How to Make Foil Boat Brisket | Drum Smoker Recipe
Why This Foil Boat Brisket Rocks
Big Poppa here—today we’re cooking an ultra-juicy foil boat brisket on the drum smoker. We season with Little Louie’s Garlic Pepper, Competition Steak & Brisket, and Cash Cow, smoke to color, then “boat” the meat so it bathes in its own juices (plus a splash of beef stock) while the top stays exposed for smoke and seasoning. Slice silky flats, glaze point burnt ends with Granny’s, and bask in the compliments.
Credit where it’s due—this method was popularized by Chud’s BBQ. We tweak it Big Poppa style with flavor-forward rubs and a clean, repeatable drum setup.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole packer brisket, 12–16 lb (separate point & flat after color)
- 2 tbsp Little Louie’s Garlic Pepper (base)
- 2 tbsp Competition Steak & Brisket (aromatic layer)
- 2–3 tbsp Cash Cow (beefy finishing layer)
- 1/2–3/4 cup beef stock (for the foil boat)
- Granny’s BBQ Sauce + a pinch of Competition Smash (for burnt ends)
Tools & Gear
- Drum smoker at 250°F, water pan covering half of a second grate
- Heavy-duty foil for “boats”
- Remote smoker probe thermometer
- Heat-resistant barbecue gloves & a sharp slicing knife
Step-by-Step: Foil Boat Brisket (Drum Smoker)
1) Trim & Season
Trim excess hard fat; square the edges. Season mainly on the presentation side: Little Louie’s → Competition Steak & Brisket → Cash Cow. Leave some meat grain visible so smoke can still kiss the surface. Rest 20–30 minutes until the rubs look shiny.
2) Smoke to Color at 250°F
Set the drum to 250°F. Place brisket so one piece is always over the water pan; rotate every 30 minutes. Smoke 2.5–3 hours until the bark is set and the fat side has good color.
3) Build the Foil Boats
Separate flat and point. Form snug foil “boats” around each piece so liquid pools but the top stays exposed. Pour a splash of beef stock (not a braise bath). Return to the drum.
4) Finish & Rest
Continue cooking (still 250–275°F) until the flat and point are probe-tender, typically around 198–205°F. Rest 1–2 hours in a warm oven or dry cooler to retain juices.
5) Slice & Burnt Ends
Slice the flat across the grain into 1/4" slices, spooning the rendered au jus/tallow over the meat. Cube the point, toss with Granny’s BBQ Sauce and a pinch of Competition Smash, and set back on the pit briefly to tack up a glossy glaze.
Serving Ideas
- White bread, pickles, onions—classic Texas vibes.
- Load baked potatoes with chopped brisket and Granny’s.
- Next day: brisket grilled cheese with leftover burnt ends.
Shop Rubs & Sauces
Build Big Beef Flavor:
Little Louie’s Garlic Pepper, Cash Cow Beef Seasoning, Competition Steak & Brisket, Granny’s BBQ Sauce
Shop Rubs & SaucesFAQ
What is the foil boat method?
A hybrid of open smoke and partial braise: you “boat” the brisket in foil with a small amount of liquid so the top stays exposed for smoke and seasoning while the bottom collects flavorful jus.
Why separate the point and flat?
They cook at different rates. Separating lets you finish each perfectly and makes slicing/serving easier—plus the point becomes killer burnt ends.
How much liquid goes in the boat?
About 1/4–1/2 cup per piece. You want a shallow pool, not a deep braise.
Target finish temp?
Probe-tender around 198–205°F—go by feel, not just a number. Rest 1–2 hours for juicy slices.
No drum smoker?
Pellet and offset pits work great. Keep temps steady and rotate for even heat. You can also rest in a low oven.
Watch the cook: How to Make Foil Boat Brisket | Drum Smoker Recipe (YouTube)
