Jamaican Oxtail Grilled Cheese

Up close shots of grilled cheese sandwiches.

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 Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Main Course, Snack

Keyword: brioche, dinner, easy, family-friendly, grilled cheese, Jamaican, lunch, oxtail, sandwich, savory, skillet, spring, summer, winter

Servings: sandwiches

Calories: 441kcal

Author: Shanika

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)

US Customary - Metric

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!

Notes

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