Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich – The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Comfort Food!
If you thought grilled cheese sandwiches couldn’t get any better, wait until you try this mind-blowing twist. Imagine tender, slow-cooked brisket infused with rich bourbon and sweet maple syrup, layered with sharp melted cheddar, grilled between buttery bread slices, and sandwiched between golden, crispy waffles. This is not just a sandwich—it’s a flavor explosion wrapped in comfort.
Ingredients
For the Bourbon-Maple Brisket:
- 1 lb beef brisket
- 1 cup bourbon (use beef broth as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
For the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or artisan-style preferred)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter for spreading
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
For the Wafflewich Assembly:
- 4 large waffles (homemade or high-quality frozen)
- Optional garnishes: pickle slices, crispy onions, or a drizzle of maple glaze
- Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slow-Cook the Brisket – Sweet, Smoky, & Tender
Place the brisket into a slow cooker. Mix together the bourbon, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the brisket, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
No slow cooker? No problem. Use a Dutch oven and cook the brisket in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4 hours, covered.
2. Shred the Brisket
Once done, remove the brisket and shred it using two forks. Spoon a bit of the cooking liquid over the shredded meat to keep it juicy and flavorful.
3. Build the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place a slice butter-side-down into the skillet, layer with cheddar cheese, a generous portion of brisket, and then top with another buttered slice (butter-side up).
Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat to make four sandwiches.
4. Toast the Waffles
While the sandwiches are cooking, heat your waffles in a toaster or oven until crisp and warm.
5. Assemble the Wafflewiches
Take two waffles and sandwich one grilled cheese in between them like a waffle burger. Press slightly and cut in half for dramatic presentation.
Optional Add-Ons & Serving Ideas
- Add crunch: Layer in crispy bacon or fried onions before closing the sandwich.
- Spice it up: Add pickled jalapeños or a chipotle mayo spread.
- Drizzle extra maple glaze: Mix maple syrup + Dijon + a pinch of cayenne for a quick sweet-heat drizzle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable texture contrast: Gooey cheese + tender brisket + crunchy waffles.
- Perfect sweet and savory balance.
- Great for brunch, game day, or comfort food nights.
This sandwich doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it leaves an impression. It’s Instagram-worthy, crowd-pleasing, and totally craveable.