloween offer is valid in-store only on Friday, October 31, 2025, at participating [Dickey’s Barbecue Pit](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/03/franchising-is-not-for-everyone-and-thats-exactly-why-it-works/) locations. One free kids meal for children 12 and under with a minimum $12 adult meal purchase. Dine-in only. One free Kids Meal is available per transaction. 

 

So grab your costumes, gather your little monsters, and creep on over to Dickey’s Barbecue Pit for a frightfully good feast this Halloween. Because at Dickey’s, the only thing scary is missing out on barbecue this good! 

## About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 
Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed. 

With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. 

For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For franchise opportunities, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com.

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