This isn’t your average grilled cheese—it’s a bold, indulgent masterpiece that combines smoky, slow-cooked bourbon-maple glazed brisket, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy golden waffles. The result? A sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible sandwich that will redefine comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch dish or a decadent dinner, this wafflewich delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Bourbon-Maple Brisket:
- 1 lb beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup bourbon (choose a mid-range bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber or Grade B for a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ cup water (if needed, to prevent burning in the slow cooker)
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices bread (sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for spreading on the bread)
For the Wafflewich:
- 4 waffles (frozen or homemade, buttermilk or Belgian waffles recommended)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket (Marinate)
- Trim any excessive fat from the brisket. Fat adds flavor, but too much can make the final product greasy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the glaze.
- Place the brisket in a resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid, and pour the bourbon-maple glaze over it. Ensure the brisket is fully coated.
- Marinate the brisket in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Brisket
- Remove the brisket from the marinade and place it in a slow cooker.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the brisket. If the brisket isn’t fully submerged, add ¼ cup of water to prevent drying out.
- Cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until fork-tender and easily shreddable. The internal temperature should reach 203°F (95°C).
- Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 15 minutes before shredding.
Step 3: Shred the Brisket & Reduce the Sauce
- Use two forks to shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces, removing any large pieces of fat.
- Reserve the bourbon-maple cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes to reduce into a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce over the shredded brisket for extra flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Grilled Cheese
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place shredded cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of four slices.
- Add a generous portion of bourbon-maple brisket on top of the cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the sandwiches on a skillet over medium heat, pressing down slightly, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Step 5: Assemble the Wafflewich
- Toast or grill the waffles until crispy.
- Place a grilled cheese sandwich between two waffles.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet maple, smoky bourbon, savory brisket, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy waffles, gooey cheese, and tender brisket create a multi-layered bite that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Versatile: Serve it as a brunch showstopper, a hearty dinner, or a unique party dish.
Enjoy this decadent Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich—a fusion of comfort food and gourmet indulgence! 🍽️🔥