Sizzling Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Unleashed

Melted cheese meets Mexican tradition in this mouthwatering birria grilled cheese that promises an explosion of flavor.

Crispy tortillas cradle tender, spice-infused beef dripping with rich consommé.

Shredded beef packed with robust chili and aromatic spices creates a decadent filling between golden-brown bread.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of crispy exterior and succulent interior.

The sandwich combines comfort food with vibrant Mexican street food inspiration.

Sharp cheddar and queso blend seamlessly with tender meat, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Why Birria Grilled Cheese Is the Ultimate Melt

• Transform classic grilled cheese into a gourmet experience by adding rich, spicy birria meat for an unforgettable flavor explosion.
• Whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes with simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Blend traditional Mexican birria with beloved American grilled cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Enjoy the interactive dining experience of dipping crispy, cheesy sandwiches into warm, flavorful consommé, making mealtime fun and engaging.

Everything for Birria Grilled Cheese Goodness

• Sourdough Bread: A tangy, robust bread that provides a sturdy base for the grilled cheese sandwich.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A bold and flavorful cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness to the sandwich.
• Butter: Softened butter helps create a golden, crispy exterior for the bread.

• Birria Meat: Tender, slow-cooked Mexican beef or goat meat that brings deep, spicy flavors to the grilled cheese.
• Birria Consommé: A rich, flavorful broth that serves as a dipping sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro Leaves, White Onion: Adds a fresh, bright finish and provides a crisp contrast to the rich sandwich.

Gear for Cheesy Birria Grilled Sandwiches

• Box Grater: Perfect for shredding sharp cheddar cheese with large holes.
• Griddle or Large Nonstick Skillet: Essential for toasting and melting the grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for warming the birria consommé to a low simmer.
• Cutting Board: Helps slice the sandwiches cleanly in half.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting the sandwiches and optional garnish preparation.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Useful for buttering bread slices accurately.
• Small Bowls: Used for serving and presenting the warm consommé.

How to Make a Flavor-Packed Birria Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Soften The Butter And Prepare Cheese

Let butter sit out until it reaches room temperature for easy spreading.

Grab a box grater and shred sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes, creating fluffy cheese shreds.

Step 2: Build Delicious Sandwich Layers

Warm a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Spread softened butter generously on one side of each sourdough bread slice.

Place bread butter-side down on the cooking surface.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Tender birria meat

Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.

Step 3: Grill To Golden Perfection

Cook sandwiches until cheese melts completely and bread turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Expect about 3-4 minutes per side.

Adjust heat if bread browns too quickly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Heat Savory Consommé

While sandwiches sizzle, warm birria consommé in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer grilled sandwiches to a cutting board.

Slice each sandwich diagonally.

Pour warm consommé into small serving bowls.

Optional garnishes include fresh cilantro leaves and diced white onion.

Serve consommé alongside sandwiches for delightful dipping.

Pro Tips for Crispy, Juicy Birria Sandwiches

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for easy spreading and perfect golden-brown bread.
• Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for maximum melting and flavor intensity compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust skillet temperature to medium-low to prevent burning and ensure even, crispy golden-brown bread.
• Warm consommé beforehand to enhance sandwich-dipping experience and maintain ideal temperature.
• Wrap grilled cheese separately from consommé and refrigerate, reheating bread in a skillet to maintain crispness.

Birria Grilled Cheese Variations to Try Next

• Vegetarian Birria Swap: Replace birria meat with roasted portobello mushrooms or jackfruit, marinating them in traditional birria spices for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or corn tortillas instead of sourdough, keeping the same cheesy, crispy texture.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce inside the grilled cheese for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Alternative

The Best Ways to Serve Birria Grilled Cheese

• Dip-Tastic Dunk Station: Create a vibrant side of warm birria consommé with fresh cilantro and diced white onions for an authentic, flavor-packed dipping experience.
• Spice Kick Companion: Serve with pickled jalapeños or hot sauce on the side to add an extra zesty punch for heat lovers who want to elevate their grilled cheese adventure.
• Fresh Crunch Pairing: Complement the rich sandwich with a light, crisp cabbage slaw or quick pickled vegetables to balance the hearty, melty texture of the birria grilled cheese.
• Mexican Street Food Spread: Arrange the sandwiches with small bowls of consommé, garnish with lime wedges, and add a sprinkle of chopped onions for a casual, authentic presentation that feels like a street food feast.

How to Store Birria Grilled Cheese

• Store leftover birria grilled cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even warming. Add a damp paper towel to prevent bread from becoming tough.
• Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Gently place sandwich in the pan, covering with a lid to help cheese melt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and heated through.

FAQs

• What is birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican stew made with goat or beef meat, typically braised with chili peppers and spices until tender and flavorful. It originated in Jalisco, Mexico, and is known for its rich, spicy taste.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While sharp cheddar works great, you can experiment with monterey jack, oaxaca, or pepper jack cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the spicy birria meat.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. A griddle or large nonstick skillet, box grater, and basic kitchen tools are all you need to create these delicious birria grilled cheese sandwiches.

Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Cheesy birria grilled cheese blends Mexican and American comfort foods in a mouthwatering sandwich. Melted cheese, tender braised meat, and crispy tortillas create a rich, satisfying experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 slices sourdough sandwich bread
• 1 cup birria (drained of consomme)
• 6 ounces (170 grams) sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups shredded)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter

Serving Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) birria consomme
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• Diced white onion (optional)

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Instructions

1. Allow butter to reach room temperature for easy spreading. Grate sharp cheddar cheese using large box grater holes.
2. Preheat griddle or nonstick skillet to medium heat. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each sourdough bread slice.
3. Place bread slices butter-side down in skillet. Distribute shredded cheese and tender birria meat evenly across bread surfaces.
4. Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, keeping butter-side facing upward. Press gently to ensure even contact with skillet.
5. Grill sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to achieve golden-brown crispy exterior. Adjust heat if browning occurs too quickly.
6. Simultaneously warm birria consommé in small saucepan over low-medium heat, ensuring gentle simmering without boiling.
7. Once sandwiches reach desired golden color and cheese melts completely, transfer to cutting board. Slice diagonally into triangular halves.
8. Pour warm consommé into serving bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and finely diced white onion.
9. Serve grilled cheese immediately alongside consommé, encouraging guests to dip sandwiches into the rich, flavorful broth.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature for easy spreading, ensuring even coverage on bread without tearing delicate sourdough.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting potential and superior texture, avoiding pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
• Use low-medium heat when grilling to prevent burning, allowing cheese to melt slowly and bread to achieve golden-brown crispiness.
• Customize recipe for dietary needs by substituting sourdough with gluten-free bread and using dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg