Savory Bourbon Maple Brisket Melt with Cheddar on Waffles (Print version)
Tender brisket, sharp cheddar, crisp waffles, and a bourbon-maple glaze pressed into a rich sweet-savory melt.
# Ingredients:
For the bourbon-maple brisket
01 -
2 cups (300 g) cooked brisket, sliced or shredded
02 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) bourbon
03 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup
04 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
05 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 -
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
07 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
Salt, as needed
For the waffles
10 -
1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
11 -
1 tablespoon sugar
12 -
2 teaspoons baking powder
13 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 -
1 1/4 cups (300 ml) buttermilk
15 -
2 large eggs
16 -
4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
17 -
1/2 cup (55 g) shredded sharp cheddar, optional for savory waffles
For assembly
18 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
19 -
8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or freshly shredded
20 -
1/3 cup pickled red onions, optional
21 -
Dill pickles or slaw, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter, then stir into the dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in the optional cheddar.
02 -
Heat a waffle iron and cook the batter until the waffles are deeply golden and crisp. You need 8 waffle sections or 4 large waffles split for sandwiches. Keep them on a rack so they do not steam.
03 -
In a skillet, combine bourbon, maple syrup, vinegar, Worcestershire, Dijon, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked brisket and toss until hot and coated in the glaze, 3-4 minutes. Taste and add salt only if needed.
05 -
Place cheddar on 4 waffles, add the glazed brisket, then top with more cheddar and the remaining waffles. Add pickled onions inside if using.
06 -
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the waffle melts for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the waffles are crisp and the cheddar is fully melted.
07 -
Transfer to a board and rest for 2 minutes. Slice and serve hot with pickles or slaw.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best made with cooked smoked or braised brisket.
02 -
Bourbon cooks down in the glaze, but this is not an alcohol-free recipe.
03 -
Toast frozen waffles well if using them instead of homemade.