Why Did My Brisket Fall Apart?

If your brisket crumbled or shredded instead of slicing clean, it didn’t fail. It just went a little too far. Brisket that falls apart is usually overcooked, meaning the connective tissue broke down past the ideal slicing point.

This guide explains why it happens and how to prevent it next time.

See the full Brisket Troubleshooting Guide

PRO TIP: For a moist brisket every time, follow all of the steps in my no-fail brisket recipe. 

What Causes Brisket to Fall Apart?

As brisket cooks, tough connective tissue slowly turns into gelatin. That’s what makes brisket tender. But if the cook goes too long or the meat stays hot for too long, the fibers weaken so much that they can’t hold together when sliced.

You Cooked It Too Long

Once brisket passes the “probe tender” stage, the meat fibers continue to break down. At that point, it will shred instead of slice.

You Held It Hot for Too Long

Long holds at warm temperatures can keep breaking down the meat. While holding improves tenderness, too much time can push brisket past its slicing window.

You Wrapped Tightly for Too Long

Tight wrapping traps heat and moisture, which speeds up breakdown. This can be great for tenderness, but too much of it leads to fall-apart brisket.

You Sliced It While It Was Still Too Hot

Very hot brisket is fragile. If sliced before it cools slightly, it may fall apart even if it would have sliced fine later.

How to Prevent Brisket from Falling Apart Next Time

A few timing adjustments can keep your brisket sliceable.

Pull the Brisket When It’s Tender, Not Mushy

When a probe slides in easily but the meat still has some structure, it’s ready. If it feels loose or crumbly, it’s gone too far.

Shorten the Hold

Rest and hold are important, but don’t overdo it. Keep the hold just long enough for the brisket to relax, not collapse.

Manage Carryover Cooking

When resting your brisket, try to keep the temperature between 140-150F. The brisket will naturally have carryover cooking while you rest it, which means the temperature will continue to rise. Holding at a low, food-safe temp is key. If you hold it at a higher temp, it may keep cooking.

Vent During the Rest

Crack the wrap or briefly unwrap the brisket to release steam and slow down continued cooking.

How to Fix a Brisket That Already Fell Apart

You can still make it delicious:

• Chop it for sandwiches or tacos
• Use it for chili, nachos, or brisket hash
• Serve it pulled instead of sliced

Fall-apart brisket may not slice, but it’s still great eating.

When This Problem Usually Happens

Brisket is most likely to fall apart when it’s overcooked, held too long, wrapped too tightly or sliced while still piping hot. It’s especially common with highly marbled briskets.

Brisket Guides

This BBQ Tip is part of my Ultimate Brisket Guide, which breaks down every step from anatomy to trimming to cooking.

Explore more brisket fundamentals:

For a full overview:

My Go-To Brisket Rub for Building Flavor and Bark

I use Girls Can Grill Brisket Rub on all of my briskets. This blend layers salt, pepper, garlic and savory spices to highlight the natural beef flavor while helping the bark develop evenly.