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This Bourbon Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich isn’t just another comfort meal—it flips slow-cooked brisket into a gooey grilled cheese hugged by crunchy, golden waffles. I whipped this up after craving something totally over-the-top and cozy on a Saturday. If you’re looking to wow a crowd at brunch or game night, this one always does the trick. That maple and bourbon smell travels through my kitchen and the whole crew flocks in.
The first time these sandwiches hit my family table, the platter emptied fast. Seeing everyone wowed by how the smokiness of bourbon and the sweetness of maple mixed with cheddar and buttery waffles made my day.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Butter: Use some soft butter to smear on your bread to get that ultra-golden crust
- Waffles: Grab thick Belgian-style waffles—doesn’t matter if they’re frozen or homemade, just make sure they’re sturdy
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Freshly grate your cheddar for top-notch melt and a tangy punch
- Bread: Go for robust slices like sourdough or thick-cut white that won’t get soggy mid-grill
- Maple syrup: Pour in real maple syrup—it brings the perfect balance of sticky-sweet to the deal
- Bourbon: A shot of decent bourbon adds a touch of smoke and deep flavor
- Brisket: Pick up about a pound of brisket with some fat—this brings serious flavor and juicy bites
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Cut the sandwiches in half if you want and dig in right away. Crispy waffles, tangy cheese, sweet maple, and smoky brisket never last long so don’t wait to serve!
- Put It Together:
- Once waffles and sandwiches are set, sandwich one grilled cheese between two waffles. Press down a bit so it all holds.
- Toast the Waffles:
- Either warm up your waffles from frozen or whip up a fresh stack while your sandwiches cook so they’re still toasty when it’s time to assemble
- Build Your Stack:
- Butter up your bread, then toss a slice in a pan butter-side down. Add a pile of cheddar and some brisket. Top with the second bread slice, buttered side facing out.
- Grill ‘Em Up:
- On medium heat, toast one side till it’s crisp and golden. Flip it and let the other side get just as crunchy. A quick press with your spatula gets them extra toasty and makes sure the cheese melts just right
- Heat Your Brisket:
- Let your brisket cook in a slow cooker with the maple and bourbon on low for around eight hours. Shred it once it’s tender and juicy using a couple of forks
- Tear up the Brisket:
- Cool brisket goes on a cutting board, then pull it apart into smaller bits. Catch all those tasty juices for maximum flavor
- Keep Sandwiches Coming:
- Repeat the sandwich-building routine until you’ve got four grilled up. Slip them onto a warm baking sheet in a low oven if you want to keep them hot and crispy
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Watching my kids tear into these cheesy, meaty sandwiches is a kitchen win. The way maple syrup caramelizes over brisket totally upgrades everything. Every batch brings back memories of slow Sunday mornings where catching the crispiest waffle corner felt like a mini victory.
Smart Storage Ideas
If you end up with brisket leftovers, just stash it in a sealed container and pop it in the fridge for up to four days. For the sandwiches, wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven so they stay crunchy. Leftover waffles go right into the freezer, then straight into the toaster when you’re ready for round two. Only finish assembling the wafflewiches right before you’re ready to chow down—otherwise, things get soggy fast.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Toss in pulled pork or some rotisserie chicken if brisket’s not available and you need a speedier fix. Use apple cider instead of bourbon if you want a booze-free bite, or swap honey for the maple syrup if you’re fresh out. For cheese, a mix of cheddar plus gouda or fontina ups the melt factor and flavor game.
Tasty Serving Ideas
A couple of crunchy pickles and a drizzle of spicy honey bring a punch to these loaded wafflewiches. Try pairing with sweet potato fries or a quick green salad to lighten up your plate. Wanna go extra? Drop a fried egg on top for the best brunch ever.
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Let these Bourbon Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewiches liven up your next brunch or weeknight treat. Feel free to switch up fillings or toppings, and don’t be shocked if you get asked to make them again and again. Nothing tops hot, fresh sandwiches where melted cheese meets crispy waffles—it’s a win every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long should the brisket cook for optimal tenderness?
Let your brisket cook low and slow about 8 hours. It'll get so soft you can pull it apart with a fork.
- → Can regular bread be substituted for the grilled cheese layer?
Absolutely, you can swap in any thick bread that holds up and gets golden when you toast it with butter.
- → What kind of cheese pairs best in this sandwich?
Cheddar melts smooth and adds a bite, but you can throw in Swiss or even gouda for a switch-up.
- → Do homemade or frozen waffles work better?
Both are great. Homemade gives a bit more crunch, but frozen waffles make things quick and easy.
- → What are tips for getting crispy bread and melted cheese?
Coat both sides of your bread in butter and use medium heat so the cheese melts and the bread gets golden.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to bourbon?
If you don't want to use bourbon, go for apple juice and a touch of liquid smoke for that deep flavor.