Question 1

How much brisket per person?

Accepted Answer

Plan on about ⅓ lb of cooked brisket per person for a normal appetite as a main dish. Since brisket loses about 40% of its weight during cooking, buy roughly 0.55 lb of raw brisket per person.

Question 2

How long does it take to cook a brisket?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the method. In the oven at 275°F, plan 60–75 minutes per pound. On a smoker at 225°F, plan 75–90 minutes per pound. A slow cooker takes 8–10 hours on low.

Question 3

What internal temp should brisket reach?

Accepted Answer

Brisket is done when it reaches 195–205°F internal temperature and probes like butter. Don't pull it at 165°F. It needs to push through the stall to become tender.

Question 4

How many people does a 10 lb brisket feed?

Accepted Answer

A 10 lb raw brisket yields about 6 lbs of cooked meat, which feeds roughly 12–18 people at ⅓–½ lb cooked per person.

Question 5

Do I need to rest brisket before slicing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rest for at least 30–60 minutes loosely tented with foil. For parties, use the faux Cambro method (wrap in butcher paper and towels, place in a dry cooler) to hold it for 2–4 hours.

Question 6

What is the stall when smoking brisket?

Accepted Answer

The stall is when the brisket's internal temperature stops rising, usually between 150–170°F, and stays there for 2–4 hours. This is normal. Don't raise the heat; push through it.

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