Patrick Oconnell
Chipotle is a fast-food chain that offers a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including burritos. While Chipotle does not typically melt the cheese in their burritos, some customers have expressed a preference for melted cheese. There are several methods to achieve this, such as requesting the cheese to be added before the meat or utilizing the hot box to melt the cheese. Additionally, a viral trend on TikTok involves creating a grilled cheese burrito by melting cheese in a pan and sticking the burrito to it. Chipotle also offers a quesadilla option, which includes melted cheese, but it has received mixed reviews from customers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese placement | Customers suggest placing cheese before the meat and other cold ingredients to maximise melting |
| Customer experience | Some customers have reported that Chipotle employees are reluctant to place cheese at the bottom of the bowl or burrito |
| Cost | There may be an additional charge for melting cheese in a burrito |
| Preparation | Customers have suggested asking Chipotle workers to place the burrito in a hot box to melt the cheese |
| Customisation | Customers can request cheese placement at the bottom of the bowl or burrito, and some Chipotle workers are willing to accommodate this |
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What You'll Learn
Chipotle's cheese placement in burritos
Chipotle's placement of cheese in burritos has been a topic of discussion and debate among customers and employees alike. Many customers have expressed their preference for melted cheese in their burritos, which requires a specific placement of cheese during the assembly process.
Traditionally, Chipotle adds cheese last, on top of cold ingredients like guacamole and sour cream, resulting in most of the cheese remaining unmelted. This practice has drawn criticism from customers who prefer their cheese melted. Some have suggested adding cheese before the meat and other hot ingredients to maximise the melted cheese flavour. This approach is supported by employees who acknowledge that placing the cheese near the hot ingredients, such as rice and beans, can naturally melt the cheese without additional steps.
To accommodate customers' preferences for melted cheese, some Chipotle employees recommend asking staff to place the burrito in a hot box for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Others suggest ordering a burrito bowl with a side tortilla and cheese, allowing customers to assemble and melt the cheese at home. There is also a viral "Chipotle method" for a grilled cheese burrito, where customers order a burrito bowl, a side tortilla, sour cream, vinaigrette, and grated cheese. They then cook the cheese in a pan until melted and crispy, place the burrito on top, and flip it to create a grilled cheese exterior.
While some customers are satisfied with these workarounds, others feel that Chipotle should offer melted cheese as a standard option without additional steps or charges. They argue that the customisability of Chipotle's menu should accommodate requests for cheese placement without issue. Some customers have reported negative experiences when asking for cheese to be placed first in their bowls, encountering resistance from managers or employees.
Overall, the discussion around Chipotle's cheese placement in burritos highlights a desire for melted cheese and a willingness among customers to find creative solutions. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the conversation has sparked interest in finding the best methods to enjoy melted cheese in Chipotle burritos.
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Melting cheese in a frying pan
Many Chipotle customers have expressed their disappointment in the chain's inability to melt the cheese in their burritos. Some have suggested adding cheese before the meat to maximise the melted cheese flavour. However, this is not standard practice at Chipotle, and customers are often left with cold, unmelted cheese in their burritos.
If you're looking to melt cheese in a frying pan at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a non-stick pan for melting cheese. This allows for better control over the heat and prevents the cheese from sticking and burning. You can put a small block of cheese into a dry frying pan and cook it over low heat. As the cheese melts, oil will start to come out of it. This oil can be drained off, leaving behind crispy, caramelised cheese. The remaining cheese butter can be used for cooking other ingredients, such as eggs.
It's important to note that different types of cheese will melt and behave differently in a frying pan. For example, cheddar cheese will release oil when melted, while other cheeses may not. The type of pan and heat source can also affect the melting process. A cast-iron pan, for instance, provides excellent heat control for melting cheese.
When melting cheese in a frying pan, it's crucial to maintain a low to moderate heat. High heat can cause the cheese to burn or scorch, affecting the taste and texture. By keeping the heat low, you can slowly melt the cheese without compromising its quality. Additionally, using a lid or foil to cover the pan can help retain heat and accelerate the melting process.
Overall, melting cheese in a frying pan can be a delicious way to enhance your culinary creations. Whether you're making a burrito, grilled cheese sandwich, or simply enjoying some fried cheese as a snack, using a suitable pan and controlling the heat are key to achieving the best results.
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Getting cheese melted at Chipotle
Getting your cheese melted at Chipotle can be a bit of a challenge, as the default placement of cheese at the top of the burrito means it often stays cold. However, there are a few methods you can try to get your cheese melted:
Ask for the Cheese to be Placed First
Some customers have requested that Chipotle place the cheese first in their burrito bowl or directly on the tortilla, before adding the other ingredients. This allows the cheese to melt and act as a moisture barrier. While some Chipotle workers have obliged, others have refused, stating that they will only put cheese at the bottom if the customer forgoes cheese on top. This inconsistency in accommodating customer requests may be due to Chipotle's standard operating procedures or health and safety guidelines.
Order Your Burrito for Takeout
If you order your burrito for takeout, you can ask the staff to place your order in the hot box for 5 to 10 minutes, which should be enough time to melt the cheese. However, this method may not be ideal if you want to eat your burrito immediately or don't want to wait.
Make a Grilled Cheese Burrito at Home
To create a grilled cheese burrito, you can order a burrito bowl with your desired fillings, a side tortilla, sour cream, vinaigrette, and grated cheese. At home, add a generous amount of grated cheese to a frying pan and cook it until it starts to melt and form a crust. Place your burrito on top of the melting cheese, allowing it to stick to the tortilla. Once the cheese is browned and crispy, flip your burrito and remove it from the pan. Serve with a dipping sauce made by combining sour cream and vinaigrette.
Ask for Cheese Before Meat
Another option is to request that the cheese be added before the meat, which will increase the chances of it melting by the time you receive your burrito. This method may not guarantee completely melted cheese, but it can improve the odds without requiring additional cooking steps.
While getting your cheese melted at Chipotle may require some creativity and patience, these methods can help increase your chances of enjoying a warm, cheesy burrito.
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Making a quesadilla-burrito
A quesadilla-burrito is a Mexican fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds—the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla and the hearty, flavourful filling of a burrito. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this delicious creation:
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Start by laying a flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface. You can use a corn tortilla for a more traditional Mexican flavour, but flour tortillas are more commonly used in American-style quesadillas.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle grated cheese over one half of the tortilla. The type of cheese you use is important for the melting factor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca cheese, Chihuahua cheese, and mozzarella are all great options. Freshly grate your cheese for the best melt!
Step 3: Add Fillings
Now, it's time to add your favourite fillings. You can be creative here! Try cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach, or even spicy meats and peppers. Remember to pre-cook any meat fillings to ensure they are heated through.
Step 4: More Cheese!
Sprinkle another handful of cheese on top of your fillings. This layering of cheese will help hold your quesadilla-burrito closed.
Step 5: Fold and Cook
Fold the bare half of the tortilla over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, and cook your quesadilla for 1-2 minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown. If you're making a burrito, you can place a second tortilla on top and fry for 2 minutes on each side.
Step 6: Build Your Burrito
Once your quesadilla is cooked to perfection, it's time to transform it into a burrito! Place your quesadilla on a large square of tin foil and add your favourite burrito fillings. This can include rice, beans, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any other toppings you desire.
Step 7: Roll and Enjoy!
Finally, roll up your quesadilla-burrito in the tin foil. This unique creation combines the crispy, cheesy texture of a quesadilla with the hearty, flavourful filling of a burrito. Enjoy your delicious, homemade quesadilla-burrito!
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Customers' opinions on melted cheese
Some customers have taken to social media to express their disappointment in the lack of melted cheese in their Chipotle orders. One customer, TikToker Sidney (@yosidthekid), shared that he likes his cheese melted in his bowl, and was disappointed when the manager of the Chipotle location refused to accommodate his request. Other customers have also expressed their frustration with the extra charge for melted cheese in their burritos, stating that it feels like a "rip-off".
On the other hand, some customers have provided tips on how to maximize the amount of melted cheese in their Chipotle orders. One suggestion is to ask for the cheese to be added before the meat, as the heat from the other ingredients will help melt the cheese. Another option is to request that the burrito be placed in the hot box for a few minutes to melt the cheese, although this may require a longer wait time.
Some customers have even taken to making their own grilled cheese burritos at home using the "Chipotle method". This involves cooking grated cheese in a frying pan until it forms a hard crust, placing the burrito on top, and then flipping it to create a crispy, cheesy exterior.
Overall, while some Chipotle customers enjoy their cheese melted, others are satisfied with the standard offering of cold cheese. The preference for melted cheese has sparked creative solutions and even some controversy, as seen in the case of Sidney's interaction with the Chipotle manager.
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Frequently asked questions
You can ask Chipotle to put the cheese in your burrito first, before the meat and other ingredients. This will allow the cheese to melt and act as a moisture barrier. However, some Chipotle workers have refused to do this, and some customers prefer the cheese to be cold.
Yes, you can ask a Chipotle worker to put your burrito in the hot box for 5 to 10 minutes to melt the cheese. However, this will add time to your wait.
Yes, you can order a burrito bowl with your desired fillings, a side tortilla, sour cream, vinaigrette, and grated cheese. Then, cook the cheese in a frying pan until it starts to melt and form a hard crust. Place your burrito on top of the melting cheese, and once the cheese is fully browned and crispy, flip your burrito and take it out of the pan.
