Introduction

Have you ever tasted something so good you just had to learn how to make it at home? That’s exactly how I felt about The Mule’s famous El Cortez sandwich! This incredible sandwich has fans lining up around the block, and for good reason. Today, I’m sharing the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe that I’ve perfected after many delicious attempts.

The Mule restaurant is known for its amazing grilled cheese sandwiches, but the El Cortez stands out as their star creation. After trying it for the first time, I knew I needed to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. Trust me when I say this copycat recipe comes incredibly close to the original – your taste buds won’t know the difference!

What is The Mule El Cortez Sandwich?

The El Cortez sandwich was created at The Mule restaurant as a twist on the classic grilled cheese. What makes the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sandwich features a spicy chorizo patty, creamy cheese, tangy pickled onions, and a special sauce that brings everything together.

This sandwich has become a fan favorite because it offers the comfort of a grilled cheese with exciting flavors that make it unique. The combination of spicy, creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements creates a taste experience that keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe at home, gather these ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 ounces Mexican chorizo
• 2 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 2 slices of cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup pickled red onions
• 2 tablespoons El Cortez special sauce (recipe below)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

For the special sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin

If you can’t find Mexican chorizo, you can substitute it with regular chorizo or even spicy Italian sausage. For the cheeses, any brand will work, but Tillamook cheddar and Boar’s Head pepper jack offer flavors closest to the original sandwich.

Kitchen Equipment Required

You don’t need fancy equipment to make the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe, but these basics will help:

• Cast iron skillet or sandwich press
• Spatula
• Small bowl for mixing sauce
• Sharp knife for slicing

A sandwich press makes the process easier, but a heavy pan works just as well. If you want to save time, prepare the special sauce and pickled onions a day ahead. This way, you’ll only need to focus on assembling and grilling when you’re ready to eat.

The Mule El Cortez Sandwich Copycat Recipe: 7 Steps To Perfect It

Step 1: Preparing the Bread

Start with good quality sourdough bread for the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe. The slight tanginess of sourdough pairs perfectly with the spicy and creamy filling.

Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. The butter helps create that crispy, golden exterior that makes grilled cheese sandwiches so irresistible. For extra flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of garlic powder on the buttered sides.

Step 2: Creating the Signature Spread

The special sauce is key to the authentic taste of the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.

The balance of creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, and tangy lime juice creates the perfect flavor profile. You can adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you like it. This sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Cooking the Protein

Remove the chorizo from its casing and cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. The chorizo should be fully cooked and slightly crispy.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The key to the perfect texture is cooking the chorizo until it’s browned but not dried out. Drain excess oil on a paper towel before using in your sandwich.

Step 4: Preparing the Vegetables

For the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe, thinly sliced pickled red onions add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and chorizo.

If you don’t have pickled onions ready, make a quick version by soaking thinly sliced red onions in equal parts vinegar and water with a pinch of sugar for at least 30 minutes. Chop fresh cilantro just before assembling to maintain its bright flavor.

Step 5: Cheese Selection and Melting

The cheese blend is crucial for the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe. Use one slice each of cheddar and pepper jack on each side of the sandwich for even melting.

When placing the cheese, make sure it doesn’t hang too far over the edges of the bread, or it will burn in the pan. About 2 ounces of cheese per side is perfect – enough to be gooey without overwhelming the other flavors.

Step 6: Assembly Process

Now for the fun part – putting together your mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe! Start with a bread slice, butter-side down. Layer in this order:

1. One slice of cheddar cheese
2. Cooked chorizo
3. Pickled red onions
4. Chopped cilantro
5. Special sauce
6. One slice of pepper jack cheese
7. Second bread slice, butter-side up

This order ensures the cheese melts properly and holds everything together. Press down gently on the sandwich to compact the ingredients before cooking.

Step 7: Final Cooking and Serving

Cook the assembled sandwich in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a spatula to press down occasionally.

The perfect mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe should be golden brown on the outside with melty cheese on the inside. Let it rest for one minute before slicing and serve while hot. Pair with kettle chips or a light salad for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using heat that’s too high, which burns the bread before the cheese melts
• Skipping the butter on the bread, which prevents proper browning
• Overloading the sandwich, making it fall apart when flipped
• Not draining the chorizo, which can make the sandwich greasy

If your sandwich is browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid to help melt the cheese. If it falls apart during flipping, use two spatulas for better support.

Variations to Try

The mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe is versatile! Try these tasty variations:

For a vegetarian version, replace chorizo with soyrizo or spicy black bean patty. Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Adjust the spice level by changing the amount of sriracha in the sauce or using milder cheese like monterey jack instead of pepper jack.

In summer, add a slice of fresh tomato and basil for a seasonal twist that keeps the sandwich fresh and exciting.

Nutritional Information

The mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe makes a hearty meal, with approximately:

• Calories: 650 per sandwich
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 42g

To make it lighter, use turkey chorizo, reduced-fat cheese, and light mayonnaise in the sauce. You can also serve half a sandwich with a side salad for a more balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

The assembled mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe is best eaten fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time:

• Store cooked chorizo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Keep special sauce refrigerated for up to 5 days
• Pickle extra onions to use for 2 weeks

If you have leftover sandwich, wrap it in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bread soggy.

FAQs About The Mule El Cortez Sandwich Copycat Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! While sourdough is traditional for the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe, any sturdy bread works well.

Is there a way to make it less spicy? Definitely! Use regular chorizo instead of spicy, reduce the sriracha in the sauce, and swap pepper jack for monterey jack cheese.

Can I make this ahead for a party? Prepare all components separately and assemble sandwiches just before cooking for best results.

Conclusion

Now you have all the secrets to making the perfect mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe at home! This sandwich brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with simple ingredients and techniques.

I hope you enjoy making this delicious sandwich as much as I do. The combination of spicy chorizo, melty cheese, and tangy pickled onions creates a flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.

Try the recipe this weekend and let me know how it turns out! Share your creation photos in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy cooking!