Breaux Bridge Brisket

20 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 3 h Total: 3 h 15 m Intermediate
5.0/5 (1)
Breaux Bridge Brisket
Tender beef brisket marinated for 5 days in Italian dressing, then slow-roasted with Coca-Cola and honey BBQ sauce. This Louisiana-style brisket requires planning ahead but delivers fall-apart tender results perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

20 servings
  • 6 lb brisket slab
  • 6 ounces Italian dressing
  • Kraft Honey Flavored Bar-B-Que sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Onion powder, Garlic powder and Cayenne to taste
  • 1 can Coca-Cola

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season brisket with salt, powders and peppers.
  2. In a coverable container for marinating, place the brisket and pour the Italian dressing over the meat. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 5 days. Remember to turn over at least once a day.
  3. On the 5th day, preheat oven to 350°F. Place the brisket in a covered roasting pot and bake for a total of 3 hours.
  4. At the one and half hour interval, pour the can of Coke over the brisket. Cover and continue cooking.
  5. At the two-hour interval, baste the brisket liberally with the Bar-B-Que sauce. At the two and half hour interval, flip the brisket, baste again; cover and complete the cooking process.
  6. At the end of 3 hours, remove brisket from the oven and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Goes great with rice dressing and corn macque choux.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: How do I store the brisket during the 5-day marinade?

A: Use a large covered container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag placed in a dish to catch any leaks. Turn the brisket once daily to ensure even marinating. Keep refrigerated at all times.

Q: Can I shorten the marinating time?

A: For best results, marinate the full 5 days. If you're short on time, marinate at least 2-3 days, though the flavor won't penetrate as deeply.

Q: Should the roasting pot be covered the entire time?

A: Yes, keep it covered throughout the cooking process. This traps moisture and steam, helping the brisket stay tender.

Tips and Techniques

Plan ahead—this recipe requires 5 days of marinating before cooking. Turn the brisket daily in the marinade for even flavor distribution. Let the brisket rest 15 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Italian dressing: Zesty Italian or homemade vinaigrette
  • Kraft Honey BBQ sauce: Your favorite honey BBQ sauce or regular BBQ sauce with a tablespoon of honey added
  • Coca-Cola: Dr. Pepper, root beer, or beef broth

Equipment Needed

  • Large covered container or zip-top bag for marinating
  • Covered roasting pot or Dutch oven
  • Basting brush

Historical Context

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana is known as the Crawfish Capital of the World, but this brisket recipe shows the town’s cooks also know their way around beef. The combination of Italian dressing marinade and Coca-Cola is a Louisiana shortcut that delivers tender, flavorful results.