Description: This isn’t your grandma’s grilled cheese! We’re taking the classic comfort food to the next level with a slow-cooked, bourbon-maple glazed brisket, nestled between layers of melty cheddar, all sandwiched between two crispy, golden waffles. It’s a sweet, savory, and undeniably indulgent masterpiece that will redefine your perception of sandwiches. Prepare for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
- For the Bourbon-Maple Brisket:
- 1 lb Beef Brisket, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup Bourbon (choose a mid-range bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel)
- 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark Amber or Grade B for a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup Water (if needed, to prevent burning in the slow cooker)
- For the Grilled Cheese:
- 8 slices Bread (Sourdough, Texas Toast, or Brioche work best)
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- 4 tablespoons Butter, softened (for spreading on the bread)
- For the Wafflewich:
- 4 Waffles (Frozen or Homemade, your choice! Buttermilk or Belgian waffles are recommended)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket (Day Before or Morning Of) Begin by trimming any excessive fat from the brisket. Fat is flavor, but too much can make the final product greasy. In a large bowl, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your bourbon-maple glaze. Place the brisket in a resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid, and pour the bourbon-maple glaze over it. Make sure the brisket is fully coated. Marinate the brisket in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Brisket Remove the brisket from the marinade and place it in a slow cooker (Crock-Pot). Pour the remaining marinade over the brisket. If the brisket isn’t fully submerged in liquid, add 1/4 cup of water to the slow cooker. This helps prevent the brisket from drying out during the long cooking process. Cook the brisket on low heat for 8 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily shreds. The internal temperature of the brisket should reach around 203°F (95°C).
Step 3: Shred the Brisket Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful brisket. Use two forks to shred the brisket into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to remove any large pieces of fat that didn’t render down during cooking. Reserve the bourbon-maple cooking liquid from the slow cooker. You can simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes to reduce it into a thicker, more concentrated sauce. This sauce can be drizzled over the shredded brisket for added flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Butter one side of each slice of bread with softened butter. This will ensure that the bread gets golden brown and crispy in the skillet. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Top each slice with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by half of the shredded bourbon-maple brisket. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Step 5: Grill the Cheese Sandwiches Cook the grilled cheese sandwiches for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches as they cook. This helps the cheese melt evenly and ensures that the bread gets nice and crispy. 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 or your homemade recipe. You can use a toaster, waffle iron, or even a skillet to heat the waffles. The goal is to get them warm and slightly crispy.
Step 7: Assemble the Wafflewich Now comes the fun part! To assemble the wafflewiches, place one grilled cheese sandwich between two warm waffles. Press down gently to compress the wafflewich slightly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! Cut the Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich in half and serve immediately. Be prepared for a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet maple, smoky bourbon, savory brisket, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible.
- Comfort Food Elevated: It’s a nostalgic grilled cheese but dressed to the nines.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the amount of bourbon and maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Impressive yet Approachable: This recipe looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Great for Leftovers: Any leftover brisket can be used in tacos, salads, or other dishes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a classic barbecue feel.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the wafflewich.
- Offer a side of pickles or pickled onions for a tangy contrast.
- A simple tomato soup would also complement this dish perfectly.
- For a truly decadent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Brisket: Overcooked brisket can become dry and tough. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 203°F (95°C).
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the final product. Choose a good quality bourbon, pure maple syrup, and flavorful cheddar cheese.
- Toast the Waffles: Toasting the waffles before assembling the wafflewich will prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Pepper Jack, to add different flavor profiles to the grilled cheese.
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bourbon-maple glaze or use Pepper Jack cheese in the grilled cheese.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) + 15 minutes (grilling) Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving) Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 850-1000
- Protein: 45-55g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg
Conclusion: The Bourbon-Maple Brisket Grilled Cheese Wafflewich is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a unique brunch dish, a satisfying lunch, or a decadent dinner, this wafflewich is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will redefine your definition of comfort food. Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of meat instead of brisket? A: While brisket is the ideal cut for this recipe due to its rich flavor and ability to become incredibly tender during slow cooking, you could potentially substitute it with a chuck roast. However, be aware that chuck roast might not shred as easily as brisket and may have a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fork-tender. Avoid leaner cuts of meat like sirloin, as they will likely dry out during the slow cooking process.
Q2: I don’t drink alcohol. Can I substitute something for the bourbon? A: Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with non-alcoholic bourbon extract (use sparingly, as it’s concentrated) or a combination of apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract. The apple juice provides a similar sweetness and acidity to bourbon, while the vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note. Another option is to use a dark, strong-brewed coffee for a different, but complementary, flavor profile. The key is to replace the bourbon with a liquid that contributes both flavor and moisture to the brisket.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this recipe is actually perfect for making ahead! The brisket can be slow-cooked and shredded a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld together even more when the brisket sits overnight. When you’re ready to assemble the wafflewiches, simply reheat the brisket in a skillet or microwave. You can also prepare the grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the wafflewiches just before serving to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy.
Q4: I don’t have a slow cooker. Can I cook the brisket in the oven? A: Yes, you can definitely cook the brisket in the oven if you don’t have a slow cooker. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the brisket in a Dutch oven or a large oven-safe pot with a lid. Pour the bourbon-maple glaze over the brisket, making sure it’s well coated. Cover the pot tightly with the lid and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. Check the brisket periodically to ensure it’s not drying out. Add a little water or beef broth if needed.
Q5: What kind of waffles work best for this recipe? A: While you can use any type of waffle for this recipe, some varieties work better than others. Buttermilk waffles are a classic choice, as they have a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and the richness of the brisket. Belgian waffles are another great option, as their deep pockets hold the melted cheese and brisket filling well. Avoid using thin, flimsy waffles, as they may not be sturdy enough to support the weight of the grilled cheese sandwich. Homemade waffles are always a winner, but store-bought waffles work just fine in a pinch. Just be sure to toast them before assembling the wafflewich to prevent them from becoming soggy.
