A silicon carbide-to-metal joint includes a thin layer of metal adherent to the ceramic material, a compliant layer of metal overlying the thin metal layer and a brazing alloy in contact with the metal to which the ceramic material is joined.A method for preparing a silicon carbide surface for joining by metallic brazing to a metal includes the steps of applying a thin layer of metal adherent to the ceramic surface followed by application of a compliant layer of metal.Also described is an easily brazable silicon carbide article which includes a silicon carbide substrate, a thin electrically conductive adherent metal layer overlying the substrate and a compliant metal layer overlying the thin metal layer.