Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Cheese Quesadilla is the ultimate comfort food – quick, easy, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something warm and filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of the crispy tortilla and gooey cheese is a match made in heaven, and with minimal ingredients, it’s both affordable and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile – you can customize it with additional fillings like vegetables, beans, or meats, making it a great option for any meal.
Ingredients
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2 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend)
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1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)
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Optional: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any toppings of your choice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the tortillas: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter or oil one side of each tortilla.
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Assemble the quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet with the buttered side down. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Place the second tortilla on top, buttered side up.
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Cook the quesadilla: Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
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Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 1
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable Quesadilla: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the cheese before closing the tortilla for a veggie-filled version.
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Spicy Quesadilla: Sprinkle some chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce in the quesadilla for a spicy kick.
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Chicken Quesadilla: Add cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
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Cheese and Beans: Layer in some refried beans along with the cheese for a protein-packed quesadilla.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover quesadilla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and heated through, or microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version of the quesadilla. However, corn tortillas may not be as pliable as flour tortillas, so be gentle when flipping.
2. Can I make the quesadilla without butter?
Yes, you can use oil, cooking spray, or skip the fat entirely if you prefer a lighter version.
3. Can I make a Cheese Quesadilla in the oven?
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the assembled quesadilla on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. What type of cheese is best for a quesadilla?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend are great options for quesadillas. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more flavor.
5. Can I add more fillings to the quesadilla?
Absolutely! You can add beans, grilled chicken, steak, vegetables, or even scrambled eggs to make your quesadilla more filling and flavorful.
6. How can I make my quesadilla extra crispy?
For an extra crispy quesadilla, use a little more butter or oil in the pan, and cook it over medium heat to allow the tortilla to crisp up without burning.
7. Can I use a non-stick skillet for this recipe?
Yes, a non-stick skillet works great because it helps the quesadilla cook evenly and prevents sticking, especially when flipping.
8. Can I make this quesadilla with a gluten-free tortilla?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free tortilla to make a gluten-free version of the quesadilla.
9. How do I keep the cheese from spilling out while cooking?
Make sure to spread the cheese evenly and not overstuff the quesadilla. Cooking it over medium heat will allow the cheese to melt and stay inside without leaking out.
10. Can I make a mini quesadilla?
Yes, you can make smaller versions using smaller tortillas or by cutting the quesadilla into smaller pieces after it’s cooked.
Conclusion
A Cheese Quesadilla is the perfect dish when you’re craving something quick, cheesy, and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can make a delicious meal in minutes, and the recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or as part of a bigger meal, a Cheese Quesadilla is always a winner. Add your favorite fillings, toppings, and flavors to make it your own!
PrintCheese Quesadilla
A Cheese Quesadilla is a quick, satisfying dish with crispy tortillas and melted cheese inside. It’s a comforting, customizable meal that can be enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or dinner. Perfect for any craving, it’s easily adaptable with various fillings and toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend)
1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)
Optional: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any toppings of your choice
Instructions
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter or oil one side of each tortilla.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet with the buttered side down. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Place the second tortilla on top, buttered side up.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable Quesadilla: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms before closing the tortilla.
- Spicy Quesadilla: Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Quesadilla: Add cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Cheese and Beans: Add refried beans along with the cheese for a protein-packed quesadilla.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until crispy and heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg