Appetizer Lunch

Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas

Name: Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded; 3 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced; 8-10 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 cups water; 2-3 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 tablespoons Mexican oregano; 2 tablespoons ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon sea salt; 2 cinnamon sticks; 2 bay leaves; 5-6 beef short ribs; 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder; Canola oil, as needed for searing; 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Thick-cut sliced bread; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon lime juice

Irene Adkins December 25, 2024

Servings: 4 Total Time: 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Looking to elevate your birria grilled cheese experience? You might want to consider pairing it with a few delightful options. Let’s talk about drinks first.

A cold, refreshing cucumber lemonade offers a tangy punch that goes beautifully with the richness of the sandwich. Prefer something a little stronger? A crisp lager beer can balance out the flavors perfectly.

What about sides? A side of zesty Mexican street corn adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. A fresh tomato salsa with cilantro and lime works wonders to cut through the cheese’s creaminess.

And let’s not forget a simple avocado salad, which provides a silky texture in every bite. Now, let’s dive deeper into birria grilled cheese.

What is Birria Grilled Cheese?

At its core, birria grilled cheese combines two delicious worlds: the traditional Mexican birria—a savory stew typically made with tender, slow-cooked beef—and the classic grilled cheese sandwich we all know and love.

The magic happens when birria meets cheese between two slices of bread, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. This dish pays homage to both cultures while bringing new life to beloved ingredients.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Imagine biting into a grilled cheese that bursts with flavor. The beef is seasoned with a blend of smoky spices, including chipotle and cumin, giving it a deep, rich character that’s oh-so-comforting. The cheese?

It’s creamy and melty, often utilizing Monterey Jack and sometimes pepper jack for an extra kick. The bread, crispy on the outside, holds everything together without losing its structure. It’s a dance of savory, spicy, and creamy all at once, making every bite memorable.

What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Birria Grilled Cheese?

So, you’re probably wondering what sets this recipe apart from the myriad of other grilled cheese variations out there. It goes beyond just slapping some cheese on meat.

This recipe emphasizes patience and technique, allowing the beef to absorb all the spices during a slow braise. Instead of a simple melt, we’ve crafted a luscious cheese filling that’s infused with flavors from the birria.

By using homemade birria, the taste intensifies, creating a delightful harmony between the cheesy goodness and the aromatic beef stew. Plus, let’s not forget the inclusion of fresh toppings like chopped cilantro and red onions that bring freshness to the rich flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delicious birria grilled cheese, gather the following ingredients:

For the Birria:

Chiles:

3 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
¼ cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
½ white onion, thinly sliced
8-10 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups water (or beef broth for richer flavor)

For Braising and Seasoning:

2-3 cups beef broth (or more if desired)
1 ½ tablespoons Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt (or adjust to taste)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bay leaves

For the Beef:

5-6 beef short ribs
1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
1 ½ tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
Canola oil as needed for searing

For the Grilled Cheese:

3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for spice)
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Thick-cut slices of bread (sourdough or rustic bread works well)

For Additional Flavor Enhancements:

1 tablespoon smoked paprika (to complement the chiles)
1 tablespoon lime juice (for a zesty finish)

Step by Step Directions

Let’s break this down into manageable steps.

Step 1: Preparing the Birria

Start by rehydrating the dried chiles. Place the ancho and guajillo chiles in a pot of hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they soften. Once ready, blend them in a blender with the chipotle peppers, sliced onion, garlic cloves, and 2 cups of water (or beef broth). Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant red sauce.

Step 2: Braising the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some canola oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear each side until browned. This step locks in moisture and flavor. Remove the beef from the pot once browned.

Pour the chile sauce into the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add the seared beef back to the pot along with the beef broth, oregano, pepper, salt, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the beef to cook for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s super tender and falling apart.

Step 3: Shredding the Beef

Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef with two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Strain the remaining liquid if you wish for a cleaner broth, retaining some for dipping later.

Step 4: Assembling the Sandwich

Now it’s time for the fun part. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of your chosen bread and place it butter-side down in the skillet. On the unbuttered side, layer a generous amount of shredded beef followed by a heap of cheese. Sprinkle red onion and cilantro on top. If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered-side up.

Step 5: Grilling the Sandwich

Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip it over and grill the other side until the cheese melts completely and the outside is equally golden. Feel free to press down with a spatula to help it along.

Step 6: Serving it Up

Once your birria grilled cheese is ready, remove it from the skillet. Cut it in half and serve it warm, perhaps with a side of the rich braising liquid for dipping. You can also top it with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an added zing.

Tips on Making Birria Grilled Cheese

Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality beef short ribs and cheese. It makes a noticeable difference.
Don’t Rush the Braise: Patience is key. Low and slow cooking allows for maximum flavor extraction.
Crispy Bread: Use thick, sturdy bread to contain the cheese and fillings without falling apart.
Customize Fillings: Feel free to add extra ingredients like avocado or even roasted peppers for added flavor.
Grill It Right: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to create a crispy crust without burning the bread.

Nutrition Information

Creating delicious food does not have to come at the expense of health. However, birria grilled cheese is generally considered a richer dish. A typical serving might have:

Calories: 600-800 (depending on the amount of cheese and beef)
Protein: 35-45g
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Fat: 30-40g

Use leaner cuts of beef and whole-grain bread for a marginally healthier version.

How Can I Store This Birria Grilled Cheese?

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s a rare occurrence!), storing them is easy. Place the unassembled components (beef and cheese) separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

If you’ve assembled the sandwich, it’s best consumed right away. However, you can still store it in the fridge, wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container for up to two days. When reheating, a skillet works wonders for getting that crispiness back.

Substitute Options for Ingredients

Sometimes grocery runs don’t go as planned, right? Here are some substitutions you can try if you lack any specific ingredients:

Beef Short Ribs: Chuck roast can be a great substitute, providing similar flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Cheddar cheese or Oaxaca cheese are excellent alternatives, offering different flavor profiles yet maintaining that gooey factor.
Chipotle Peppers: Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can work for a lesser spice kick, but do adjust to taste.
Thick-cut Bread: Bagels or pita bread are unconventional options but can create a fun, portable sandwich alternative.

Conclusion

Birria grilled cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. It brings together a beautiful fusion of cultures, flavors, and comfort. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or a summer gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With each bite, you’ll appreciate the tender beef, melty cheese, and crispy bread, creating a satisfying meal that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a shot, and enjoy the thrill of bringing two classic favorites into one irresistible dish.

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Birria Grilled Cheese Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas

Author: Irene Adkins Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer, Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 600 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

In a world where comfort food reigns supreme, finding the perfect balance between savory and cheesy is like striking gold. When I stumbled upon birria grilled cheese, I knew I had found a dish that would not just fill my belly but also ignite my taste buds.

Picture this: hot, tender beef nestled between gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between thick slices of crispy bread. It’s a culinary masterpiece born from the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine, now infused with the beloved concept of grilled cheese. Buckle up for a mouthwatering journey through the flavors and techniques that make this dish a standout.