Description: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich. Tender, slow-cooked brisket infused with the rich flavors of bourbon and maple syrup, sandwiched between layers of gooey cheddar cheese and crispy grilled bread, all nestled between two golden-brown waffles. This decadent creation is a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef brisket, preferably a flat cut for even cooking
- 1 cup good quality bourbon (such as Kentucky bourbon)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber or Grade B for a richer flavor)
- 8 slices of good quality bread, such as sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Gruyere for a more complex flavor)
- 4 frozen waffles, preferably buttermilk or Belgian-style for extra fluffiness
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Preparation:
This recipe requires a little bit of pre-planning, as the brisket needs to be slow-cooked for optimal tenderness and flavor. Don’t be intimidated though; the hands-on time is minimal, and the results are well worth the effort.
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Thoroughly rinse the brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat, leaving a thin layer to render and add flavor during cooking. In a large bowl, combine the bourbon and maple syrup. Stir until well mixed. Place the brisket in a slow cooker (6-quart or larger works best) and pour the bourbon-maple mixture over the top, ensuring the brisket is fully submerged. If necessary, add a little water or beef broth to cover.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Brisket
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender and easily shreds. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the brisket and the power of your slow cooker, so check for tenderness after 8 hours. The brisket is ready when it pulls apart easily with two forks.
Step 3: Shred the Brisket
Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making it easier to shred. Using two forks, shred the brisket against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or connective tissue. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the bourbon-maple cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
Step 4: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Place four slices of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Top each slice with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup per sandwich). Add a generous portion of the shredded bourbon-maple brisket on top of the cheese (about 1/4 lb per sandwich). Drizzle a teaspoon of the reserved bourbon-maple cooking liquid over the brisket for added flavor and moisture. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Step 5: Cook the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Cook the grilled cheese sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently flip the sandwiches and press down on them lightly to ensure even cooking. Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Waffles
While the grilled cheese sandwiches are cooking, prepare the waffles according to package instructions. You can use a toaster, waffle iron, or oven to heat the waffles. The waffles should be warm and slightly crispy.
Step 7: Assemble the Wafflewiches
To assemble the wafflewiches, place one grilled cheese sandwich between two warm waffles. Press down gently to compress the wafflewich slightly. Cut the wafflewich in half and serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The tender, smoky brisket, infused with the sweetness of maple syrup and the warmth of bourbon, complements the sharp cheddar cheese perfectly. The crispy grilled bread adds a satisfying crunch, while the fluffy waffles provide a unique and unexpected twist. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a casual dinner, or a special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic barbecue-inspired meal.
- Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying lunch.
- Serve it with a side of sweet potato fries for a sweet and savory combination.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard, to enhance the flavor.
- For a lighter meal, serve the wafflewich with a side salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bourbon-maple mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the brisket in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4-5 hours, or until tender.
- To save time, you can buy pre-cooked brisket and simply reheat it with the bourbon-maple mixture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the brisket with pulled jackfruit or smoked tofu.
- If you want to make the wafflewiches ahead of time, you can assemble them and then reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through.
- Consider using different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or Gouda, to experiment with different flavor combinations.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 hours (slow cooker) + 15 minutes (grilled cheese) + 5 minutes (waffles)
Total Time:
8 hours 40 minutes – 10 hours 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 800-1000 calories per wafflewich Protein: Approximately 40-50 grams per wafflewich Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams per wafflewich
Conclusion
The Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is a truly unforgettable culinary creation. It’s a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of comfort food with a unique and exciting twist. With its tender, flavorful brisket, gooey cheese, crispy bread, and fluffy waffles, this wafflewich is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to experience a taste sensation like no other.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of brisket? While brisket is the star of this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of meat. Pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even smoked sausage would all be delicious substitutes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly. For example, if using chicken, you might want to add some smoked paprika or garlic powder to the bourbon-maple mixture.
- Can I make this recipe without bourbon? Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe without bourbon. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with beef broth or apple cider. You may also want to add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to mimic the tanginess of the bourbon. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Can I use homemade waffles instead of store-bought? Definitely! Homemade waffles would be a wonderful addition to this recipe. If you have a favorite waffle recipe, feel free to use it. Just be sure to cook the waffles until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. You can also experiment with different waffle flavors, such as cinnamon, chocolate chip, or even savory herbs.
- Can I freeze the leftover brisket? Yes, you can freeze the leftover brisket for future use. Allow the brisket to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the brisket in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? While this recipe is definitely indulgent, there are a few ways you can make it healthier. Use whole-wheat bread, reduce the amount of cheese, and use lean brisket. You can also add some vegetables, such as sliced tomatoes or spinach, to the grilled cheese sandwiches. And instead of using butter to grill the sandwiches, you can use a non-stick cooking spray.
