Holding Temps for Catering or Competition

When you’re cooking brisket for a crowd (or judges) holding temperature matters just as much as how you cooked it. This isn’t the place to guess.

Holding too cool can create food safety issues. Holding too hot can turn great brisket into dry, mushy meat.

This guide breaks down safe holding temperatures, how long you can hold brisket and how holding differs for backyard cooks, caterers, BBQ restaurants and competition teams.

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. 

Resting vs. Holding Brisket

Resting and holding are not the same thing.

Resting happens right after the brisket comes off the smoker. This usually lasts 1-3 hours and helps the brisket cool slightly and firm up so it slices better.

Holding comes after the rest. This is when you keep the brisket warm for several more hours because dinner is later, guests aren’t ready or you’re cooking ahead.

A short rest is always required. Holding is optional, but extremely useful if you’re timing a cook for a party, catering event, restaurant service or even a BBQ competition.

Why Holding Temperature Matters

Once brisket is done cooking, it doesn’t stop changing.

• If the holding temperature is too low, bacteria can grow.
• If the holding temperature is too high, the brisket keeps cooking and can lose structure.

The goal is to hold brisket hot enough to stay safe, but cool enough to avoid overcooking.

USDA Food Safety Guidelines (The Baseline)

According to the USDA, hot food should be held at 140F or higher to stay out of the danger zone.

The danger zone is between 40F and 140F, where bacteria can multiply quickly. Cooked meat should not remain in this range for more than two hours total (or one hour if outdoor temps exceed 90F).

This is the baseline most health departments use for catering and food service.

Real-World BBQ Holding Temperatures

In real BBQ kitchens, you’ll see a narrow range of holding temps used successfully every day. In real BBQ kitchens, you’ll see a narrow range of holding temps used successfully every day. Many BBQ restaurants and caterers hold brisket between 140F and 155F.

Why the range exists:

• Lower temps help prevent overcooking
• Higher temps offer a safety buffer
• Equipment accuracy varies
• Local health codes differ

If you’re serving the public, always follow your local health department rules, even if they differ slightly from what you see other pitmasters doing.

I reached out to the owners of a couple of my favorite BBQ restaurants to find out how they hold their briskets.

• Jessie Rae’s BBQ in Las Vegas: They set their Alto-Shaam to 155F and hold briskets for up to four hours. Mike Ross said he could hold them longer, but they go through briskets fast.
• Heim BBQ in Dallas/Fort Worth: Their Alto-Shaam is set for 140F. Emma Heim said they hot hold briskets up to 12 hours, depending on when the brisket cook ends.

Recommended Holding Temps by Scenario

Backyard Cooks

If you’re cooking at home:

• Target 140-150F
• Use a cooler, Cambro, smoker on low, or warming cabinet
• Monitor with a thermometer

A short dip below 140F for personal consumption is your call, but anything for guests should stay safely above that line.

Catering & BBQ Restaurants

For catering or restaurant service:

• Target 140-150F
• Use approved hot-holding equipment
• Monitor internal or ambient temperature continuously
• Follow local health codes exactly

Many restaurants hold brisket for 4-12 hours depending on service flow.

BBQ Competitions

Competition cooking is different. Usually cooks are only resting briskets, not holding them because there’s just not enough time.

• Electric warming ovens (like Alto-Shaams) are not allowed in most competitions
• Teams typically hold brisket in Cambros or insulated coolers
• No active heat source is used
• Temperature retention relies on insulation, wrapping, and timing

Because rules vary by sanctioning body, always check the event’s rules packet.

How Long Can Brisket Be Held Safely?

Holding time depends on:

• Holding temperature
• Insulation quality
• Brisket size
• Monitoring accuracy

General guidelines:

• 2-6 hours: Easily achievable with a cooler or Cambro
• 6-12 hours: Possible with excellent insulation or controlled heat
• Over 12 hours: Only with proper equipment and close monitoring

If the temperature drops into the danger zone, it’s time to stop holding and serve.

Signs You’re Holding Too Hot

• Brisket feels mushy or overly soft
• Slices fall apart instead of holding shape
• Flat begins to crumble

If this happens, lower the holding temp or serve sooner.

Signs You’re Holding Too Cool

• Internal or ambient temp drops below 140F
• No way to recover heat safely
• Long hold without monitoring

When in doubt, serve it.

Best Tools for Monitoring Holding Temps

Never assume. Always measure.

Use:

• A probe in the meat (optional)
• An ambient probe in the holding environment
• Alerts if temperature drops

Reliable thermometers remove all the guesswork.

Common Holding Temperature Mistakes

• Holding brisket in a home oven at 170-180F
• Not monitoring temperature at all
• Holding too long just because it “feels fine”
• Ignoring local food safety rules

Final Takeaway

The best holding temperature for brisket is one that:

• Keeps it safe
• Prevents overcooking
• Fits your situation (home, catering, competition)

For most cooks, that sweet spot lives between 140-150F, with 150-155F giving you a little extra safety buffer depending on your setup.

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.