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Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners · Main CourseAmerican BBQ

Coffee-Crusted Smoked Brisket

By Robert P. Anderson · US & Metric Measurements · Ready in 12 hr 20 min

★★★★★4.8
·(56 home cook ratings)·✓ Tested in US Kitchens

Coffee-Crusted Smoked Brisket layers beef brisket, finely ground coffee, brown sugar with clean hardwood smoke at 225°F on your Pit Boss pellet grill. Steady indirect heat builds a flavorful outer bark while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Plan on roughly 12.3 hours from prep to pull so the meat has time to take on smoke and rest before slicing.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 12 hr
Total: 12 hr 20 min
Servings: 6
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Ingredients (9)

Tap an ingredient to check it off while you shop or cook.

Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories
458 kcal
Total Fat
14g
Protein
42g
Carbs
16g
Sodium: 738mgFiber: 3g
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Leave about 1/4 inch of fat on the brisket after trimming it.
2
To prepare a dry rub, mix coffee, brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3
Coat the entire brisket with the mixture. Cover and marinate for 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
4
Set the smoker's temperature to 225°F (107°C). Add your preferred wood.
5
For 10 to 12 hours, smoke the brisket fat-side up until the internal temperature reaches 195 to 203°F (90 to 95°C).
6
After an hour of resting in foil, cut against the grain.

💡 Chef Tips for Best Results

  • ✓Preheat your Pit Boss with the lid closed for 15–20 minutes until thin blue smoke appears before putting Coffee-Crusted Smoked Brisket on the grates.
  • ✓Cook to internal temperature rather than the clock alone (target smoker setting 225°F), using a calibrated leave-in meat probe in the thickest part.
  • ✓Rest cooked meats loosely tented in butcher paper or foil for 10–20 minutes so the juices redistribute before carving.

🧊 Storage, Freezing & Safe Reheating

Cool leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently until steaming hot (165°F internal temperature).

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood pellets work best for Coffee-Crusted Smoked Brisket on a Pit Boss?

A competition blend (maple, hickory, and cherry) is a reliable all-rounder; use fruitwoods like apple or cherry for poultry, pork, and fish, or stronger hickory and oak for beef and rich game-day dishes.

How do I know when Coffee-Crusted Smoked Brisket is done smoking?

Always verify with an instant-read digital thermometer in the thickest part of the food: USDA safe minimums are 165°F for poultry, 145°F with a 3-minute rest for whole cuts of pork or beef, and 195–203°F for probe-tender brisket or pulled pork.

📖 More Recipes from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners

Adapted from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners by Robert P. Anderson. Explore all 160 recipes in this collection or look up the print & Kindle edition on Amazon.

RP

Recipe by Robert P. Anderson

Adapted from Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners and edited for American kitchens by the RecipeVault Pro editorial team — US & metric measurements, USDA-safe doneness temperatures, and practical tips. Our editorial policy

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