Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese

Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed delight --- This Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese recipe is a mouthwatering creation that combines the savory goodness of tender oxtail with the ooey-gooey cheesiness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich, elevated with the deliciousness of herb butter. Dairy-free + Make Ahead Option.

Coming from Jamaican roots, oxtail has always been a beloved dish in my family. Recently, I even tried my hand at making a Plant-based Jamaican Oxtail. And y'all know I love good grilled cheese, they are such a simple + versatile meal, so naturally, I had to give them a tasty twist with an Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese!

Once you've got all your ingredients ready to go, it takes just a matter of a few minutes to whip up this grilled cheese! This sandwich has a perfectly golden + crispy exterior that perfectly complements the tender Jamaican oxtail + gooey goodness on the inside. Plus, it has a gluten-free option so that it works for those with sensitivities. If you're thinking of making your own bread, check out my Soft Buttery Vegan Brioche Bread!

And if you're a lover of grilled cheese, then this Baked BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese [Dairy-Free] and Southern Honey Mustard Chicken Bacon Sandwich is one to try next! And don't forget this Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese-- A mouthwatering combination of sweet + savory flavors.

What Is Oxtail?

Basically, oxtail is a type of beef----the tail from the beef cattle to be specific. When placed in stores for sale, it's often skinned and cut into portions which come in an oval-like shape as we know it. Like I've mentioned, oxtail is a huge staple in the Jamaican culture and is a deeply rich, bold taste----often requiring a slow cooked process to create that tender texture that we love.

Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese

• Bold flavors—Rich + savory oxtail meat adds a luxurious twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
• Easy to make. A perfect weeknight meal option or laidback lunch idea.
• Definitely a great way to use leftover oxtail meat.
• Fun cooking activity for the entire family --- Kids love the assembling of grilled cheese!
• A perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and comforting flavors, making it an irresistible option for any mealtime.

How To Make Oxtail Grilled Cheese

It might sound quite simple, but it does involve a bit of prep work for the oxtail (more on that soon). However, once that's done, everything comes together, and it all gets slowly grilled to reach that perfect golden perfection!

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this drool-worthy Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese:

GRILLED CHEESE:

• Bread. I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc.
• Sharp or Mild Cheddar. Grated or shredded. You can also use Gouda, if desired.
• Shredded cooked oxtail meat. This tender and flavorful meat is the star ingredient, providing richness + depth to the grilled cheese.
• Red bell pepper. Adds a pop of color and sweet, crunchy texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil. Used for sautéing the red bell pepper.
• Vegetable stock. Optional. Can be added to moisten the oxtail meat.
• Tomato paste. Adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Dash of pepper sauce. Optional (You can use my Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce)

How To Make Herb Butter

It's as easy as mixing all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and soft consistency. This is truly my secret weapon when it comes to being a self-proclaimed grilled cheese queen Haha!

• Butter. Unsalted + softened. I use Organic Valley. 
• Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil + dried thyme.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS GRILLED CHEESE!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Oxtail Grilled Cheese recipe. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How To Make Jamaican Oxtail?

You can easily purchase oxtail at an authentic Jamaican Restaurant and shred the meat or you can make oxtail from scratch------I recommend a recipe from Butter Be Ready!

What Is The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?

Even though this Oxtail Grilled Cheese is based on using cheddar cheese, you can also switch things up and add a new flare to it's flavor profile by adding any of the following cheeses:

• Havarti
• Mild Cheddar Cheese
• Gouda
• American cheese
• Goat cheese
• Swiss
• Provolone
• Pepper Jack
• Muenster

Should I Cook Grilled Cheese Fast or Slow?

So, when it comes to cooking grilled cheese much like things like pancakes, it's super important to cook things slowly. The main reason: it helps the cheese and other ingredients to warm through evenly without the outside of the bread getting burned because it's on high heat. Therefore, try keeping things on low or medium-low and allowing everything to cook slowly. Patience will be your best friend!

Other Grilled-Cheese Ingredient Ideas

If you’re looking for more grilled cheese ingredient inspiration or want to just make this Oxtail Grilled Cheese recipe even more delicious, here are some more ideas of what ingredients to add:

• Add greens -- Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, Brussels sprouts (shredded), etc.
• Roasted veggies -- Mushroom, zucchini, chipotle peppers, etc.
• Candied bacon
• Caramelized onions
• Roasted garlic
• Herb-roasted tomatoes
• Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
• Sundried tomatoes
• Kimichi
• Pickles

What Goes Well with This Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese

I like to enjoy my Grilled Cheese on its own most days or at least with a very simple side, however, sometimes you can always spruce things up for a more hearty meal. Therefore, I wanted to share a few more ideas in case you make this grilled cheese more than once and want to switch things up!

Other food option ideas to enjoy this grilled cheese with----include:

• Fries-- Like these, Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries, Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries, or Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges
• Other appetizers-- Like wings or cauliflower bites! Try these Classic Oven Baked Buffalo Wings, Sticky Peach Chicken Wings, Orange Chicken Wings, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings/Bites, or BBQ Cauliflower Wings
• Salad--If you want to add a little freshness on the side try Chicken Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons, Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad, or Quick + Easy Blood Orange Kale Salad
• Soup-- Grilled cheese + soup is kind of the ultimate combo! I love serving grilled cheese alongside Creamy Garlic Bread Soup, Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup,  Roasted Carrot Soup + Cheesy Croutons and Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
• Mac + Cheese. Because nothing screams comfort like grilled cheese + mac and cheese! My faves are Copycat Velveeta Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Creamy Stovetop Southern Mac + Cheese and Ultimate Vegan Mac + Cheese

Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese Q + A's

More Delicious Handheld Recipes to Try Next!

If you are a fan of My Favorite Buffalo Chicken Melt Sandwich, you will also love these other delicious options also!

• Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
• Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Sandwich
• Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
• Crispy Seasoned French Fries
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
• Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos
• Jerk Salmon Tacos
• Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese

April 1, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed delight --- Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese, this mouthwatering creation combines the savory goodness of tender oxtail with the ooey-gooey cheesiness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich, elevated with the deliciousness of herb butter. Dairy-free + Make Ahead Option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Serves: 2 sandwiches

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

HERB BUTTER:

• 4 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Pinch of sea salt

GRILLED CHEESE:

• 4 slices bread (I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
• 2 cups organic Sharp or Mild Cheddar, grated or shredded (You can also use Gouda, if desired)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cooked oxtail meat (See Notes!)
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 Tbsps organic vegetable stock, optional
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste, organic
• dash of pepper sauce, optional (You can use my Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce)

Instructions

TO MAKE THE HERB BUTTER:

• Mix together all ingredients until smooth and soft.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:

• In a medium skillet (10-inch) over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and chopped bell peppers, sautéing until slightly tender, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shredded oxtails, tomato paste, veggie stock, and pepper sauce (if using), stirring to combine. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until there is a bit of sauciness to the meat. Remove from heat.

ASSEMBLE + COOK:

• On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the herb butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden.
• On one side of 2 slices of bread, add a spoonful or two of the oxtail meat filling and then top with cheese. Place together the other slice of bread with the other slice that has the meat filling, pressing them gently together to make a sandwich. Repeat until all sandwiches are made.
• In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-low heat, add two sandwiches (one side down), cooking until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes. Flip sandwich unto opposite side and cook from another 4-5 minutes. NOTE: I love using a burger or grill press tool to help flatten my grilled cheeses a bit, which also helps the cheese to melt.
• Once done, cut in halves (if desired), plate the sandwiches with your favorite side or chips and enjoy.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly.
• DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds. 
• OXTAIL: You can easily purchase oxtail at an authentic Jamaican Restaurant and shred the meat or you can make oxtail from scratch------I recommend a recipe from Butter Be Ready!

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1811IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 4mg

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