Double Trouble from Smokey Bones features tender smoked brisket and juicy pulled pork layered on a toasted bun, topped with smoky BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese, delivering a hearty and flavorful experience with a satisfying blend of smoky, savory, and cheesy textures.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Oven or grill
- Bun toaster or griddle
- Slicing knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese melting dome or salamander broiler
- Sauce brush or ladle
- Serving spatula
- Mixing bowl (for pulled pork)
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef brisket
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 large sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
When preparing the Double Trouble sandwich, it's essential to use high-quality beef brisket and pork shoulder to achieve the tender, smoky flavors that define this dish. Proper seasoning with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a touch of cayenne pepper ensures a balanced savory and slightly spicy profile. Applying smoky BBQ sauce generously enhances the rich taste, while using sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the meat, adding creamy texture. Toast your sandwich buns with butter on a griddle or bun toaster for optimal crunch that complements the juicy filling. You can recreate the Double Trouble from Smokey Bones at home by following this copycat recipe, delivering a hearty and flavorful experience similar to the original.
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Rub spice mix evenly over brisket and pork shoulder.
- Place brisket and pork shoulder in smoker.
- Smoke brisket and pork shoulder until internal temperature reaches 195–203°F (90–95°C); about 10–14 hours.
- Remove meats from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Shred pork shoulder in a mixing bowl.
- Slice brisket against the grain.
- Preheat oven or grill to medium-high.
- Cut buns and spread butter on inside surfaces.
- Toast buns on griddle or grill until golden.
- Layer sliced brisket and pulled pork on bun bottoms.
- Top meats with BBQ sauce using sauce brush or ladle.
- Place 2 slices cheddar cheese on each sandwich.
- Melt cheese using dome or salamander broiler.
- Close sandwiches with top buns.
- Transfer sandwiches to serving plates with a spatula.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Double Trouble from Smokey Bones copycat menu combines smoked brisket and pulled pork with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese on a toasted bun for a rich, smoky flavor. If you lack a smoker, use a grill with wood chips for a similar smoky effect or cook the meats low and slow in the oven to maintain tenderness. When cheddar cheese is unavailable, consider substituting with a sharp gouda or smoked mozzarella for comparable meltiness and flavor. You can toast buns on a griddle or in a hot pan with butter to achieve the perfect crispness without a bun toaster. Using a cheese melting dome or salamander broiler ensures the cheese melts evenly and enhances the overall sandwich experience.
Tips
Maintain smoker temperature consistently at 225degF (107degC) for optimal meat tenderness and flavor development. Resting the brisket and pork shoulder for at least 30 minutes after smoking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy pulled pork and sliced brisket. When slicing brisket, cut against the grain to maximize tenderness and ease of eating. Use a cheese melting dome or salamander broiler to achieve even melting on cheddar, enhancing the sandwich's creamy texture without overcooking the meat.
Nutritions
Double Trouble sandwiches provide a rich source of protein from both the smoked brisket and pulled pork, essential for muscle repair and growth. The smoky BBQ sauce adds flavor without significantly increasing calories, while the melted cheddar cheese contributes calcium and healthy fats important for bone health. The toasted buns offer carbohydrates necessary for energy, making this meal balanced but calorie-dense due to the combination of meats and cheese. You can enjoy this hearty sandwich as part of a nutritionally satisfying meal when paired with fresh vegetables or a side salad.
Storage
Store leftover smoked brisket and pulled pork in airtight containers to maintain moisture and flavor; refrigerate promptly within two hours after cooking. For best taste, consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days or freeze portions in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm meats in the oven or on a grill at low temperature to preserve tenderness, and toast the buns fresh for optimal texture in your Double Trouble sandwiches.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute smoked brisket with smoked chuck roast for a juicier texture while maintaining rich smoky flavors. Try using gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different creamy, slightly spicy profile. For a quicker cooking process, finish the pulled pork in a pressure cooker before pulling and layering to save hours without sacrificing tenderness. Consider topping the sandwich with pickled jalapenos or coleslaw to add a crunchy, tangy contrast that enhances the smoky meats and rich cheese.
Allergies
Double Trouble from Smokey Bones contains common allergens such as dairy from the melted cheddar cheese and gluten from the sandwich buns, which may trigger reactions for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The spicy seasonings, including paprika and cayenne pepper, could also cause discomfort if you have sensitivities to spicy foods. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Double Trouble menu from Smokey Bones restaurant is popular for its bold combination of smoky barbecue flavors and hearty portions that satisfy diverse taste preferences. This menu features expertly smoked meats paired with signature sauces, enhancing the overall taste experience. You can replicate these rich flavors at home by using quality wood chips, marinating meats properly, and mastering the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy sauces. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy the authentic taste of Smokey Bones anytime while customizing ingredients to your liking.