How to Make the Perfect Birria Grilled Cheese
Mexican-American Fusion · Medium · 35 min · 2 servings
This TikTok sensation dips a loaded cheese sandwich into rich braised birria consomme before griddling it to create an impossibly crispy red-tinged crust. It is the ultimate comfort food crossover that combines two beloved classics into one glorious mess.
Why this recipe works
This Birria Grilled Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 680 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 slices thick sourdough bread
- 200 g leftover birria beef shredded
- 150 g Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup birria consomme for dipping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro and diced white onion mix
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Build the Sandwich
Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer half the shredded Oaxaca cheese, then the shredded birria beef mixed with cilantro and onion, then the remaining cheese. Top with the second slice of bread butter side facing out.
Step 2: Dip in Consomme
Pour the birria consomme into a shallow dish. Quickly dip the exterior of each assembled sandwich into the consomme for 2 to 3 seconds per side so the bread absorbs the rich red-orange fat that floats on top. Do not soak it or the bread will fall apart.
Step 3: Griddle to Crispy
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the dipped sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side pressing down gently with a spatula until each side is deeply crispy and the consomme has caramelized into a crackly crust.
Step 4: Serve with Consomme
Remove from heat and cut diagonally. Serve immediately alongside a small bowl of warmed consomme for dipping. The stretch of the Oaxaca cheese combined with the crispy consomme crust is what makes this recipe so incredibly satisfying to eat and film.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Oaxaca cheese → low-moisture mozzarella for the same stretchy pull with easier availability
- sourdough bread → thick-cut Texas toast for an even crispier more golden exterior
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Soaking the bread in consomme for too long which makes the bread soggy and causes it to fall apart in the pan before a crust can form
- Cooking on heat that is too high which burns the consomme crust before the cheese inside has fully melted
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 680 calories, 38g protein, 42g carbs, 38g fat, 3g fiber.
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