Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich

Comfort Food Mashup – Sweet, Savory, and Absolutely Delicious

This bourbon-maple brisket wafflewich combines slow-cooked tender brisket, melted cheese, and crispy waffles into one incredible sandwich. Perfect for special brunches, game day, or when you want to impress with something totally unique!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Show-stopping presentation – Your guests will be amazed
• Perfect flavor combination – Sweet maple, smoky bourbon, and savory cheese
• Great for special occasions – Brunch parties, game day, or weekend treats
• Make-ahead friendly – Cook brisket the night before
• Uses simple ingredients – No hard-to-find items needed
• Feeds a crowd – Makes 4 generous servings
• Sweet and savory balance – Appeals to all taste preferences

Recipe Ingredients

For the Bourbon-Maple Brisket:

• 1 pound beef brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 cup bourbon whiskey (use a mid-range bourbon for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (real maple syrup, not pancake syrup)

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 8 slices of bread (thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast works best)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• 4-6 tablespoons butter (for grilling the sandwiches)

For Assembly:

• 4 frozen waffles (thick Belgian-style waffles work best)

Serves: 4 people
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (mostly hands-off slow cooking)
Active Time: 30 minutes
Slow Cook Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bourbon-Maple Brisket (Day Before or Morning Of)

1. Trim the brisket of any excess fat, leaving about 1/4 inch for flavor
2. Place the brisket in your slow cooker
3. Pour the bourbon over the brisket – it should partially cover the meat
4. Add the maple syrup and gently stir to combine with bourbon
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until the meat is fork-tender
6. Check after 6 hours – the brisket should be easily shreddable when done

Tip: You can start this the night before and let it cook overnight for next-day assembly.

Step 2: Shred the Brisket

1. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board
2. Let it rest for 10 minutes to cool slightly
3. Shred the meat using two forks – it should fall apart easily
4. Save the cooking liquid – you can drizzle some back over the meat for extra flavor
5. Set the shredded brisket aside in a covered bowl to keep warm

Important: Don’t discard the cooking juices – they’re packed with flavor!

Step 3: Make the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat
2. Butter one side of each bread slice generously
3. Place one slice butter-side down in the hot skillet
4. Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bread
5. Add a generous portion of shredded brisket (about 1/4 of the total)
6. Top with another 1/2 cup of cheese
7. Place second bread slice on top, butter-side up
8. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom
9. Carefully flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until other side is golden
10. Repeat to make 4 sandwiches total

Tip: Keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven while making the rest.

Step 4: Prepare the Waffles

1. Heat the waffles according to package directions – toaster or oven both work
2. Make sure they’re crispy – slightly overtoasted is better than soggy
3. Keep them warm until ready to assemble

Step 5: Assemble the Ultimate Wafflewich

1. Place one waffle on each serving plate
2. Put a grilled cheese sandwich on top of each waffle
3. Top with the second waffle to create a “sandwich”
4. Gently press down to help everything stay together
5. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Perfect Accompaniments:

• Fresh fruit salad to balance the richness
• Crispy breakfast potatoes or hash browns
• Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
• Pickles to cut through the rich flavors
• Coffee or mimosas for the perfect brunch pairing

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Cook brisket the night before – reheat gently before assembling
• Shred brisket and refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze cooked brisket for up to 3 months
• Prep sandwiches in advance – assemble and grill just before serving

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigerate leftover brisket for up to 4 days
• Reheat brisket gently in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of broth
• Best eaten fresh – waffles get soggy if stored assembled
• Reheat individual components separately for best results

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Options:

• Smoked gouda for extra smoky flavor
• Pepper jack for a spicy kick
• Swiss cheese for a milder taste
• Cream cheese mixed with cheddar for extra creaminess

Bread Alternatives:

• Brioche for extra richness
• Cornbread for Southern flair
• Pretzel buns for unique flavor
• Gluten-free bread for dietary restrictions

Waffle Variations:

• Homemade waffles for the ultimate experience
• Sweet potato waffles for added sweetness
• Cornbread waffles for a Southern twist
• Protein waffles for a healthier option

Bourbon Alternatives:

• Apple juice for non-alcoholic version (alcohol cooks off during slow cooking)
• Whiskey or rum for different flavor profiles
• Beer for a more casual flavor

Cooking Tips for Success

For Perfect Brisket:

• Don’t skip the slow cooking time – 8 hours ensures tender, shreddable meat
• Choose the right cut – flat cut brisket works best for this recipe
• Save the cooking juices – they make an amazing dipping sauce

For Better Grilled Cheese:

• Use room temperature cheese – it melts more evenly
• Don’t rush the cooking – medium heat prevents burning
• Press gently with spatula while cooking for even browning
• Let sandwiches rest 1-2 minutes before cutting to prevent cheese from running out

Assembly Tips:

• Work quickly – everything should be hot when assembled
• Use thick waffles – they hold up better to the weight of the sandwich
• Have napkins ready – this is a deliciously messy eating experience!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 complete wafflewich):

• Calories: Approximately 850
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 35g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this without bourbon? A: Yes! Replace the bourbon with apple juice, beef broth, or ginger ale. You’ll still get great flavor from the maple syrup and slow cooking process.

Q: How far ahead can I cook the brisket? A: You can cook the brisket up to 3 days in advance. Store it shredded in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling.

Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker? A: You can braise the brisket in a Dutch oven at 275°F for 4-5 hours, or use an Instant Pot on the meat setting for 90 minutes with natural pressure release.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked brisket? A: Absolutely! Freeze the shredded brisket in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What’s the best way to eat this messy sandwich? A: Use a knife and fork, or just dive in with your hands and plenty of napkins! There’s no wrong way to enjoy this indulgent creation.

Q: Can I make smaller portions? A: Yes! This recipe scales down easily. Use 1/2 pound brisket with 1/2 cup bourbon and 1/4 cup maple syrup for 2 servings.

Q: Is there alcohol left in the finished dish? A: The long slow cooking process evaporates most of the alcohol, leaving just the bourbon flavor. However, if you’re concerned, substitute with apple juice.

This bourbon-maple brisket grilled cheese wafflewich is the ultimate indulgent comfort food that combines all your favorite flavors into one unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for special occasions when you want to create something truly memorable!