This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a bold, savory-sweet sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. With tender brisket, melted cheese, crispy waffles, and a drizzle of bourbon-maple glaze, it’s a rich and indulgent twist on the classic grilled cheese. It’s comfort food with a gourmet edge, and I can’t get enough of it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this sandwich blends smoky, sweet, and cheesy all in one glorious bite. The waffles give it an unexpected crunch and make it even more satisfying than traditional bread. It’s perfect for using up leftover brisket, and the bourbon-maple glaze adds just the right amount of kick and sweetness to balance the richness. It feels like a diner-worthy meal I can whip up right in my own kitchen.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Wafflewich:
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Cooked brisket, sliced or shredded
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Cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice), sliced or shredded
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Waffles (homemade or store-bought)
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Butter, for grilling
For the Bourbon-Maple Glaze:
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Maple syrup
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Bourbon
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Dijon mustard
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Brown sugar
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Salt
directions
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I start by making the glaze: in a small saucepan, I combine maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. I simmer it gently over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. I let it cool while I prepare the sandwich.
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I warm the brisket gently in a pan or microwave if it’s been refrigerated.
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I toast or cook the waffles if they’re not already warm and crisp.
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I place one waffle on a cutting board and layer it with cheese, brisket, and a generous drizzle of bourbon-maple glaze. I top it with another slice of cheese and finish with a second waffle.
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I heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and butter the outside of the wafflewich lightly.
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I grill the sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the cheese is melted and the waffles are golden and crisp.
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I let it sit for a minute before slicing and serving hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 hearty wafflewiches. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in around 20 minutes—faster if I have leftover brisket and waffles on hand.
Variations
I like to experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Sometimes I add pickled onions or jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a breakfast-style version, I’ll add a fried egg inside. And if I don’t have brisket, pulled pork or shredded rotisserie chicken works great too.
storage/reheating
This sandwich is best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or air fryer to crisp up the waffles again—microwaving makes them soggy, so I avoid it if I can.
FAQs
Can I use frozen waffles?
Yes, I often use frozen waffles when I’m short on time. I just toast them until crisp before assembling the sandwich.
What kind of brisket works best?
Leftover smoked or braised brisket works beautifully. I like it sliced thin or shredded so it melts into the cheese nicely.
Is the bourbon flavor strong?
It’s noticeable but mellow, especially once it’s cooked down. I adjust the amount to taste and sometimes cook it a bit longer to burn off more alcohol.
Can I make this without bourbon?
Absolutely. I’ve used just maple syrup, brown sugar, and mustard for a non-alcoholic version, and it’s still delicious.
What sides go well with this sandwich?
I usually serve it with fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
Conclusion
This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is the kind of sandwich I dream about—crispy, gooey, sweet, and savory all at once. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating myself to something over-the-top and delicious. Whether I make it with leftovers or from scratch, it’s always a winner in my kitchen.
Print
Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a bold twist on a classic sandwich, combining tender brisket, melted cheese, crispy waffles, and a rich bourbon-maple glaze for a savory-sweet indulgence that’s comfort food with flair.
Ingredients
- 1–1.5 cups cooked brisket, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese), sliced or shredded
- 4 waffles (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp butter, for grilling
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.
- Warm the brisket gently in a pan or microwave.
- Toast or warm the waffles if not already crisp.
- Place one waffle on a surface and layer with cheese, brisket, and a drizzle of bourbon-maple glaze. Add another layer of cheese and top with a second waffle.
- Butter the outsides of the sandwich.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and grill the wafflewich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently until the cheese is melted and waffles are golden.
- Let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Try different cheeses like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
- Add pickled onions or jalapeños for extra kick.
- A fried egg turns it into a breakfast-style sandwich.
- Pulled pork or rotisserie chicken are great brisket substitutes.
- Best reheated in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
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