Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Braised Short Ribs

Leftovers – what to do with them? Do you bring them to work the next day for lunch or serve it again the following night? Typically I am not a huge fan of leftovers, except for those dishes that actually get better with time. You probably can think of one or two dishes in which it actually develops better flavor profiles over night. The Guinness Braised Short Ribs is one of those dishes, actually most braised short rib or similar dish will be better the next day. Made them over the weekend and the next night used them again for this sandwich.

Ever since the new cooking channel hit the airwaves and replaced the fine living network, I have been completely addicted. Is anyone else in love with this new channel? The shows are fresh, unique and geared towards the true foodie. Some of my new favorites are: Unique Eats, Foodography, Chucks Day Off and Food Crafters. One of the episodes of unique eats was called “hand held foods” which profiled a “taco truck” that specialized in grilled cheese sandwiches. Some of the combinations were amazing and such a unique idea. The one tip I took away was to use a combination of butter and mayonnaise to spread on the bread – it prevents burning.

Loving grilled cheese sandwiches all my life plus the inspiration of the grilled cheese truck inspired me to use the leftover Guinness braised short ribs in a grilled cheese sandwich. The result was amazing! Would love to hear about any unique “grilled cheese sandwiches” that you have had.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Braised Short Ribs

Sliced French Bread (Sandwich style)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese, deli slices
Guinness Braised Short Ribs, shredded
Caramelized Onions
Butter

Caramelized Onions

1 Large onion
2 T. Butter

Peel and slice ¼ inch thick slices of the onions. In a large skillet, add the butter and let melt over medium heat. Add the onions and toss well in the melted butter. Let cook on medium to medium low for 20 to 25 minutes or until onions are a caramel color. Let cool.

To assemble:

Butter each side of the bread with either butter or the combination of butter and mayo. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each side. Put some caramelized onions on one side and add the shredded braised short rib on top of the onions and then top with the other slice of bread. Grill on medium heat for about 5 minutes per side. Cut in half and serve. A quick tip: heat the left over braised short ribs first and then shred and prepare the sandwiches.