Indulge in the magical flavors of Disneyland with the Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. This iconic dish combines beef birria, rich cheese, and toasted bread for a symphony of taste. Transport yourself to a world of flavor where the joy of Disneyland meets the warmth of a comforting grilled cheese experience.
This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I get a small percentage back at no cost to you! For more information see my disclosure policy.
Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.
Get an Adult Tickets at Kids’ Prices at Disneyland this week + use the coupon code: PIXAR50 to save an additional $50 on a vacation package! Tap the yellow button below to check prices and see more Disneyland Deals from Get Away Today!
About the Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Where to Get It at Disneyland
Disneyland just added a mouthwatering delight to its Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe seasonal offerings menu. Meet the Birria Toasted Cheese Sandwich, a fusion of savory beef birria and melted pepper jack cheese hugged by two slices of golden-brown sourdough.
It’s a mix of tender beef slow-cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, then layered with tangy salsa verde and the creamy bite of pepper jack. This sandwich comes with a rich consommé soup for dipping, blending all the flavors in a symphony of taste, just like a beef quesabirria taco.
Imagine biting into this melty creation while surrounded by the enchantment of Disneyland – truly a memory to savor.
Key Takeaways:
- A new Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich is now available at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
- The sandwich features beef birria, pepper jack cheese, salsa verde, and consommé, creating a distinctive flavor combination.
- Guests can enjoy this delicious blend of ingredients within the magical ambience of Disneyland, elevating the experience.
Ingredients Needed for Birria Beef
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
You’ll need a chuck roast, about 4 to 5 pounds. This cut gets beautifully tender, falling apart just right. For the broth, grab 2 cups of beef broth to start and keep an extra cup handy—you might need it.
Now, the spices: 2 tablespoons of ancho chili powder bring a smoky depth, and that intoxicating scent we crave comes from a mix of smashed garlic cloves, about 6 to 8, and the same number of guajillo chiles, dried and seeded. You can usually find these chilies at your local grocery store.
Don’t forget the supporting cast. A white onion and a carrot, chopped, meld into the savory palette. They’re part of what makes the base so robust. Then, the whole aromatic ensemble: half a stick of cinnamon, a tablespoon of coarse kosher salt, one and a half teaspoons of cumin for its earthy punch, a teaspoon of ground coriander with its citrus touch, and a tablespoon of Mexican oregano for a peppery zing. I add three bay leaves for their subtle hint of spice, and three tablespoons of chicken bouillon intensify the umami.
In each bite, the chuck roast proves crucial, soaking up this symphony of flavors. When slow-cooked, it becomes irresistibly juicy, shred-ready meat that’s the heart of any good birria.
Ingredients for Birria Grilled Cheese
Gathering the right ingredients is key. You start with sourdough bread, known for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture. It holds up to all that cheesy goodness without getting soggy. The cheese is next—Pepper Jack. It’s spicy, it’s creamy, and it melts like a dream blanket over the beef birria.
Then there’s the beef birria. This rich, flavorful meat is the star of the show. It brings the zesty, succulent taste that makes this sandwich unforgettable. But we can’t forget the salsa verde—it adds a bright kick, turning up the heat and tying all the flavors together. Make your own with this this Authentic Salsa Verde Recipe!
Imagine that first bite. Everything comes together perfectly. To get that authentic Disneyland flavor, you commit to quality. It’s not just a grilled cheese; it’s a cheesy journey right in your kitchen.
How to Make Disneyland’s Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
[Step1] Start with a good chuck roast for that tender, juicy beef birria. Season the meat well with kosher salt to get all the flavors going. Next up, I sear each side in the Instant Pot until it’s nice and brown. Taking that roast out and cutting it into big chunks is key.
[Step 2] Then, the magic happens. Sauté the onions and carrots right in that same Instant Pot for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and spices, then cook for one more minute. Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the spices off the bottom of the pot. Then add the guajillo chilies, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
[Step 3] Place the chunks of beef back in, and let the pressure cooker do its thing on high for 40 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. A slow cooker works too if that’s what you have. You want that meat fork tender.
[Step 4] Remove the meat, peppers, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick from the consommé. Discard the peppers, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick and shred the meat with a fork. Use an immersion blender to combine the sauce ingredients, or remove and place in a counter-top blender. Return both the sauce and shredded beef to the Instant Pot.
[Step 5] For the Sandwiches: Mix the mayonnaise, garlic and salt in a small bowl then slather on one side of thick slices of sourdough. Trust me, it makes a difference.
[Step 6] Lay a slice of bread, buttered side down, on a hot cast iron skillet or electric griddle. Layer on a slice pepper jack cheese, a scoop of delicious birria meat, a spoonful of salsa verde, and another slice of cheese. Top it with bread, butter side out. You’ll know it’s time to flip when that bottom slice turns golden brown. When both sides are crispy and the cheese is melting – it’s sandwich perfection. And don’t forget to dip your delicious grilled cheese sandwiches in the consommé soup. Every bite takes me back to Disneyland!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
How to Store Leftover Shredded Beef Birria
I make sure to store my leftover beef birria right. Keeping it in an airtight container, I pop it in the fridge. It keeps up to three days this way. I want my birria to taste just like when I first made it. Using glass containers is a smart move. They help maintain the beef’s flavor without picking up new scents.
Freezing gives my birria an even longer life. It’ll stay good in the freezer for a couple of months. I always use a freezer-safe container or bag. This step keeps freezer burn away from my delicious leftover beef. When I’m ready for another Disneyland sandwich experience, I thaw it overnight in the fridge – it’s as simple as that!
You can have that Disneyland magic again with leftover birria. Just think about your next grilled cheese moment. Leftover birria should always be as good as day one, and proper storage is the secret. So, save some birria next time, store it well, and enjoy the cheesy delight once more!
Other Ways to Use Beef Birria
I can’t get enough of that beef birria from our Disneyland-inspired recipe. It’s not just for grilled cheese, you know. This savory, tender meat can bring a burst of flavor to so many dishes. Imagine spooning it over crispy fries or layering it in a taco with fresh cilantro and diced onions. That’s just the beginning.
Toss some birria with your morning eggs and wrap them in a warm tortilla for a breakfast burrito that really kicks off the day. Maybe you crave comfort; stir the beef into a rich and cheesy quesadilla. The options are endless and absolutely scrumptious.
Your weeknight pasta could use a shake-up too. Swirl beef birria into tomato sauce for a one-of-a-kind meaty spaghetti. Pair it with a simple salad, and dinner is a hit. Trust me, these twists will make you fall in love with beef birria all over again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, feel free to use Monterey Jack or cheddar if you prefer a milder taste. Pepper Jack adds a hint of heat, so pick cheese that suits your palate.
That’s not a problem at all. You can cook the beef slowly on the stovetop or use a slow cooker. Low and slow is the key for tender beef, aiming for around 8 hours in a slow cooker or 3-4 hours on low heat on the stove.
Start with a preheated pan over medium heat. That’s the secret to achieving that desired crunch. Cook slowly, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp up without burning. For the beef, slow cooking makes it fork tender, ready to melt in your mouth with each bite of this scrumptious sandwich.
Final Thoughts
I’ve just shared the secret to making Disneyland’s Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich, a recipe that’s sure to transport you to the happiest place on earth from your own kitchen. The combination of tender beef birria, oozing Pepper Jack cheese, and tangy salsa verde pressed between slices of golden sourdough is truly magical.
The lure of this sandwich is undeniable. It mingles nostalgia with bold, contemporary flavors, creating an experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or dreaming of future adventures, this sandwich lets you savor a taste of Disneyland on your terms.
I find joy in preparing this dish, each step filled with anticipation. When the savory aroma fills my home, it’s as if Main Street, U.S.A., has come to me. I encourage you to embark on this culinary journey, to feel the satisfaction of crafting something extraordinary. Let each bite be a delicious reminder of the magic within you.
More Recipes to Try:
- Toy Story Land Grilled Cheese
- Disneyland’s Cheesy Enchilada Soup
- Grinder Salad Sandwich
- Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
Did you try this recipe? Make sure to give it a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!
Disneyland's Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Indulge in the magical flavors of Disneyland with the Beef Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. This iconic dish combines succulent beef birria, rich cheese, and toasted bread for a symphony of taste. Savor the tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, embraced by melted cheese, all nestled between slices of golden-brown bread.
Ingredients
Beef Birria
- 1 (3-4 Pound) Chuck roast
- 2 Cups Beef Broth
- 2 Tablespoons Ancho Chili Powder
- 1 White Onion, sliced
- 6-8 Guajillo chilles, dried
- 6-8 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
- 1 Carrot, diced
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Tablespoon Mexican Oregano
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 3 Tablespoons Chicken Bouillon
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse Kosher Salt
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- 12 Slices Sourdough Bread
- 12 Slices Pepper Jack Cheese
- Salsa Verde
- 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Beef Birria Instructions
- Season the top, bottom and sides of the roast with Kosher Salt.
- Turn your Instant Pot to sauté and add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sear the chuck roast for 3-4 mins per side, then remove and cut into large chunks.
- While the Instant Pot is still hot, add 1 tablespoon oil, chopped carrots, and sliced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes then add the garlic, ancho chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, and kosher salt. Cook for one more minute.
- Turn off the Instant Pot and add the beef broth, dried guajillo chillies, and bay leaves, Stir slightly, scraping the spices from the bottom of the Instant Pot with a wooden spoon.
- Place the roast chunks back into the Instant Pot with the liquid and place the lid on, turning the valve to seal. Pressure cook on high for 40 minutes then allow to naturally release for 15 minutes.
- Release the remaining pressure if necessary and take off the lid. Remove the beef and shred.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the consommé sauce in the Instant Pot or pour into a regular blender and blend. Return the sauce and shredded beef back to the Instant Pot and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Sandwich Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic, and salt.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture on to one side of each slice of bread.
- Place six slices of bread, butter side down, on a preheated griddle at medium-high heat. Add one slice of Pepper Jack, then about 1/4 cup of beef barria, a spoonful of salsa verde, a second slice of Pepper jack, and a second slice of bread, butter side up.
- When the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich over and continue grilling the other side.
- Serve the sandwiches with a side of consommé sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 SandwichAmount Per Serving: Calories: 726Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 3068mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 30g
