Cheese Quesadilla
Crispy, golden tortillas filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese. This Tex-Mex classic is the ultimate quick and satisfying meal, ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for a speedy lunch, dinner, or snack.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pan
- b.Heat a large non-stick skillet, comal, or griddle over medium heat. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble and Cook the First Quesadilla
- b.Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the hot pan, swirling to coat the surface.
- c.Place one tortilla in the pan and let it warm for about 30 seconds.
- d.Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla. If using, add a tiny pinch of salt over the cheese.
- e.Using a spatula, fold the empty half of the tortilla over the cheese-covered half to create a half-moon shape.
- f.Cook for 2-3 minutes, pressing down gently with the spatula, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Flip and Finish
- b.Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute before cutting.
- c.Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel if needed, and repeat the process with the remaining butter, tortillas, and cheese.
- d.Cut each quesadilla into 3-4 wedges and serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can result in a gritty texture.
- 2Use medium heat. High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to melt completely.
- 3Don't overstuff the quesadilla. Too much filling will make it difficult to flip and can cause the contents to spill out.
- 4For extra crispy tortillas, you can spread softened butter directly onto one side of each tortilla before placing it in the pan, butter-side down.
- 5Serve immediately. Quesadillas lose their signature crispiness and can become soggy as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Packed
Add 1/4 cup of shredded cooked chicken, seasoned ground beef, or black beans along with the cheese.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Include a few slices of pickled or fresh jalapeños with the cheese for a bit of heat.
Veggie LoadedVeggie-Loaded
Add 2-3 tablespoons of sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling.
Different CheesesDifferent Cheeses
Experiment with other melting cheeses like Oaxaca, Asadero, Provolone, or a mix of your favorites.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
Cheese is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Protein
The cheese in the quesadilla offers a good amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Quick Energy Source
The flour tortilla provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this a quick and satisfying meal to refuel.
Frequently asked questions
A single cheese quesadilla made with an 8-inch flour tortilla and 1/2 cup of Mexican cheese blend has approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the specific brands of tortilla and cheese used.