Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) + 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes | Serves: 4 people
Today we have the ultimate comfort food mashup that’ll blow your mind! This crazy delicious creation takes tender bourbon-maple brisket, puts it in a grilled cheese sandwich, then sandwiches the whole thing between two crispy waffles. It’s sweet, savory, cheesy, and absolutely incredible – perfect for when you want something totally over-the-top amazing.
What You Need (Ingredients)
- 1 lb brisket
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 8 slices of bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 waffles (frozen ones work great)
- Butter for cooking
How to Make This Amazing Wafflewich (Step by Step)
Step 1: Start the Brisket (Do This in the Morning)
Put your brisket in a slow cooker and pour the bourbon and maple syrup over it. The liquid should mostly cover the meat. Set it to cook on low for 8 hours. Your house is going to smell incredible all day!
Step 2: Shred the Tender Brisket
After 8 hours, your brisket should be super tender and fall apart easily. Take it out and shred it with two forks. Save some of the cooking liquid – it’s liquid gold for extra flavor!
Step 3: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Heat up a big skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread – this is what makes them golden and crispy.
Step 4: Build Your Sandwiches
Put one slice of bread in the skillet, butter-side down. Pile on some cheddar cheese, a good amount of that amazing shredded brisket, more cheese (cheese is important!), then top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Melty
Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip it over. Cook another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and all the cheese has melted. Make all 4 sandwiches this way.
Step 6: Get Your Waffles Ready
While you’re making the sandwiches, heat up your waffles however the package says – toaster, oven, or toaster oven all work great. You want them crispy on the outside.
Step 7: Build the Ultimate Wafflewich
Here’s the fun part! Take one hot waffle and put a whole grilled cheese sandwich on top. Then put another waffle on top of that. Press down gently so it all stays together.
Step 8: Serve This Masterpiece
Cut each wafflewich in half (it’s easier to eat that way) and serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still gooey.
Pro Tips for Wafflewich Success
- Plan ahead: Start the brisket in the morning so it’s ready by dinner time.
- Don’t skip the butter: Buttering the bread is what makes the grilled cheese golden and delicious.
- Extra flavor: Brush a little of the brisket cooking liquid on the bread for even more bourbon-maple taste.
- Keep it warm: If making multiple wafflewiches, keep finished ones warm in a 200°F oven.
Make It Your Own Way
- Different cheese: Try smoked gouda, swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors
- Add veggies: Caramelized onions or crispy bacon make it even better
- Spice it up: Add a little hot sauce to the brisket for some heat
- Make it lighter: Use turkey instead of brisket for a lighter version
- Breakfast style: Add a fried egg inside for the ultimate breakfast sandwich
Perfect for Special Occasions
This crazy good wafflewich is perfect for:
- Game day parties and tailgating
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Father’s Day or birthday treats
- When you want to impress someone special
- Anytime you’re feeling adventurous with food
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Leftover brisket: Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days – great for regular sandwiches too
- Reheat carefully: Wrap leftover wafflewich in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes
- Make ahead: You can make the brisket a day early and just assemble when ready
Why This Combo Works So Well
This might sound crazy, but it’s absolutely delicious because:
- The sweet waffles pair perfectly with savory brisket
- Bourbon and maple syrup make the meat incredibly flavorful
- Melted cheese brings everything together
- The textures are amazing – crispy, creamy, and tender all in one bite
Shopping Made Easy
Here’s what to grab:
- Brisket from the meat counter (ask them to trim it if needed)
- Your favorite bourbon (cooking bourbon is fine, doesn’t need to be expensive)
- Real maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- Good melting cheese like sharp cheddar
- Frozen waffles (Eggo or any brand you like)
- Sturdy bread that won’t fall apart
Make It a Party
Turn this into a fun meal for friends:
- Set up a “build your own wafflewich” station
- Offer different cheeses and toppings
- Make extra brisket – people will want seconds
- Serve with pickles and chips on the side
No Slow Cooker? No Problem!
If you don’t have a slow cooker:
- Oven method: Cook covered at 275°F for 4-5 hours
- Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 90 minutes with natural release
- Buy pre-made: Use good quality pulled pork or brisket from the deli
Kid-Friendly Version
If making for kids:
- Skip the bourbon and just use maple syrup and a little beef broth
- Use mild cheddar cheese
- Let them help build the sandwiches
- Cut into smaller pieces for little hands
Try this incredible bourbon-maple brisket grilled cheese wafflewich and prepare to have your mind blown by how amazing this crazy combination tastes!
