Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich 🥩🧀🧇
This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a decadent and indulgent twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Combining slow-cooked, bourbon-maple glazed brisket with gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bread, and fluffy waffles, this dish is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s a flavor-packed creation that will leave you craving more.
Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion : The sweet-and-savory combination of bourbon, maple syrup, and tender brisket is irresistible.
- Comfort Food at Its Best : A creative fusion of grilled cheese, waffles, and barbecue flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : The brisket can be prepared in advance, making assembly quick and easy.
- Customizable : Swap cheeses, bread, or waffles to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing : A show-stopping dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Bourbon-Maple Brisket:
- 1 lb brisket 🥩
- 1 cup bourbon 🥃
- ½ cup maple syrup 🍯
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of bread 🍞 (sourdough, brioche, or your favorite type )
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda )
- Butter , softened 🧈
For the Wafflewich Assembly:
- 4 waffles 🧇 (store-bought or homemade )
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Slow-Cook the Brisket
- Place the brisket in a slow cooker. Pour the bourbon and maple syrup over the brisket, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the brisket is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, shred the brisket using two forks and set aside. Reserve any remaining liquid in the slow cooker for extra sauciness (optional ).
Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Heat a skillet over medium heat .
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place a slice of bread, butter side down, in the skillet. Top with a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese , a layer of shredded brisket , and another slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through (about 2–3 minutes per side ).
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 4 sandwiches .
Step 3: Prepare the Waffles
- Heat the waffles according to package instructions or toast them in a toaster until warm and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Wafflewiches
- Place a grilled cheese sandwich between two waffles , pressing gently to hold everything together.
- Repeat to assemble all 4 wafflewiches .
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the wafflewiches hot, optionally drizzling with reserved bourbon-maple sauce from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Pair with pickles, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Bread : Fresh, high-quality bread ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Add Extras : Include caramelized onions, jalapeños, or bacon for extra indulgence.
- Storage : Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months . Reheat before assembling.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze uncooked brisket portions or fully assembled wafflewiches (without waffles) for a quick meal later.
- Experiment with Cheeses : Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or fontina for a unique twist.
Perfect Pairings
This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich pairs beautifully with:
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables : Add tangy pickles, pickled red onions, or giardiniera for a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw : A creamy or vinegar-based slaw complements the richness of the brisket.
- Sweet Potatoes : Serve with roasted sweet potato fries or chips for a hearty side.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold beer for balance.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories : ~700 kcal
- Protein : ~30g
- Carbohydrates : ~60g
- Fat : ~40g
- Fiber : ~3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a bold and creative dish that combines the best of barbecue, grilled cheese, and breakfast favorites. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, game day, or a casual dinner, this wafflewich is sure to impress. The combination of tender brisket, melty cheese, and crispy waffles creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your brisket, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.