Kansas City Style Brisket Burnt Ends
The ultimate BBQ indulgence! Cubed brisket point, re-smoked until tender, then tossed in a sweet and savory glaze and caramelized to perfection. These are the 'burnt ends' that define Kansas City BBQ.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 lbs Smoked brisket point(Ensure the brisket has already been smoked to an internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) and has rested. The point cut is ideal due to its higher fat content, which renders beautifully.)
- 1 cup Your favorite Kansas City-style BBQ sauce(A thicker, sweeter sauce with notes of tomato, molasses, and vinegar works best.)
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar(Packed light. This helps create the caramelized crust.)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter(Cut into cubes. Adds richness and helps the glaze adhere.)
- 2 tbsp Honey(Adds sweetness and shine to the glaze.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Brisket Point: Carefully separate the brisket point (the fattier, second muscle) from the brisket flat. If your brisket is whole, you'll need to trim off any excess hard fat, but leave a good amount of the soft, rendered fat. Slice the point into roughly 1.5-inch cubes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Preheat Smoker: Set up your smoker for indirect heat and preheat to 275°F (135°C). You want a steady, moderate temperature for this stage.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Initial Smoke & Glaze Application: Place the cubed brisket point directly on the smoker grates. Smoke for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the cubes are developing a nice bark and have reached an internal temperature of around 165-170°F (74-77°C).
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 4
Create the Glaze: While the brisket is smoking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, butter, and honey. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil; just warm it through until it's a smooth, cohesive sauce.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Combine and Continue Smoking: After the initial smoke, remove the brisket cubes from the smoker. Place them in a disposable aluminum pan or a cast-iron skillet. Pour the prepared glaze over the brisket cubes and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Return the pan to the smoker.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Final Cook and Caramelization: Smoke for another 1.5 hours, stirring the cubes every 30 minutes to ensure they are evenly coated and caramelizing. The burnt ends are ready when they are incredibly tender (probe tender, like butter), the glaze is thick and sticky, and the edges are beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy. The internal temperature should be around 200-205°F (93-96°C).
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 7
Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the pan from the smoker. Let the burnt ends rest in the glaze for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to set slightly. Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to great burnt ends is the fat content of the brisket point. Don't trim too much!
- ✓Look for a deep, mahogany color and a sticky, caramelized glaze. The meat should be fork-tender.
- ✓These are often referred to as 'Kansas City BBQ candy' for a reason – they are incredibly rich and satisfying.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Experiment with different regional BBQ sauces (e.g., Carolina vinegar-based, Texas-style tomato-based).
- Substitute pork belly or beef chuck roast for a different take on burnt ends.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a touch of heat.