One quiet afternoon in late fall, my husband and I spent the day helping clean up the roadside near the local orchard where we used to take our kids every October. With wind nipping at our cheeks and leaves swirling at our feet, we came home cold, tired, and craving something bold, warm, and a little indulgent.
I remembered the brisket we had left from the weekend, and a little jar of bourbon-maple glaze I’d made for pork chops. That’s when this sandwich called Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich, came to life—crispy, golden waffle slices hugging smoky brisket, gooey cheese, and that sweet, rich glaze tying it all together.
We sat at the kitchen counter, boots still on, plates in hand, and devoured it like kids. It felt rustic and a little rebellious, using waffles instead of bread, drizzling syrup over a sandwich, throwing caution and calorie-counting to the wind. That’s the kind of meal this is. Not just food, but a reward. A warm bite of satisfaction after a day spent doing something good.
Short Description
A bold and savory grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with bourbon-maple slow-cooked brisket and gooey cheddar, served between crispy Belgian waffles for the ultimate sweet-meets-savory comfort food.
Key Ingredients
Main:
- 450 g beef brisket
- 240 ml bourbon
- 120 ml pure maple syrup
Sandwich Assembly:
- 8 slices country-style bread
- 225 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter, for spreading
Finishing:
-
4 Belgian-style waffles (store-bought or homemade)
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet or griddle
- Tongs or two forks (for shredding)
- Bread knife
- Waffle iron (optional, if making waffles from scratch)
- Spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Slow-Cook the Brisket
Place brisket in the slow cooker. Pour in bourbon and maple syrup.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until fork-tender. Shred with two forks. Optional: pour some reserved juices over the meat for extra flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sandwich Base
Butter one side of each bread slice. Heat skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
Place a slice of bread (buttered side down) in the skillet. Layer with cheddar cheese, a generous spoonful of shredded brisket, and top with another bread slice (buttered side up). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Repeat and Build
Repeat the grilling process until all sandwiches are done—this should make 4 total.
Step 5: Warm the Waffles
Heat Belgian waffles according to package instructions, or warm them in the oven until crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the Wafflewich
Place one grilled cheese sandwich between two waffles, pressing gently. Serve immediately while hot, gooey, and slightly crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The smoky brisket soaked in bourbon-maple sauce is sweet, rich, and satisfying, perfectly balanced by sharp cheddar.
Creative & Comforting: It turns leftovers into something fun and unexpected—crispy, gooey, and hearty all at once.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The brisket can be cooked ahead of time and stored for quick sandwich assembly later.
Textural Heaven: Crisp waffles, buttery bread, melty cheese, and juicy meat, each bite offers contrast and depth.
Hearty & Filling: This is not a snack, it’s a full, feel-good meal ideal for cozy nights in or lazy weekend lunches.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Undercooked Brisket: If the brisket doesn’t shred easily, it needs more time. Add another hour in the slow cooker and check again.
Soggy Sandwich: Don’t overload the bread with sauce. Use just enough brisket to keep the sandwich moist but not dripping.
Burned Bread: Cook sandwiches on medium heat—not high—or the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
Dry Waffles: Warm waffles right before serving. If they’ve gone soft, crisp them in the toaster or oven at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Cheese Doesn’t Melt: Cover the skillet briefly while grilling to help the cheese melt evenly without overcooking the bread.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
As a Main Dish: Serve hot with a fresh green salad, tangy slaw, or roasted vegetables.
Family-Style: Cut into halves or quarters and stack high on a wooden board for a rustic, buffet-style meal.
Party Food: Serve mini versions using slider buns and waffle quarters—ideal for game days or brunch spreads.
Drink Pairings: Pairs well with iced tea, a smoky stout, or sparkling apple cider for balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Cool sandwiches completely. Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap unassembled grilled cheese in parchment and foil. Freeze brisket separately in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm sandwiches in a skillet over low heat, pressing gently to crisp the bread. Or heat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover brisket instead of cooking it from scratch?
Yes! Just warm it in a pan with a splash of bourbon and maple to revive the flavor.
2. What’s the best type of cheese for this sandwich?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and balances the sweetness of the brisket. Smoked gouda or Monterey Jack also work well.
3. Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely. Substitute the bourbon with beef broth and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for depth.
4. Do I need a waffle maker?
Not necessarily. Store-bought Belgian waffles work great. Just toast them well so they stay crisp.
5. How do I keep the sandwich from falling apart?
Use sturdy country-style bread and press gently while grilling. Let it cool slightly before slicing, it holds together better.
Tips & Tricks
For an extra crisp crust, sprinkle a little shredded cheese on the skillet before adding the sandwich.
Add thin slices of apple or caramelized onions for a sweet-salty contrast.
Use day-old bread, it grills better and holds up to the filling.
Toast waffles directly on a skillet for deeper texture and flavor.
Let the brisket cool slightly before assembling, hot meat can make the bread soggy.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Kick Version
Add 1 tsp chipotle chili powder or diced jalapeños to the brisket while cooking.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
Serve with hot honey or spicy mustard on the side.
2. Breakfast Style
Add a fried or scrambled egg between the cheese and brisket.
Swap country bread for brioche.
Top with a light drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
3. Vegetarian Twist
Substitute brisket with jackfruit simmered in a bourbon-maple glaze.
Use plant-based cheese or a mix of sharp vegan cheddar and mozzarella.
4. Kid-Friendly Version
Use soft white sandwich bread and skip the bourbon (use broth instead).
Add a light smear of ketchup or BBQ sauce with the cheese.
Final Thoughts
After sharing this at our last family potluck, I noticed my oldest grandson quietly sneaking a second helping when no one was looking. That’s when I knew this sandwich earned its place in the family recipe box. Rich, comforting, and unexpected, it’s a little messy and a lot of fun. Just like the best days are.
Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
Print ThisIngredients
- Main:
- 450 g beef brisket
- 240 ml bourbon
- 120 ml pure maple syrup
- Sandwich Assembly:
- 8 slices country-style bread
- 225 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter, for spreading
- Finishing:
- 4 Belgian-style waffles (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Slow-Cook the Brisket
Place brisket in a slow cooker with bourbon and maple syrup. Cook on low for 8 hours, then shred. Drizzle with juices if desired.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Butter one side of each bread slice. Heat a skillet over medium.
Step 3: Make Grilled Cheese
Place a slice (butter-side down) in the skillet. Add cheese, brisket, then top with another slice (butter-side up). Grill 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melted.
Step 4: Repeat
Make 4 grilled cheese sandwiches total.
Step 5: Warm the Waffles
Heat waffles in the oven or toaster until crisp.
Step 6: Build the Wafflewich
Sandwich each grilled cheese between two waffles. Press gently and serve hot.
