Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The rich bourbon and maple syrup slow-cooked brisket adds deep, sweet-savory notes that pair perfectly with sharp cheddar cheese.
- Unique Presentation: Using waffles as the sandwich “bread” adds a crispy, slightly sweet contrast to the melted grilled cheese and juicy brisket.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Slow cooking the brisket means effortless prep and hands-off cooking.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: A classic grilled cheese gets upgraded with hearty brisket and a playful waffle exterior.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb brisket
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 8 slices of bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 waffles
- Butter
Directions
- Place the brisket in a slow cooker. Pour in the bourbon and maple syrup. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the brisket from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of bread butter side down on the skillet. Layer shredded cheddar cheese, shredded brisket, then top with another slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, flipping once halfway through.
- Repeat to make 4 grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Heat waffles according to package instructions until crisp and warm.
- Assemble each wafflewich by placing a grilled cheese sandwich between two waffles.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 wafflewiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Alternatives: Use sourdough or brioche for the grilled cheese sandwiches for extra richness.
- Add Toppings: Include caramelized onions, pickles, or spicy mustard inside the sandwich for extra depth.
- Waffle Options: Use savory herb waffles or even cornbread waffles for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover brisket in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble sandwiches fresh.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded brisket for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before assembling.
- Reheating: Warm the grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet over low heat to keep bread crispy and cheese melted. Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven.
FAQs
Can I cook the brisket in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, slow cook the brisket covered at 300°F for about 3-4 hours until tender.
What bourbon brands work best?
Any good quality bourbon will work, but mid-range brands balance flavor and price nicely.
Can I use frozen waffles?
Absolutely! Just heat according to package instructions before assembling.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You could substitute shredded mushrooms or jackfruit cooked in bourbon-maple sauce.
Is it necessary to butter the bread?
Butter helps achieve the golden crispiness in the grilled cheese, but you can use cooking spray or oil instead.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, cook and shred the brisket in advance and assemble sandwiches when ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep brisket refrigerated in airtight containers. Assemble sandwiches fresh to maintain texture.
Can I add sauces?
Maple mustard, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce are great additions for extra flavor.
What sides go well with this dish?
Coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad complement the rich wafflewich.
Can I use different bread for the grilled cheese?
Yes, just adjust cooking time for different bread thicknesses.
Conclusion
The Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a decadent, crave-worthy creation that brings together the best of savory and sweet in every bite. With tender brisket slow-cooked in bourbon and maple syrup, melty cheddar, and crispy waffles, it’s a perfect dish to impress guests or elevate your comfort food game. Make it for brunch, lunch, or a special dinner and enjoy the unique and satisfying flavors all in one sandwich.
Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 wafflewiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich combines smoky, tender brisket slow-cooked in bourbon and maple syrup with melty cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between crispy waffles for a savory-sweet comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 lb brisket
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup maple syrup
8 slices of bread
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 waffles
Butter
Instructions
- Place the brisket in a slow cooker. Pour in the bourbon and maple syrup. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the brisket from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of bread butter side down on the skillet. Layer shredded cheddar cheese, shredded brisket, then top with another slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, flipping once halfway through.
- Repeat to make 4 grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Heat waffles according to package instructions until crisp and warm.
- Assemble each wafflewich by placing a grilled cheese sandwich between two waffles.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures.
Notes
Brisket can be cooked in the oven at 300°F for 3-4 hours as an alternative to slow cooking.
Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
Try sourdough or brioche bread for richer grilled cheese sandwiches.
Add caramelized onions, pickles, or spicy mustard for extra flavor.
Store brisket refrigerated for up to 3 days; freeze shredded brisket up to 2 months.
Reheat grilled cheese in a skillet to keep bread crispy and cheese melted; reheat waffles in toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wafflewich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
