National Quesadilla Day – Where Did the Quesadilla Come From? (2024)

September 25th marks a delicious occasion: National Quesadilla Day! This day celebrates the delightful mix of melted cheese sandwiched between tortillas. But where did the quesadilla originate, and how did it become a beloved staple in many households and restaurants worldwide? Let's dive in!

A Brief History of the Quesadilla

The quesadilla has its roots deep in Mexico's culinary history. The word “quesadilla” is derived from Spanish with "queso" meaning cheese. Ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico, long before the Spanish arrival, made something similar using native ingredients like squash and pumpkin flowers, folded into corn tortillas.

With the Spanish introduction of cheese, the modern quesadilla was born. This dish has since evolved over centuries, adapting to different regions, cultures, and preferences. Today, you can find various versions, from the classic cheese and tortilla combo to those stuffed with gourmet ingredients.

Salsa Grille's Take on the Quesadilla

At Salsa Grille, we're passionate about keeping the authenticity of this dish alive while allowing our patrons to personalize it. Our quesadillas start with hotly pressed, no-preservatives tortillas, a testament to our dedication to freshness. As the tortilla warms and crisps on the griddle, it cradles a generous helping of melted cheese, creating the perfect base.

But why stop at cheese? Salsa Grille offers a plethora of toppings to add. From succulent meats like steak and chicken to an array of veggies, and of course, our signature salsas. There's a flavor combination for everyone. Whether you like your quesadilla loaded or simple, we've got you covered!

Celebrate with Salsa Grille!

This National Quesadilla Day, why not celebrate at Salsa Grille? Revel in the rich history of the quesadilla while biting into a cheesy, crispy delight customized just for you. And remember, every bite not only offers a taste of the rich Mexican heritage but also showcases Salsa Grille's commitment to providing "Real ingredients at an unreal price."

So, whether you’re a quesadilla connoisseur or someone trying it for the first time, join us in honoring this delectable dish. Let's make this National Quesadilla Day the most delicious one yet!

Enjoy Quesadillas and More at Salsa Grille!

There's no better place to honor National Quesadilla Day than at Salsa Grille. While the spotlight may be on quesadillas, it's also a fantastic opportunity to explore everything we have to offer. At the heart of our establishment is the dedication to authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and the spirit of celebration every day of the week.

Speaking of days, did you realize that this year, September 25th falls on a Monday? That means double the celebration! Not only can you indulge in our delicious quesadillas, but you can also take advantage of our renowned #SalsaMonday. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, #SalsaMonday is when our flavorful burritos and bowls are priced at just $6.99! And that’s not all – this unbeatable deal also comes with our crispy chips, zesty salsa, and a refreshing fountain drink. It’s a full meal that will leave both your stomach and wallet satisfied.

We see Mondays as the beginning of a week filled with potential, flavor, and, most importantly, food! By merging National Quesadilla Day with our #SalsaMonday, we aim to give our loyal patrons a start to their week that's both festive and flavorful.

So, circle the date, gather your friends, and make plans to kick off the week in the tastiest way possible. Whether you're craving the cheesy perfection of a quesadilla, the hearty satisfaction of a burrito, or the fresh crunch of a bowl, Salsa Grille is your destination this September 25th. Celebrate with us and let's make this Monday memorable!

National Quesadilla Day – Where Did the Quesadilla Come From? (2024)

FAQs

National Quesadilla Day – Where Did the Quesadilla Come From? ›

The quesadilla has its roots deep in Mexico's culinary history. The word “quesadilla” is derived from Spanish with "queso" meaning cheese. Ancient indigenous peoples of Mexico, long before the Spanish arrival, made something similar using native ingredients like squash and pumpkin flowers, folded into corn tortillas.

Where did the quesadilla come from? ›

The history of the quesadilla traces back to Mexico when it was made only with a tortilla and cheese. The exact origin of the quesadilla is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Mexico, particularly in the state of Sonora.

What day is National Quesadilla Day? ›

National Quesadilla Day on September 25th encourages us to pull a chair up to the table and eat some authentic Mexican food. While it's not a sandwich or a taco, the quesadilla satisfies snack cravings while also completing a meal.

Is quesadillas Spanish Italian or Mexican? ›

Quesadilla literally means 'small cheese thing'. It's a Mexican classic consisting of a wheat or corn tortilla that's covered with cheese and other tasty toppings, folded in half, then baked on both sides in a pan.

What is a fun fact about quesadillas? ›

1. Quesadilla is a dish that came from Colonial Mexico. 2. The meaning of the name is “l*ttle cheesy thing.”

What does quesadilla mean literally? ›

“When you stick the -ada ending on 'queso,'” Bowels writes, “you get 'quesada,' which in essence means 'something full of / made with cheese. ' The -illa ending is a diminutive. So 'quesadilla' is literally 'a little thing made with cheese. '”

What is the difference between Mexican quesadillas and American quesadillas? ›

They are both served in Mexico and in the U.S. as a popular snack. In Mexico, it is made with a corn tortilla folded over melted Oaxaca cheese and served with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. The Americans prefer using flour tortillas and fill them with a generic “Mexican” cheese mix or Monterey Jack.

Who invented the cheese quesadilla? ›

The southern regions of Mexico are where we see the first use of queso and stringy cheese-filled quesadillas. The Aztec people were very familiar with corn tortillas and would often stuff tortillas with squash and pumpkin and then bake them in clay ovens as a sweet dessert.

What is considered 1 quesadilla? ›

In the central and southern regions of Mexico, a quesadilla is a flat circle of cooked corn masa, called a tortilla, warmed to soften it enough to be folded in half, and then filled. They are typically filled with Oaxaca cheese (queso Oaxaca), a stringy Mexican cheese made by the pasta filata (stretched-curd) method.

What do you call a quesadilla in the morning? ›

Breakfast quesadillas, usually made with eggs and cheese, but sometimes also with vegetables and/or meat, all sandwiched between two flour tortillas, are growing on menus in the United States as they provide a balance of comfort and customization with a nod to the Mexican classic on which they're based.

What is a quesadilla without cheese called? ›

Interestingly, Anais points out that a quesadilla without cheese in Oaxaca is called an 'empanada', which could be a surprise for people used to baked or fried hand pies with filling.

What does quesadilla mean in Spanish? ›

You might be wondering where this tasty treat called the quesadilla found its well-known name? Well, queso means cheese in Spanish, and Dilla means a slang term for a dude. So quesadilla translates into “cheese-dude.” This little cheese thing was originated in the northern and central Mexico back in the 16th century.

What is an Italian quesadilla called? ›

Calzonedilla (Italian Quesadilla)

What 2 cultures do quesadillas come from? ›

Many believe that the quesadilla was introduced to the West by Spaniards, but it actually originated in the south-central regions of Mexico. The earliest form of quesadillas was described as an empanada, filled with ingredients and made to be portable.

What do quesadillas do for your body? ›

The protein and fiber work to keep you full for longer while the carbohydrates fuel your body and give you energy. This makes quesadillas an overall balanced choice! While a quesadilla does have a significant amount of fat, remember that some dietary fat is beneficial for the body.

What is a quesadilla with meat called? ›

Mulitas are like quesadilla sandwiches…with meat on the inside. Hello! That's cool! This carnitas recipe is suuuuper simple, and only takes about 3 hours of braising on the stove-top.

What does Dilla mean in Spanish slang? ›

Well, queso means cheese in Spanish, and Dilla means a slang term for a dude. So quesadilla translates into “cheese-dude.” This little cheese thing was originated in the northern and central Mexico back in the 16th century. Fun Facts About Quesadillas: This dish can be served with a modest corn or flour tortillas.

Where were tortillas invented? ›

Origin of the Tortilla

The word tortilla originates from the Spanish word tort meaning “cake” and its first documented use was around the mid-1600s. The food itself, a thin flatbread made from dried and finely ground corn, can be traced back many thousands of years to people of the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico.

How are quesadillas connected to Mexican culture? ›

It is believed that the dish originated in central Mexico in the state of Oaxaca, where cheese was a common ingredient in many local dishes. The original quesadilla was made with a blue corn tortilla filled with cheese and folded in half, then cooked over a comal, a traditional Mexican flat griddle.

Are fajitas American or Mexican? ›

Fajitas have grown from obscure, South Texas roots to become a beloved mainstay of Mexican cooking. The history of fajitas, while somewhat blurred, belongs to the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and northern Mexico, where skirt steak was often used as payment to vaqueros (Spanish for “cowboys”).

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