Cheese Quesadilla (2024)

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Cheese Quesadilla (1)Yumna Jawad

5 from 103 votes

This cheese quesadilla is made on a flour tortilla on the stovetop! Just heat your pan, add butter, and build your quesadilla and eat in just 5 minutes!

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This cheese quesadilla recipe is simple, delicious, and so easy to make. I mean, what’s not to love about a golden brown crispy flour tortilla that contains deliciously gooey cheese? Whether you’re scrambling for a quick lunch, looking for a satisfying snack, or planning a casual dinner, these crispy, gooey quesadillas will save the day. I’ll show you how to make cheese quesadillas on a stovetop that always comes out perfect.

Cheese Quesadilla (2)

Table of Contents

  • Why you’ll love this flour tortilla quesadilla
  • Ingredients to make a cheese quesadilla
  • How to make a cheese quesadilla
  • Tips for making the best cheese quesadilla
  • What to serve with This easy cheese quesadilla
  • Frequently asked questions
  • More Mexican recipes:
  • Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

If there’s anything I make more than grilled cheese for my kids’ quick weekend lunches, it’s this cheese quesadilla recipe. It doesn’t get easier, and I always end up with happy campers. Plus, I love that I can sneak in extra protein from leftover shredded chicken or extra veggies like leftover fresh spinach or zucchini.

Why you’ll love this flour tortilla quesadilla

  • Great for using up leftovers: If you have some leftover chicken, beef, or veggies from last night’s dinner, toss them into your quesadilla for a new take on leftovers.
  • Ideal for on-the-go: These quesadillas can be cut into wedges, cooled, and packed for a picnic, work lunch, or a road trip. They maintain their texture and taste even after a few hours.
  • Perfect canvas for dips: Serving these quesadillas with guacamole is just the beginning. They are a perfect partner to a wide array of dips and salsas, allowing you to experiment with flavor profiles and heat levels.
  • Excellent accompaniment to meals: Include these quesadillas into a larger Mexican-inspired meal to add a comforting element to the spread. Or pair them with a side salad for that satisfying texture. These cheese quesadillas seamlessly fit into any meal.

Ingredients to make a cheese quesadilla

  • Tortilla shells: Flour tortillas make the best quesadillas because they are soft and flexible, holding the filling together well. Use your favorite store-bought tortillas or make your own flour tortillas.
  • Shredded cheese: The shredded cheese is the key ingredient as it melts and creates that cheesy and savory filling.
  • Butter: Cooking the quesadillas in butter gives them a crispy and golden exterior, adding a nice texture to each bite. You can also use olive oil.
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How to make a cheese quesadilla

  1. Heat butter or olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add one tortilla to the pan.
  2. Spread the shredded cheese in an even layer all over the tortilla.
  3. Close the quesadilla by placing the second tortilla on top of the cheese and cook until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown.
  4. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for a few minutes or until the bottom of that tortilla becomes golden brown.
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Tips for making the best cheese quesadilla

  1. Watch the butter. Butter burns very quickly so you need to keep an eye on it and add your tortillas when just melted.
  2. Let the quesadillas rest. After the quesadilla is cooked, remove it from the heat and transfer to a cutting board. Give them a few minutes to cool and let the cheese set before cutting into the quesadilla.
  3. Cut into triangles. Cutting the quesadillas into triangles allows for easier serving and dipping. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works well for this task.
  4. Don’t overfill the quesadilla. If using other fillings besides cheese, be mindful not to overfill the quesadilla and leave a small border on the edges. This ensures easy flipping and prevents spillage.
  5. Make a smaller quesadilla with one tortilla. Instead of laying two tortillas on top of each other with the cheese layer in between, you can add cheese to half of a tortilla and fold it over. I do this often when it’s for one serving.

Popular substitutions & additions

  • Try corn tortillas: While flour tortillas are excellent for their chewy texture, you can use corn tortillas as a gluten-free option. Just make sure you don’t fold them over, or they will break and limit cooking time, as they tend to crisp up faster than flour tortillas.
  • Add a protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, ground beef, or even grilled shrimp for a heartier and more filling quesadilla. Using leftover meat from a previous meal is an excellent way to avoid food waste and give them new life.
  • Fresh additions: Enhance the flavor by adding roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Or sprinkle in some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions.
  • Spice it up: Add bold flavor by adding a pinch of chili powder, Za’atar seasoning, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika directly to the cheese. As it melts, the seasonings will elevate the overall taste of the quesadillas.
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What to serve with This easy cheese quesadilla

How to store & reheat a cheese quesadilla

Let the cheese quesadilla cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the quesadilla tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

To reheat, warm the quesadilla in a frying pan over medium-low heat until warmed through, and the cheese is melted. If you have it wrapped in foil, you can also place it on a baking sheet and warm it in a toaster oven for a few minutes until it is warmed through.

How long will the cheese quesadilla last in the fridge?

Cheese quesadilla will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Can i freeze cheese quesadilla?

Yes, you can! Wrap the quesadilla tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat per the instructions above.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cheese for a quesadilla?

You want to use a cheese that easily melts when heat is applied in order to achieve that smooth and gooey interior. Most soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, Colby, and cheddar cheese, have great melting capabilities. Avoid hard cheeses such as Parmesan and crumbly cheeses such as feta and blue cheese.

Can I mix and match the cheeses for quesadilla?

Absolutely! Combining different types of cheeses can add complexity and unique flavors to your quesadillas. Consider combining cheddar with Monterey Jack cheese, or try a blend of Mexican cheese and pepper Jack for a fiery kick. Feel free to get creative and customize your quesadillas with your favorite cheese combinations.

How can I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?

To maintain crispiness, keep the cooked quesadillas in a single layer on a wire rack until completely cooled. If adding veggies and other fillings besides cheese, avoid overloading the quesadillas, as that can lead to excess moisture.

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Ready to enjoy the cheesy goodness of a perfectly made quesadilla? Say goodbye to burnt edges and hello to mouthwatering cheese-filled delight that brings pure joy to everyone. With these tips and tricks, you’ll make the best cheese quesadilla you ever tasted.

More Mexican recipes:

If you try this feel good Cheese Quesadilla recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it onInstagramso we can repost on Stories!

Cheese Quesadilla (7)

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Cheese Quesadilla

This cheese quesadilla is made on a flour tortilla on the stovetop! Just heat your pan, add butter, and build your quesadilla and eat in just 5 minutes!

5 from 103 votes

Servings 2 servings

Course Entree, Lunch

Calories 365

Prep Time 0 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 2 10-inch flour tortillas
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Guacamole for serving

Instructions

  • Heat the butter or olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add one tortilla to the pan and scatter the cheddar cheese in an even layer all over the tortilla. Place the second tortilla on top of the cheese.

  • Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom of the tortilla starts to become golden brown. Carefully flip the tortilla and cook on the other side for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom of the tortilla becomes golden brown.

  • Remove the quesadilla from the pan and place on a cutting board. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the quesadilla into 6 triangles. Serve with guacamole or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Storage:Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Gently reheat in a frying pan over medium-low heat until warmed through.

To freeze, tightly wrap in foil or plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Tips:

Watch the butter. If using butter instead of olive oil, watch it carefully as it melts to prevent it from burning.

Let the quesadillas rest. Before cutting into the quesadilla, give them some time to cool down slightly so the cheese sets.

Cut into triangles. Once cooked, cutting the quesadillas into triangles allows for easier serving and dipping. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works well for this task.

Don’t overfill the quesadilla. Whether or not you’re using other fillings besides cheese, be mindful not to overfill the quesadilla and leave a small border on the edges. This ensures easy flipping and prevents spillage.

Make a smaller quesadilla with one tortilla. Instead of laying two tortillas on top of each other with the cheese layer in between, you can add cheese to half a tortilla and fold it over. I do this often when it’s for one serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 701mg, Potassium: 110mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 408IU, Calcium: 303mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine Mexican

Course: Entree, Lunch

5 from 103 votes (102 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. So easy and quick – thank you!

    Reply

    1. Yay, I’m so happy to hear you liked it!!

      Reply

Cheese Quesadilla (2024)

FAQs

What type of cheese is best for quesadillas? ›

What cheese is best for quesadillas? Cheddar, Chihuahua, or Monterey Jack - or a mix of all three - are my favorite cheeses for quesadillas. Feel free to use whatever melty cheese you've got on hand and be sure to shred it yourself for the best texture!

What can I put in a quesadilla? ›

What toppings go in a quesadilla?
  1. Southwestern: Fill your quesadilla with black beans, chopped onions, peppers, tomatoes, corn, cilantro and pepper jack cheese. ...
  2. Mediterranean: Load your quesadilla up with a blend of chopped spinach, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese crumbles and mozzarella cheese.
May 17, 2024

What cheese do Mexican restaurants use in their quesadillas? ›

Traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca cheese or Chihuahua cheese are commonly used in quesadillas because they melt easily and have a mild, slightly salty flavor. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and mozzarella.

How do you seal quesadillas? ›

Once it's hot, lay in a tortilla and sprinkle with two tablespoons of the cheese mix, making sure you leave a decent border all around the edge. When the cheese begins to melt, add a few slices of chilli and a pinch of epazote (or oregano), and fold over the tortilla, pressing it down to help seal it.

How to spice up a cheese quesadilla? ›

Optional Fillings: These extras let you customize your quesadilla. Add cooked veggies for a burst of flavor and color, or cooked meat for an extra protein punch. Beans or corn add a different texture and an extra layer of flavor. Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa, or Pico de Gallo: optional, for serving.

Should I butter my quesadilla? ›

One trick — a surprising trick! — is to use only a little bit of butter or oil in the pan when cooking the quesadillas. Too much and I find the tortilla ends up soggy and greasy instead of crispy. Just a half teaspoon or so to coat the bottom of the pan ensures a crispy tortilla with golden-brown spots.

What sauce goes with quesadillas? ›

696 suggested recipes
  • Thai Peanut Dipping SauceKitchenAid. 804. ...
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  • Creamy Pineapple-lime Dipping Saucebestfoods. ...
  • Buffalo Blue Cheese Dipping SauceTyson. ...
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  • Cabernet Peppercorn Dipping SaucePork. ...
  • Guided.

What is the hack for quesadillas? ›

Lay a tortilla flat and make a cut from the outside edge to the middle. Place the meat, cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo into quarter sections on the tortilla. Fold the quarters together. Cook the quesadillas for there minutes on each side in a hot skillet.

Do you flip a quesadilla? ›

Once you have the tortilla all folded up, place it in a hot pan, griddle or panini press. I cooked mine in a pan, so I used a spatula to slightly flatten and flip the quesadilla. Cook until browned on both sides and enjoy with whatever toppings you want.

How do you pack quesadillas so they don't get soggy? ›

Packing crispy food like chicken nuggets, fries, or quesadillas? Make sure to put a paper towel in the bottom to absorb moisture and avoid soggy nuggets!

Is quesadilla cheese the same as queso cheese? ›

Also known as queso quesadilla, asadero cheese is great for melting. Try it with these Hatch Chiles Rellenos and in this delectably melty grilled Queso Flameado.

What cheese does Del Taco use in their quesadillas? ›

Fresh house-grated cheddar cheese and signature creamy Queso Blanco grilled between two flour tortillas.

What cheese does Chipotle use in their quesadillas? ›

Chipotle restaurants will often use a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, so you could also use a blend of the two as well. Or, use your preferred kind of cheese.

Is parmesan cheese good for quesadillas? ›

In our house, they make the perfect snack, but many times we make them as the main meal, for lunch or dinner. Another one of our favorite flavors is parmesan cheese, and this cheese goes great with shrimp so that's how we came up with the idea for these delicious and crunchy shrimp quesadillas.

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