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A cheesy Birria Grilled Cheese sandwich, cut in half and held over a bowl of consommé for dipping, with a fire in the background.

Spicy Birria Grilled Cheese with Consomé Dip

A decadent fusion of crispy, cheesy grilled cheese and rich, savory birria de res, perfect for dipping in its flavorful consomé. This ultimate comfort food elevates classic grilled cheese to a gourmet experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

For the Birria Grilled Cheese
  • 1.5 cups Birria de Res shredded, pre-cooked (with some rendered fat for flavor)
  • 1 cup Birria Consomé from the birria cooking process, for dipping
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter softened
  • 4 slices Thick-Cut Sourdough Bread
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack Cheese freshly shredded
  • 4 oz Oaxaca Cheese freshly shredded or broken into strands (or provolone/mozzarella mix)
  • 2 tbsp Red Onion finely diced (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Cilantro chopped (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
  • 2 Lime Wedges
  • 1 tbsp Extra Chopped Cilantro

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Gently reheat the shredded birria de res in a small pan over medium-low heat until warm. In a separate small saucepan, heat the birria consomé until it's simmering. Keep both warm while you prepare the sandwiches.
  2. Lay the four slices of sourdough bread on a clean work surface. Generously butter one side of each slice. This buttered side will be the outside of your grilled cheese sandwich, creating a golden, crispy crust.
  3. Flip two slices of bread so the unbuttered side is facing up. On one of these slices, layer half of the Monterey Jack cheese, followed by half of the Oaxaca cheese. This creates a good cheese base.
  4. Evenly spread half of the warm shredded birria over the cheese layer. If desired, sprinkle half of the finely diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro over the birria for added flavor and texture.
  5. Cover the birria layer with the remaining half of the Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheeses for the first sandwich. Place the second unbuttered bread slice on top, ensuring the buttered side is facing up. Repeat the assembly process for the second sandwich.
  6. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Maintaining a lower heat is crucial for ensuring the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
  7. Carefully place the assembled birria grilled cheese sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bread is a beautiful golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
  8. Once cooked, remove the birria grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute to allow the cheese to set slightly, then slice them in half diagonally. Serve immediately with the warm birria consomé for dipping, along with lime wedges and a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro.

Notes

This recipe assumes you have pre-made birria de res and consomé. You can often find ready-made birria at Mexican markets or restaurants, or prepare it from scratch a day ahead for convenience. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses, such as provolone, sharp cheddar, or even a blend of three. For extra crispy cheese edges, let some cheese spill out onto the hot skillet during cooking – it will caramelize into delicious frico!