Frederic Melton
The burrito is a beloved staple of Mexican-American cuisine, and cheese is the glue that holds it together. But do you cook the cheese in the burrito? The answer is yes, and there are several ways to do it. You can cook the cheese into the filling, or melt it onto the tortilla, either by placing the tortilla directly onto melted cheese in a skillet, or by using a cheese melter, broiler, or grill. You can also use a microwave, or a combination of methods. The key is to use a moderate amount of cheese so as not to overwhelm the other ingredients, and to experiment with different melting techniques to find the perfect gooey consistency.
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What You'll Learn
Melting cheese on the outside of a burrito
There are several ways to melt cheese on the outside of a burrito, depending on the type of burrito being made. For a grilled cheese burrito, you can melt shredded cheese in a non-stick pan and then gently roll the burrito in it. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese in a circle in the pan and place your tortilla on top. Press gently to spread the cheese to the edges, then cook until the cheese is golden brown.
If you want to add cheese to the outside of a burrito after assembling it, you can place the burrito seam-side down in a pan of melted cheese and cook for around 2 minutes. Then, sprinkle more cheese next to the burrito, flip it onto the melted cheese, and cook for another 2 minutes.
For a bean and cheese burrito, you can spread shredded cheese onto the centre of your tortilla, add refried beans, and then top with another layer of shredded cheese before rolling up your burrito and baking it in the oven. Alternatively, you can cook the cheese in a pan and then place the tortilla on top, pressing gently to spread the cheese to the edges.
For a Swiss-style burrito, shredded cheese is placed on top of the burrito and baked in the oven until golden brown. You can also place a burrito on a cookie sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and put it in the oven on a low broil until the cheese melts.
Popular varieties of cheese to melt on a burrito include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Oaxaca, and Panela.
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Cheese as a filling
Cheese is an essential component of a burrito, acting as the glue that holds it together. It adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour, with its richness complementing the other ingredients. When it comes to choosing a cheese for your burrito, you have several options.
Monterey Jack is a popular choice for burritos. This mild, semi-soft cheese is a staple of Mexican cuisine, melting beautifully and adding a creamy texture. Cheddar is another common option, with its sharp, tangy flavour complementing the other ingredients. If you want to add a spicy kick to your burrito, consider using Pepper Jack, a variation of Monterey Jack flavoured with jalapeno peppers.
For those who prefer a bold, crumbly cheese, queso fresco is a good option. If you're looking for a classic Mexican melting cheese, queso Chihuahua, similar to Monterey Jack, is a great choice. However, depending on where you live, it may be hard to find, so Monterey Jack is often used as a substitute.
When adding cheese to your burrito, it's important to use a moderate amount and balance it with other ingredients. Too much cheese can make the burrito soggy and overwhelming. You can experiment with different melting techniques, such as using a cheese melter, a broiler, or a grill, to get the perfect gooey consistency.
Cheese can be added to the filling and melted as you cook the burrito, or you can sprinkle shredded cheese on a skillet and place the burrito seam-side down to cook, creating a crispy, cheesy crust on the outside.
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Reheating a burrito with cheese
There are several methods for reheating a burrito with cheese, each with its pros and cons. Here is a detailed guide on the various ways to reheat your burrito with cheese and achieve the desired outcome:
Oven
The oven is a popular choice for reheating burritos, as it helps retain moisture and prevents the burrito from drying out. Here's how you can reheat your burrito in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove any wrappers from the burrito.
- Wrap the burrito in aluminum foil. This step is crucial, as it helps lock in moisture.
- Place the foil-wrapped burrito on the middle rack of the oven for even heating.
- Heat for 15 to 20 minutes. The time may vary depending on the size of your burrito and the power of your oven.
- To check if it's ready, poke it with a sharp knife. If the knife comes out warm, your burrito is good to go!
- For an extra-crispy tortilla, remove the foil for the last few minutes of heating.
Stovetop
Using a skillet on the stovetop is another effective method for reheating burritos with cheese. This method is ideal if you want a crispy exterior. Here's how to do it:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip the burrito over and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
- For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheese on the skillet and allow the burrito to cook in it.
Microwave
The microwave is a quick option for reheating burritos, but it can sometimes result in uneven heating or a soggy texture. However, with the right technique, you can still achieve good results:
- Remove the burrito from its original wrapping and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Loosely wrap the burrito in a slightly damp paper towel.
- Set your microwave to a lower power setting, around 30% to 40%.
- Heat the burrito for 2 minutes, then check its progress.
- Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until it is mostly warm, adjusting the power as needed.
- Let the burrito sit for 2 to 3 minutes after heating to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is another option for reheating burritos. This method can give your burrito a crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and toasty. Simply preheat your air fryer and place the burrito inside for a few minutes until heated through.
Freezing and Thawing
If you're planning to store your burritos in the freezer, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place them in a large freezer bag. To reheat frozen burritos, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and then use one of the above methods to reheat.
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Types of cheese for burritos
When making burritos, it is common to cook the cheese along with the burrito. This results in a crispy grilled cheese exterior and customisable fillings.
There are several types of cheese that are commonly used in burritos. One popular option is shredded cheddar cheese, which can be mixed with other cheeses like Monterey Jack to create a unique flavour profile. This combination is a substitute for the classic Mexican melting cheese, Queso Chihuahua, which can be difficult to find in certain regions.
Monterey Jack is a common cheese used in burritos, as it is similar to Queso Chihuahua. It melts well and has a mild flavour that pairs nicely with other ingredients. Another option is to use "white" cheddar, which has a sharper flavour that can add a tangy twist to the burrito.
Mozzarella is another cheese that can be used in burritos, as it melts well and has a stretchy texture. It is often combined with other cheeses to create a creamy and stringy texture within the burrito. Additionally, Mexican cheese blends, such as shredded Mexican cheese, are readily available and commonly used in burritos.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the burrito. Different cheeses can be combined or used individually to create a variety of textures and tastes, ensuring that each burrito is unique and tailored to the palate of the person preparing it.
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Cheese quantity in a burrito
The quantity of cheese used in a burrito depends on personal preference and the type of cheese being used. Some recipes call for a mixture of cheeses, while others use just one type. The amount of cheese can also vary depending on the size of the burrito and the desired level of cheesiness.
For a bean and cheese burrito, a common recipe involves spreading 1/4 cup of shredded cheese in the middle of a tortilla, followed by 1/2 cup of refried beans, and then topping it with another layer of shredded cheese before rolling it up. This ensures a generous amount of cheese in each bite.
When making a grilled cheese burrito, the process involves melting shredded cheese in a non-stick pan and then gently rolling the burrito in it. Alternatively, you can sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the burrito and place it in the oven on low broil until the cheese melts. This method allows for a more even distribution of cheese and a crispy, golden crust.
Some people prefer to use a single type of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, while others opt for a mix of two or more cheeses. For example, a combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack is popular for its balanced flavor. The choice of cheese depends on the desired flavor profile, with milder cheeses like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca providing subtlety, and sharper options like cheddar or gouda adding a bolder kick.
In addition to the quantity and type of cheese, the meltability and texture of the cheese are also important considerations. Cheeses with higher moisture and fat content tend to melt more easily and create the desired gooey, creamy texture. Aged cheeses, on the other hand, may require higher heat and longer melting times, so choosing the right cheese is crucial to achieving the perfect burrito.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to cook the cheese in your burrito. You can use a cheese melter, a broiler, a grill, a skillet, or a microwave. If you are using a skillet, place the burrito seam side down and cook for 2 minutes. Then, sprinkle cheese next to the burrito on the skillet, flip the burrito, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Popular options include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Queso Fresco, and Chihuahua.
Use a moderate amount of cheese and balance it with other ingredients. Too much cheese can make the burrito soggy and overwhelming.
Yes, you can add cheese as a topping to your burrito. However, if a recipe calls for sour cream or guacamole, it is best to use those ingredients rather than substituting them with cheese.
