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 ½ 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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