Craving a sandwich that’s bold, gooey, sweet, and savory all at once? Look no further than the Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich. This mouthwatering mash-up of juicy brisket, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy waffles, all drizzled in smoky-sweet bourbon-maple sauce, is the ultimate indulgent comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that turns heads—and leaves your taste buds begging for more.
Blending Southern barbecue vibes with brunch-style flair, the Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a trendy take on the classic grilled cheese. With waffles replacing the bread and a sauce that adds a unique kick, this sandwich is a viral-worthy sensation you can easily recreate at home.
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich Recipe
- Sweet and savory fusion: The bourbon-maple glaze takes it over the top.
- Perfect for leftover brisket: A clever and delicious way to repurpose.
- Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with protein and melty cheese.
- Great for brunch or dinner: It fits right in with comfort food or a special weekend meal.
- Instagram-worthy: Golden waffles and gooey cheese make this a visual stunner.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
For the Wafflewich:
- 2 Belgian-style waffles (homemade or frozen)
- 1½ cups cooked beef brisket, shredded
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
For the Bourbon-Maple Glaze:
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Substitutions:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free waffles and ensure your brisket seasoning is gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer over low heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Warm the brisket: Heat your shredded brisket in a skillet or microwave until hot.
- Toast the waffles: Toast waffles until golden and crispy to give structure to the sandwich.
- Assemble: Place one waffle on a flat surface. Layer cheddar, brisket, bourbon-maple glaze, more cheese, then top with the second waffle.
- Grill the sandwich: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Grill the sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until cheese is melted and the outside is crispy.
- Serve: Slice in half, drizzle with extra glaze, and enjoy hot!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy twist: Add pickled jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce to the brisket layer.
- Breakfast version: Add a fried egg for a brunch-ready wafflewich.
- Cheese swap: Try gouda or pepper jack for a different cheesy flair.
- Vegetarian option: Use pulled jackfruit and plant-based cheese with the same glaze for a meatless version.
How to Store & Reheat
- To store: Wrap cooled wafflewiches tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Toast in a pan over medium heat until warmed through and crispy, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Avoid the microwave to preserve the crispiness.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into bold beefy flavor combos and comfort food classics with a twist, you’ll love exploring more recipes like this Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich. Here are some equally irresistible dishes to try next:
- Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef – A creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with rich ground beef and garlicky goodness.
- Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef – A savory skillet dish packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a hint of ranch that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes – Juicy, caramelized onion-flavored sloppy joes with a gourmet twist on the classic sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought brisket?
Yes! Pre-cooked or deli brisket works great and cuts down on prep time.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prepare all components ahead and assemble just before grilling for the best texture.
What kind of waffles should I use?
Belgian-style waffles are ideal because they’re thick and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, though you may want to skip the bourbon or use a non-alcoholic alternative for a kid-friendly glaze.
Can I freeze the wafflewich?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before grilling. Thaw, then grill as instructed.
Whether you’re craving a bold brunch, a weekend splurge, or just want to impress your guests with something unforgettable, the Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich delivers. Sweet, savory, crispy, and cheesy—it’s everything you didn’t know you needed in one jaw-dropping bite.
Give this wafflewich a try, share your version on social media, and don’t forget to tag us! For more comfort food mashups and creative sandwich recipes, follow our blog and subscribe for updates!
Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
Ingredients
- 2 Belgian-style waffles
- 1½ cups cooked beef brisket shredded
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Bourbon-Maple Glaze:
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, garlic powder, and salt over low heat for 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
- Heat the shredded brisket until warmed through.
- Toast waffles until golden and crispy.
- Place one waffle on a surface. Layer with 2 slices of cheese, brisket, a drizzle of glaze, 2 more slices of cheese, then the second waffle.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwich and press gently. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
- Slice and serve hot, with extra glaze if desired.