Ever wished you could combine the simple joy of a grilled cheese with the heartiness of a burrito? Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown tortilla, revealing layers of melted cheese with a satisfying, stretchy pull, and maybe even a surprise filling or two! This Grilled Cheese Burrito recipe will become your new go-to for a quick and delicious meal, I promise you’ll love it!
Ingredients
For the Grilled Cheese Burrito:
- 2 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- Optional fillings: cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, jalapenos
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Let’s Talk Cheese (and Tortillas!)
Okay, friend, let’s get real about cheese. The key to an amazing Grilled Cheese Burrito is a good cheese blend. I’m a huge fan of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you can totally customize this! Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, Pepper Jack kicks up the heat, or even a sprinkle of Gruyere for a fancy touch. Don’t be afraid to experiment! This is your burrito, after all. For an extra kick, consider adding a bit of crumbled queso fresco. Finding the right cheese blend can make this one of the fun and easy dinner recipes everyone will enjoy.
And what about the tortilla? Go for burrito-size flour tortillas – the bigger, the better! They’re easier to fold and hold all that cheesy goodness. I usually opt for the ones labeled “fajita size,” but really any large, soft flour tortilla will do. If you want to get creative, you can even use flavored tortillas like spinach or tomato. Corn tortillas are also a choice for those looking for gluten-free Birria Tacos, but they are harder to work with in this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting Started:
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over half of the tortilla, leaving a border around the edge.
- If using, add your desired fillings on top of the cheese. Don’t overfill! A little goes a long way.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half.
Grilling Time:
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Carefully place the folded tortilla in the skillet.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Remove from skillet and let cool slightly before cutting in half or enjoying whole.
- Repeat with the remaining tortilla and butter.
Level Up Your Grilled Cheese Burrito Game
Alright, so you’ve mastered the basic Grilled Cheese Burrito. Now, let’s take it to the next level! One of my favorite ways to elevate this recipe is by adding a layer of pesto inside. The herbaceous flavor of the pesto complements the cheese perfectly. Another trick? A thin spread of cream cheese before adding the shredded cheese. It creates a super creamy, melty interior. You can also brush the outside of the tortilla with garlic butter before grilling for an extra layer of flavor. Making these little tweaks turns it into one of the best quick recipes. For an extra cheesy experience, you could even add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the outside before grilling. This creates a crispy, savory crust that’s simply divine. These are also some yummy lunch ideas for kids, especially if you let them pick their favorite fillings!
Troubleshooting Tips for the Perfect Burrito
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, things can go a little sideways in the kitchen. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
- Burrito not browning evenly? Make sure your skillet is evenly heated. If you’re using a gas stove, rotate the skillet occasionally to ensure even browning. You can also gently press down on the burrito with a spatula to ensure good contact with the pan.
- Cheese not melting completely? Lower the heat slightly and cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two. The trapped heat will help melt the cheese without burning the tortilla.
- Tortilla tearing when folding? Warm the tortilla slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it more pliable. Be careful not to overheat it, or it will become brittle.
- Fillings spilling out? Don’t overfill the burrito! It’s tempting to pile on the fillings, but too much will make it difficult to fold and grill without making a mess. If this happens to you, just carefully push the fillings back in with a spoon or fork.
Make It a Meal!
A Grilled Cheese Burrito is fantastic on its own, but why not make it a complete meal? Serve it with a side of your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to add some freshness and balance out the richness of the cheese. For a heartier meal, pair it with a bowl of tomato soup or a side of Mexican rice and beans. This is one of those easy 2 people meals that you can whip up in minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. If you are feeling fancy, serve it with a side of elote (Mexican street corn).
Variations to Keep Things Interesting
The beauty of a Grilled Cheese Burrito is that it’s endlessly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, fillings, and toppings to create your own signature version! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy: Add sliced jalapenos, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese.
- Italian: Use mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese, and add sliced pepperoni or salami.
- Breakfast: Add scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Veggie: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- BBQ Chicken: Shredded chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of red onion.
Remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own! So, get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors and combinations. And don’t be afraid to share your creations with me – I’d love to hear what you come up with!
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Meal
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a satisfying snack, or a fun and customizable dinner, the Grilled Cheese Burrito is the perfect solution. It’s simple, versatile, and oh-so-delicious. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, gooey, and totally irresistible treat. Happy grilling!
What kind of cheese is recommended for the Grilled Cheese Burrito?
The recipe suggests a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, but encourages experimentation with other cheeses like mozzarella, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere.
What type of tortilla should I use?
Burrito-size flour tortillas are recommended for easy folding and holding the cheese. Fajita-size tortillas or other large, soft flour tortillas also work. Corn tortillas are not recommended.
What are some filling ideas for the Grilled Cheese Burrito?
Optional fillings include cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, and jalapenos. Pesto or cream cheese can also be added for an extra layer of flavor.
What can I serve with a Grilled Cheese Burrito to make it a complete meal?
The article suggests serving it with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. A simple salad, tomato soup, or Mexican rice and beans are also good options.
Irresistible Grilled Cheese Burrito
Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas burrito size
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- Optional: Cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, jalapenos
- Optional: Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping
Instructions
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over half of the tortilla, leaving a border around the edge.
- If using, add your desired fillings on top of the cheese. Don’t overfill!
- Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half.
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Carefully place the folded tortilla in the skillet.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove from skillet and let cool slightly before cutting in half or enjoying whole.
- Repeat with the remaining tortilla and butter.
