How to Reheat Brisket Like a Pro (Without Drying It Out)

Don’t Let Your Leftovers Go to Waste

We get it—you picked up a slab of that melt-in-your-mouth brisket from R&N Smokin Sweet Savour BBQ, and there’s still some left in the fridge. Maybe you were full (because, yeah, our portions are generous), or maybe you just wanted to save the goodness for later. Either way, reheating BBQ—especially brisket—is tricky business. Do it wrong, and you’ll go from juicy to jerky in no time.

The good news? There is a right way to do it. And we’re breaking it down step-by-step so you can enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing that smoky flavor and tender bite you came here for in the first place.

First Things First: Store It Right

Before we even get into heating it back up, let’s talk about how to store brisket properly. This is key if you want to avoid that dreaded dry-out.

If you ordered from our hot and ready meals for pickup, we always recommend wrapping your leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or placing them in an airtight container while they’re still slightly warm (but not hot). This locks in the moisture and keeps that smoky aroma sealed up tight.

For longer storage, toss it in the freezer—just make sure to vacuum-seal or double-wrap it in foil and a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

The Low and Slow Rule (Yes, Again)

Brisket isn’t a microwave-friendly kind of meat. You spent good money on high-quality BBQ from a place like R&N’s food trailer—don’t ruin it by blasting it with high heat for two minutes.

Here are the three best ways to reheat your brisket without drying it out:

1. The Oven Method (Our Favorite)

This method keeps the flavor locked in and brings your brisket back to life the way it was meant to be enjoyed—hot, tender, and smoky.

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 325°F
Wrap the brisket in foil (you can add a bit of broth or leftover juices to help)
Place it in an oven-safe dish
Heat until it reaches about 160°F internally (use a meat thermometer if you’ve got one)

Pro Tip: If you got your brisket through our drop-off catering service, you likely have larger portions—this method works great for bulk reheating too.

2. Sous Vide (For the Foodies Out There)

If you’ve got a sous vide machine lying around, this is chef’s kiss. It allows the brisket to warm up gently in a water bath, which means no lost moisture and no rubbery texture.

Steps:

Vacuum seal your brisket (or double-bag it in heavy-duty Ziplocs)
Heat the sous vide bath to 155°F
Let the brisket sit for 1 to 2 hours, depending on thickness

The result? Just like it came off the smoker at one of our full-service catering events.

3. Stovetop Steaming

In a pinch? This method works well too.

Steps:

Set a steam basket over a pot of simmering water
Wrap your brisket in foil and steam for about 15–20 minutes
Keep an eye on it—you want it hot but not overcooked

While it may not have the crispy bark of freshly sliced brisket, it does a solid job keeping everything tender.

Skip the Microwave (Unless You’re Desperate)

We’re not gonna judge if you go for the microwave—but we will give you this warning: it’s super easy to mess up.

If you must microwave:

Use the lowest power setting
Cover with a damp paper towel
Heat in short bursts (30 seconds at a time)
Flip and check often

Still, if you’ve got the time, stick with the oven or stovetop. You’ll thank yourself when the brisket still has that signature R&N tenderness.

Make It a Meal All Over Again

Reheated brisket doesn’t have to be just a repeat of yesterday’s dinner. Mix it up and use it in new ways:

Brisket tacos with a side of our signature slaw
Brisket grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food
Toss it in with some mac & cheese or a baked potato
Add it to your breakfast eggs or a smoky brunch hash

And if you're planning a get-together, leftovers don't cut it—go ahead and book our special event food trailer setup or catering services to impress your guests with fresh, made-from-scratch BBQ instead.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Good Brisket Go Bad

You know what they say—waste not, want not. But when it comes to brisket, it’s more like reheat right, relive the bite. With just a little know-how (and patience), you can stretch your order from R&N Smokin Sweet Savour BBQ into two, maybe even three meals—without sacrificing that slow-smoked goodness.

Craving more brisket already? Yeah, we feel you. Order now or swing by the food trailer this week to stock back up.

We’ll keep the pit hot.

Blog