We were pulling into my sister’s driveway during our annual long-weekend road trip, hungry and tired, when the scent of barbecue from her kitchen drifted out. She’d been slow-cooking brisket all day and invited us to help finish it off.
I watched the meat shred effortlessly in her hands and thought about how much my own kids would love that sweet, tender flavor sandwiched between bread and waffles. So later, after unpacking and settling the kids in for a movie, I decided to test-run a crazy idea: mix leftover brisket with bourbon-maple glaze, melt cheese in a grilled sandwich, and press it between waffles for a handheld feast.
As I layered gooey cheddar and brisket on toasted country bread and melted it until the cheese bubbled, the kitchen filled with irresistible aromas. When I cut through it and the waffles gripped the cheesy edges, my husband declared it a ‘mythical breakfast-lunch hybrid’ he’d eat any day. By the morning, the waffles were gone, the brisket had vanished—and we already planned our next trip back.
Short Description
A sweet-and-savory treat: bourbon‑maple braised brisket, cheddar grilled cheese, and Belgian waffles combine into a rich, handheld wafflewich perfect for brunch or indulgent dinners.
Key Ingredients
For the Brisket:
- 450 g beef brisket
- 240 ml bourbon
- 120 ml pure maple syrup
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices country bread
- 225 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter for spreading
For Serving:
-
4 Belgian‑style waffles
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Large skillet or griddle
- Waffle iron or store‑bought waffles
- Two forks for shredding
- Butter knife and spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook Brisket
Place brisket in slow cooker. Pour bourbon and maple syrup over top. Cook on low for 8 hours until meat shreds easily.
Step 2: Shred Brisket
Remove brisket and shred with forks. Reserve juices if you’d like to moisten the filling later.
Step 3: Assemble Sandwiches
Butter one side of each bread slice. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place bread, buttered side down, layer with cheddar and shredded brisket, and top with another slice, buttered side up.
Step 4: Grill
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese melts. Flip carefully to brown both sides evenly. Repeat to make four sandwiches.
Step 5: Prepare Waffles
Warm waffles according to package instructions or until crisp and heated.
Step 6: Construct Wafflewich
Sandwich each grilled cheese between two waffles. Serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Sweet bourbon-maple and smoky brisket offset by melted cheddar and buttery waffles.
Comfort Food Upgrade: Familiar favorites, grilled cheese, brisket, waffles—combined in one fun stack.
Hands-On Fun: Great for brunch gatherings, game nights, or late-night comfort food runs.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Brisket can be cooked earlier in the day or a day ahead.
Crowd-Pleasing: A playful twist that surprises everyone, even picky eaters.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dry Brisket Filling: If brisket seems dry, stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking juices.
Burning Bread: Use medium heat and stay nearby while grilling.
Soggy Waffles: Toast waffles until just crisp—don’t leave them pale.
Too Much Filling: Overstuffed sandwiches won’t melt properly. Use even brisket portions.
Cold Pan Start: Let the skillet reach medium heat before adding sandwiches for even browning.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a simple fruit salad.
Pair with a spicy Bloody Mary, iced coffee, or a maple latte for brunch.
Great for buffet-style brunch or a casual weekend game day.
Cut into halves and serve on skewers for party appetizers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Keep brisket, sandwiches, and waffles separately in airtight containers up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp.
Make-Ahead: Prepare brisket up to a day ahead and reheat gently before assembling sandwiches.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, braise brisket on low in a covered Dutch oven at 300°F for 3–4 hours.
2. Can I skip the bourbon?
Substitute extra maple syrup and a splash of beef broth or apple juice for sweetness.
3. What cheese works besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack or gruyère also melt well and pair nicely.
4. Do waffles have to be Belgian-style?
Any thick, sturdy waffle works, just toast until crispy.
5. Can I use leftover brisket or pulled pork?
Yes, just omit the bourbon-maple step and add some sauce to warm it through.
Tips & Tricks
Press sandwiches lightly with a spatula mid-grill for even browning.
Add pickled red onions inside for acidity and crunch.
Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika into the brisket juice before soaking the meat.
Use day-old bread—it crisps better when buttered.
For an adult twist, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
Recipe Variations
BBQ Pulled Pork Wafflewich
Use pulled pork in place of brisket. Stir pork with 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce instead. Grill and assemble as directed.
Breakfast Wafflewich
Add a fried egg and crispy bacon strip into the wafflewich for a hearty brunch. Serve with syrup on the side.
Vegetarian Wafflewich
Replace brisket with shredded jackfruit simmered in bourbon-maple sauce. Follow same steps.
Spicy Maple-Sriracha Twist
Whisk 1 tablespoon Sriracha into maple sauce before cooking the brisket for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
This bourbon-maple brisket grilled cheese wafflewich turned out to be a hit and a little bit nuts, in the best possible way. The sweetness from the waffles, the savory sharpness of cheddar, and that melt-in-your-mouth brisket made it feel special without sending us to a fancy restaurant.
My children asked if it could be on regular menu rotation, and after that first bite, I agreed. It’s proof that everyday ingredients, a tiny bit of creativity, and a slow cooker can give you a meal that everyone remembers and begs for seconds.
Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
Ingredients
For the Brisket:
- 450 g beef brisket
- 240 ml bourbon
- 120 ml pure maple syrup
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices country bread
- 225 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter for spreading
For Serving:
- 4 Belgian‑style waffles
Instructions
- Add brisket to slow cooker. Pour in bourbon and maple syrup. Cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
- Remove and shred meat with forks. Save some juices if needed for moisture.
- Butter bread slices. In a skillet, layer cheddar and brisket between two slices, buttered sides out.
- Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until golden and melty.
- Warm waffles until crisp.
- Place each grilled cheese between two waffles. Serve hot.
