If a waffle, a brisket sandwich, and a grilled cheese had a delicious baby, it would be this: the Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich. Smoky, tender brisket gets soaked in a warm maple-bourbon glaze, piled high with melty cheddar, and sandwiched between buttery bread and crisp waffle halves. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory with a bold personality—and yes, it’s absolutely as indulgent and satisfying as it sounds.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those over-the-top recipes that actually works. The bourbon-maple sauce adds a smooth, rich sweetness to the smoky brisket. The cheddar cheese melts into gooey perfection. And the waffle element? It adds just the right amount of crispy whimsy. It’s a brunch flex, a dinner crowd-pleaser, and a hangover cure all in one.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked bourbon-maple brisket
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup butter
- Waffle batter
- Cooking spray
Swaps & Notes
- Bread Ideas: Texas toast or brioche are great options for a sturdy sandwich.
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar holds its own against the sweet maple and smoky meat. Gouda or Havarti are also great picks.
- Brisket Tip: Use leftover smoked brisket or store-bought for a shortcut.
- Waffle Shortcuts: Use frozen waffles if you’re short on time—just toast them and cut them to size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Maple-Bourbon Glaze:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup and bourbon. Stir until warm and well blended. Remove from heat. - Marinate the Brisket:
Thinly slice or shred your cooked brisket. Place in a bowl and pour the warm glaze over it. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. - Cook the Waffles:
Preheat a waffle iron and spray it with cooking spray. Pour in your waffle batter and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions. Once done, let them cool slightly and cut each waffle in half. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out the bread slices. Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each. On half of them, pile on the glazed brisket. Top with another cheese-topped slice of bread to make 4 sandwiches. - Grill the Sandwiches:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Grill each sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side. - Add the Waffle Topper:
Carefully place a waffle half on top of each grilled sandwich to complete the “wafflewich.” Serve hot, and get ready for a flavor explosion.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the rest: Letting the brisket sit in the glaze enhances its flavor tenfold.
- Low & slow melt: Use medium heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread over-browns.
- Balance the bite: Don’t overfill—this sandwich is rich. Keep the brisket layer even and moderate.
- Extra sauce? Drizzle a little more maple-bourbon glaze over the top for that chef’s kiss finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Wafflewich is already a main event, but here’s how to build a feast around it:
- Start with Beer Cheese Dip for a cheesy prelude.
- Pair with Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) for a crispy, loaded side.
- Add Crockpot Nacho Dip to create a Tex-Mex meets Southern BBQ vibe.
- Serve alongside Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a meaty, melty combo meal.
- Need to feed a crew? Throw in Sheet Pan Quesadillas for fast, filling backup.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Brisket Storage: Keep leftover bourbon-maple brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat brisket on low in a skillet with a bit of the glaze to keep it moist.
- Sandwich Hack: Assemble ahead and grill to order—or make everything fresh and go all-in.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this wafflewich made your taste buds sing, don’t miss:
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Totchos – Tater Tot Nachos
- Crockpot Nacho Dip
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Final Thoughts
The Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a statement. A messy, melty, maple-glazed, double-carb dream of a statement. Perfect for weekend brunch, late-night cravings, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds.
💬 Tried it? Show us how you Wafflewich! Drop a comment or tag @ChefManiac to share your version of this wild sandwich ride.
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