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  3. BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends
Close-up of a chef's hands holding a tender and juicy smoked brisket on a wooden board.

Cubed brisket point glazed in sticky BBQ sauce

BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends

BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends

8h 30mHard

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

8 hr

Total Time

8 hr 30 min

Servings

8

3 lbs burnt ends

Difficulty

Advanced

Cost

Premium

$$$

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BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends

Cubed brisket point glazed in sticky BBQ sauce

The fatty point of the brisket cubed and smoked until each piece is a sticky, caramelized meat candy. Known as the "candy of BBQ" for good reason.

30m

Prep Time

480m

Cook Time

510m

Total Time

8

Servings

Hard

Difficulty

Premium $$$

Cost

American CuisineMain CourseAppetizerGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 5, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

Burnt ends originated in Kansas City when pitmasters cubed the fattier point of the brisket and tossed the pieces back in the smoker with sauce. The result is the most indulgent bite in all of BBQ.

Why This Recipe Works

The brisket point has more intramuscular fat than the flat, which keeps each cube moist during the extended smoke. Cubing increases surface area for maximum bark and glaze.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole brisket point (5-6 lbs), trimmed
  • 1/4 cup BBQ dry rub
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp butter, cubed
  • Kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Season brisket point generously with dry rub, salt, and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Smoke at 250°F with oak or hickory for 5-6 hours until the bark is set and internal temp reaches 195°F.

  3. 3

    Remove brisket and cube into 1-inch pieces. Toss cubes with BBQ sauce, honey, and butter in an aluminum pan.

  4. 4

    Return the pan to the smoker uncovered for 1.5-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until cubes are sticky and caramelized.

  5. 5

    Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, on sandwiches, or over mac and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side

  • Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges

  • Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering

  • Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor

Substitutions

Brisket pointChuck roast, cubed

More affordable with similar fat content for burnt ends

HoneyBrown sugar

Creates a slightly different caramelized crust

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use the point cut, not the flat—the extra fat is what makes burnt ends special.

  • Stir every 30 minutes during the glazing phase so all sides caramelize evenly.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezes well for 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 300°F oven in a covered pan with a splash of sauce for 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (110mg) · 8 servings

Calories420
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein34g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat10g
Fiber680mg
Sugar0g
Sodium8g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the brisket point?
The thicker, fattier half of a whole brisket, separated from the leaner flat by a fat seam.
Can I use the flat for burnt ends?
You can, but the flat is leaner and the results will be drier—the point is far superior.

Explore More

More American RecipesMore Main CourseMore AppetizerGluten-Free RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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