The Perfect Melt: Burrito Cheese Secrets

how to melt cheese for burrito

There are several ways to melt cheese for 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. Alternatively, you can place the burrito on a cookie sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and place it in the oven on low broil until the cheese melts. For a bean and cheese burrito, you can spread shredded cheese on a tortilla and bake the burrito in the oven until the cheese has melted. Another option is to cook the cheese in a sauté pan and then place the tortilla on top, pressing gently to spread the cheese to the edges. Finally, for a Swiss-style burrito, shredded cheese is placed on top of the burrito and baked in the oven until golden brown.

Characteristics and Values Table for Melting Cheese for a Burrito

Characteristics Values
Type of Cheese Shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Chihuahua, Tex Mex, or a combination
Quantity of Cheese 1/2 cup, or 1 cup for a generous layer
Temperature Medium-high heat
Cooking Time 30 seconds to 2 minutes on the stovetop, 7-9 minutes in the oven, or 3-5 minutes in a low oven broiler
Cooking Method Stovetop, oven, or broiler
Cooking Surface Non-stick pan, skillet, or cookie sheet
Additional Tips Add cheese before meat and other ingredients to maximize melting and flavor; roll the burrito in the melted cheese

cycheese

Melting cheese in a frying pan

First, prepare your burrito fillings. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as ground beef, taco seasoning, sweet peppers, garlic, cooked rice, beans, eggs, sour cream, and of course, cheese. Shredded cheese is a good option for melting. Once you have your fillings ready, heat a non-stick frying pan on medium to medium-low heat. You can add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan to prevent sticking and enhance the flavour.

Next, sprinkle shredded cheese across the pan. Place your prepared burrito on top of the melting cheese. Use a spatula to gently press the burrito down and help the cheese stick to the outside. Slowly roll your burrito to collect the melted cheese. If you want a crispier texture, you can cook the burrito a little longer until the cheese turns golden brown.

If you prefer the cheese to be inside your burrito, you can also melt cheese directly inside your tortilla before adding the other fillings. 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. You can also try adding cheese along the seam of your burrito where the tortilla is folded. Place the seam side down in the pan and cook until the cheese melts and oozes out, sealing your burrito.

cycheese

Adding cheese before the meat

To add cheese before the meat in a burrito, start by sprinkling shredded cheese in a sauté pan and cooking it over medium-high heat until it is almost completely melted. Place a tortilla on top of the melted cheese, pressing gently so that the cheese spreads to the edges. Then, add your meat and other fillings, and roll up your burrito.

If you're making a grilled cheese burrito, you can melt cheese in a nonstick pan on the stovetop and then gently roll your burrito in the melted cheese so that it sticks. Alternatively, you can place your burrito on a cookie sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and put it in the oven on a low broil until the cheese is melted.

For a bean and cheese burrito, 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. This method ensures that your burrito has plenty of melted cheese inside and can also be used to make a Swiss-style burrito, or "burrito suizo", by using Chihuahua® Cheese.

cycheese

Reheating frozen burritos in the oven

To reheat frozen burritos in the oven, first remove any plastic wrapping. Then, wrap the burrito in a single layer of aluminium foil and place it on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to between 350°F and 450°F, depending on the size of your burrito and how crispy you like your tortilla. Place the wrapped burrito in the oven and heat for 15 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil and return the burrito to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes to crisp up the tortilla.

If you have time, it is recommended to thaw the burrito overnight in the fridge before reheating. This will reduce the cooking time and ensure the cheese is evenly melted throughout the burrito. To thaw, place the frozen burrito on a plate, sprinkle with water, and cover with another plate to create a "burrito sandwich". Microwave for 90 seconds, flip the sandwich, and microwave for another 90 seconds.

To melt cheese for a burrito, it is recommended to add the cheese before the meat and other cold ingredients to maximise the melted cheese flavour. When cooking a burrito from scratch, sprinkle shredded cheese in a pan and cook over medium-high heat until sizzling. Place a tortilla on top and press gently to spread the cheese to the edges. Cook for around 2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown, before adding the remaining ingredients and rolling up the burrito.

cycheese

Using an oven to melt cheese on top of a burrito

To melt cheese on top of a burrito using an oven, you can try one of the following methods:

Oven-Baked Method

This method involves baking the burrito in an oven to melt the cheese on top. First, prepare your burrito by filling it with your desired ingredients, leaving out the cheese. Then, follow these steps:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Take a baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet and line it with parchment paper.
  • Place your burrito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle or spread shredded cheese generously on top of the burrito.
  • Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning.
  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the burrito from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Broiling Method

This method uses the broiler setting in your oven to melt the cheese quickly and give it a golden colour. Here's how to do it:

  • Prepare your burrito with your desired fillings, excluding the cheese.
  • Set your oven to the broiler setting at 500°F (260°C).
  • Place your burrito in a cast-iron skillet or a broiler-safe baking dish, ensuring the seam side is down.
  • Sprinkle or spread shredded cheese generously over the top of the burrito.
  • Put the skillet or baking dish in the oven and broil for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • When the cheese is melted and golden brown, remove the burrito from the oven and serve.

Reheating Frozen Burritos

If you have frozen burritos that you want to reheat with melted cheese on top, you can use the following method:

  • Take the burritos out of the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Place the thawed burritos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle or spread shredded cheese on top of each burrito.
  • Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted.
  • Alternatively, you can bake frozen burritos directly without thawing, but it will take longer, about 20-30 minutes.

cycheese

Melting cheese in a skillet

Firstly, prepare your burrito fillings. This could include cooked meat, such as steak or sausage, as well as vegetables like onions, beans, and peppers. Combine your ingredients in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices you enjoy.

Next, preheat your skillet over medium to medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes. You can use a non-stick pan or a cast-iron skillet, depending on what you have available. If you want the cheese to cover your burrito, you can sprinkle shredded cheese onto the hot skillet before placing the burrito on top.

Now, it's time to assemble your burrito. Place your tortilla on a clean work surface and add your fillings, along with some shredded cheese or cheese sauce. Spread your fillings evenly, leaving enough space to fold the tortilla. You can also add the cheese after assembling the burrito and place it on the skillet to melt.

Once your burrito is assembled, fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly from the bottom up. Place the burrito seam-side down in the preheated skillet and cook for a few minutes until the tortilla is toasted and the cheese has melted. You can also bake the burrito in the oven for a more even melt.

For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the burrito after it's cooked. Set your broiler to a high temperature and place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is golden brown.

And there you have it! A perfectly melted cheese burrito made in a skillet. Enjoy your delicious creation, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses and fillings!

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to melt cheese for a burrito. You can use a non-stick pan on a stovetop, sprinkling cheese and melting it before placing your burrito and gently rolling it. You can also place your burrito on a cookie sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and place it in the oven on a low broil. Another option is to use a cast-iron skillet or broiler-safe baking dish, placing the burritos seam-side down, and topping them with cheese before baking.

For melting cheese in the oven, a temperature between 350°F and 500°F is recommended. The duration can vary depending on the oven and the amount of cheese, but generally, it should take around 7 to 9 minutes at 500°F for the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.

To ensure all the cheese in a burrito is melted, it is recommended to add the cheese before the meat and other ingredients. This allows the cheese to act as a moisture barrier and helps maximize the melted cheese flavor throughout the burrito.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment