The cheese quesadilla recipe is a popular and adaptable Mexican cuisine. It is made out of two flour tortillas encasing a melted cheese filling. This easy and delicious dish has just the right amount of golden, crispy tortillas and a gooey, melted cheese center. See more delicious your favorite recipes on cookcraving
The process of making the quesadilla involves sandwiching two tortillas with shredded cheese and optional toppings. After that, fry the prepared quesadillas until the cheese is completely melted and the tortillas are golden brown. You may use a panini press, griddle, or skillet to do this. The outcome is a tasty meal that’s perfect for eating on its own or with sides like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
The cheese quesadilla recipe is a popular option for a quick and filling dinner that can be enjoyed for both informal snacks and special occasions because of its versatility and simplicity. One of the simplest and most delicious meals or snacks available is quesadillas. We use them for a variety of purposes, such as a simple dinner, a quick lunch, picnics, and after-school snacks. Not only are quesadillas tasty, but they are also quite flexible!
Why You Will Love The Cheese Quesadilla
Cheese quesadillas are a traditional comfort food that is flavorful and warm. A delicious and savory dish is produced when warm, crunchy tortillas are combined with melted cheese.
Flexibility: There are many ways to use this recipe. You may personalize it by adding different cheeses, toppings that fit your taste, and extras like meats or veggies.
Fast and Easy: Cheese quesadillas recipe is a straightforward use that takes little time, which makes them ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: People of all ages typically enjoy quesadillas. Since they are simple to serve and can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes, they are an excellent dish for a party or get-together.
Quality Combination: The delicious contrast in texture created by the crispy tortilla outside and the mushy, melted cheese within enhances the dish’s entire appeal.
Choices for Pairing: To make a well-rounded dinner, cheese quesadillas can be served with a variety of dishes and sauces, including guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and a straightforward side salad.
Ingredients needed for the cheese quesadilla
- Flour tortillas: is the basis of cheese quesadilla recipe and give it a softer, more malleable texture.
- Olive oil is utilized to provide taste and a hint of fullness to vegetables as they are cooked.
- Shredded Cheese: There are many types of cheese that can be used, but I love Oaxaca cheese. This Mexican cheese melts smoothly and tastes mildly buttery. It’s frequently used in quesadillas and other classic Mexican dishes. Utilize freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded because shredded cheese melts better.
- Vegetables: vegetables (such as onions and bell peppers): Chopped bell peppers offer sweetness, crunch, and color, while browned onion slices add a delicious and somewhat sweet taste.
- Seasonings: Include garlic powder and chili powder. The addition of garlic powder intensifies the whole savory flavor, and chili powder is used for a spicy touch. Chili powder has a blend of spices that has a more complex flavor.
How to Make Cheese Quesadilla
Here is a brief and easy recipe! You can see the full recipe ingredients, quantity, and instructions in the recipe card below.
1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped bell pepper and onion slices until tender. Season the veggies with chili powder and garlic powder.
2. Place the tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half the tortilla with some shredded cheese, then top with sautéed vegetables and fold into a half-moon shape.
3. Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese begins to melt.
4. Flip the quesadilla and cook on the other side for an additional 3 minutes until both sides become golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Recipe Variations
Vegetables Option: You can customize with other vegetables that will make your quesadilla more flavorful. Veggies include red peppers, dried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, or kale.
Variations of Tortillas: There are many tortillas, but whole wheat tortillas are the best choice for increased nutritional content and a nuttier taste. Tomato or spinach tortillas are also good for quesadillas. This gives your quesadilla more color and flavor. Corn tortillas can also be used because they make a quesadilla in a more traditional Mexican manner.
To improve the taste and texture of a cheese quesadilla, you can add different types of protein. Consider the following protein options:
Shredded chicken: For a traditional and adaptable protein choice, use cooked and shredded chicken.
Turkey or Ground Beef: For a flavorful and filling quesadilla, brown ground beef or turkey with seasonings.
Black beans: Beans give a pleasing consistency and plant-based protein.
Your cheese quesadilla may taste even better with the tasty addition of charred, air-fried shishito peppers. Your cheese quesadilla will taste deliciously hot and smoky if you add smoked jalapeño poppers to it.
You can improve your cheese quesadilla with chicken taco seasoning. Use your stored taco seasoning if you don’t have any. Just click here on chicken taco seasoning and see the simple and easy spice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cheese quesadillas with Sriracha aioli. The buttery and savory taste of the quesadillas can be nicely complemented by the smooth and spicy kick of Sriracha aioli.
- Presenting cheese quesadillas with Knorr Spinach Dip. Thick and delicious elements can be added to the dinner with the creamy and tasty spinach dip.
- For a taste explosion, pair your quesadillas with guacamole and fresh salsa. You can use store-bought alternatives or make your own.
- The cheesy richness of the quesadillas is complemented by the creamy and tangy aspect of a dab of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- For a cool contrast, serve the quesadillas with a basic vinaigrette-dressed, tossed green salad.
FAQs About Recipes
Which cheese works best with quesadillas?
Well-melting cheeses are ideal for quesadillas. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Mexican cheese blend, and mozzarella are popular options.
What kind of protein can I put in a quesadilla?
A variety of proteins can be added, including pulled pork, shredded chicken, ground beef or turkey, shrimp, and tofu for vegetarians. You can see the above-mentioned recipe variations.
Which spices may I add to my quesadilla?
Chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder are examples of common spices. Try adjusting the flavor to your preferences by experimenting with your preferred seasonings.
Can I prepare a quesadilla in advance?
For the greatest texture, quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them right before cooking.
Which side dishes pair well with quesadillas?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a basic side salad like maroulosalata salad, also called Greek salad, are typical accompaniments.
Can quesadillas be frozen?
Absolutely before cooking, assembled quesadillas can be frozen. Using parchment paper, divide the layers, then place them in an airtight container. Thaw or cook straight from frozen.
Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet used for cooking quesadillas
- 1 spatula used for flipping the quesadilla
- knife and cutting board used for chopping the vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
- 2 cups shredded cheese Mexican blend
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers green plus red
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add Diced onions, bell peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until crisp and tender.
- Place the tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half the tortilla with some shredded cheese, then top with sautéed vegetables and fold into a half-moon shape.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese begins to melt.
- Flip the quesadilla and cook on the other side for an additional 3 minutes until both sides become golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Proceed with the leftover tortillas and filling in the same manner.
- When the quesadillas are finished, take them out of a skillet and allow them to cool for a minute before slicing into wedges.
- Present your delectable cheese quesadillas alongside your preferred salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Have fun!