The delicious world of cheese quesadillas! Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish. It involves a tortilla filled with cheese. And sometimes other tasty ingredients. Then it is folded and toasted until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns crispy. Further, Cheese quesadillas are a quick and easy dish that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight when you need to whip up something fast and filling. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a classic cheese quesadilla using a few simple ingredients. So let’s get started and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more!
What Is A Cheese Quesadilla?
Quesadillas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled with cheese. Often includes other ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or beans. The tortilla is then folded in half and cooked on a griddle or skillet until the cheese melts.
Cheese quesadillas are a simple and delicious version of quesadillas. It features only cheese as the main ingredient. They are a popular comfort food that you can enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or main course. In fact, you can customize them to suit your taste and preferences. Ingredients such as jalapenos, onions, or salsa can be added. They are served with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
Mexican cuisine, including quesadillas, is famous since the 16th century. A warm corn tortilla helps to make traditional quesadillas, which then fill with cheese and a variety of additional contents (meat, vegetables), fold over, and consume by hand.
Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream seem to have only recently been introduced as toppings. In addition, as Americans adapted quesadillas, they added non-traditional contents like scrambled eggs to produce breakfast quesadillas and frequently substituted corn tortillas for flour tortillas.
Why This Recipe Works
Cheese quesadillas work for several reasons:
- They are simple to make. Cheese quesadillas need only a few ingredients and can be made quickly. It is a perfect go-to meal for busy days.
- The combination of cheese and tortilla is delicious. The combination of warm, melted cheese and crispy tortilla is a classic comfort food. It is satisfying and delicious.
- They are versatile. Cheese quesadillas can be customized to suit your taste preferences. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
- They are affordable. Cheese quesadillas are an affordable meal option. It can be made using ingredients which are readily available.
- Kids Friendly. Children will love this recipe.
Cheese quesadillas work because they are simple, delicious, versatile, and affordable.
Ingredients Required to Make Cheese Quesadilla
The ingredients required to make a classic cheese quesadilla are:
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter: This helps to lightly coat the cooking surface and add flavour to the quesadillas as they cook.
- ½ cup shredded cheese: Choose your favourite type of cheese for the filling. Popular options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of different cheeses. Shredded cheese melts easily and provides a gooey, cheesy filling for the quesadillas.
- 2 fajita/soft taco-size flour tortillas: These are the flatbreads that serve as the base for the quesadillas. Fajita or soft taco-sized tortillas are typically smaller in diameter compared to burrito-sized tortillas, making them perfect for folding and cooking.
- Creamy Avocado Sauce: While not a traditional ingredient in cheese quesadillas, the creamy avocado sauce can add a delicious flavour and creaminess to the dish. It cooks by mashing ripe avocados and combining them with lime juice, garlic, salt, and optional additions like sour cream or Greek yoghurt.
- Sliced green onion: Green onions, also known as scallions, provide a mild onion flavour and a touch of freshness to the quesadillas. They can be thinly sliced and sprinkled over the filling before folding and cooking.
- Freshly chopped cilantro: Cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous taste to the quesadillas. It can chop and use as a garnish on top of the quesadillas before serving.
By combining these ingredients, you can create delicious cheese quesadillas with a creamy avocado sauce, topped with sliced green onion and freshly chopped cilantro.
Tools Required to Make Cheese Quesadilla
Here are the tools you will need to make cheese quesadillas:
- Griddle or skillet: A flat, non-stick griddle or skillet is essential for cooking the quesadillas. You want a surface that heats evenly and allows you to cook both sides of the tortilla.
- Spatula: A spatula will help you flip the quesadilla and prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Cheese grater: If you are shredding your own cheese, you will need a cheese grater to shred the cheese into small, even pieces.
- Cutting board: You can use a cutting board to chop any extra ingredients, such as jalapenos or onions.
- Knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut the quesadilla into slices once it’s cooked.
Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Here’s how to make classic Mexican Cheese Quesadillas! These decadent tortillas are loaded with cheese and griddled with our special technique.
Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Course: Snack Cuisine: Mexican Calories: 610 kcal
To prepare the cheese quesadillas, follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
Begin by melting half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt until it stops foaming.
Once the butter melts, place one of the fajita or soft taco-sized flour tortillas into the skillet. Make sure the tortilla is spread evenly across the surface of the pan.
Take the shredded cheese and spread it in an even layer over the tortilla, ensuring that the cheese reaches all the way out to the edges. This will help create a cheesy filling throughout the quesadilla.
Next, place the second flour tortilla on top of the cheese, effectively sandwiching it between the tortillas.
Cook the quesadilla for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla develops a dark golden-brown crust. This will give the quesadilla a crispy texture and enhance its flavour.
Once the bottom side cooks to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet.
Melt the remaining butter in the pan, and then flip the quesadilla over, placing it back into the skillet. Allow the other side of the quesadilla to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it also develops a dark golden-brown crust.
Once both sides cook to perfection, take a pizza cutter and slice the quesadilla in half. Then, slice each half again, creating four triangular pieces.
Serve the cheese quesadilla with Creamy Avocado Sauce for a delightful accompaniment. Drizzle the sauce over the quesadilla or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Now, it’s time to savour the flavorful combination of melted cheese, crispy tortillas, and creamy avocado sauce. Enjoy your cheese quesadillas as a tasty meal or share them as a delightful appetizer with friends and family.
Tips To Make The Best Cheese Quesadilla
- Use high-quality cheese. The cheese is the star of the show in a cheese quesadilla. So it’s important to use a high-quality cheese that melts well and has good flavour. Try using a combination of different cheeses. Such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco, for a more complex flavour.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle. To prevent the tortilla from sticking and ensure even cooking, use a non-stick skillet. If your skillet is not non-stick, you can grease it with butter or oil.
- Heat the skillet or griddle over medium heat. To prevent the tortilla from burning or getting too crispy, heat the skillet over medium heat. This will allow the tortilla to cook through without getting too dark.
- Use room-temperature tortillas. If your tortillas are cold, they may crack or break when you fold them. To prevent this, let the tortillas come to room temperature.
- Add extra ingredients for flavour and texture. A simple cheese quesadilla is delicious. But you can add extra ingredients to add flavour and texture to the dish.
- Don’t overfill the quesadilla. While it may be tempting to add a lot of filling to your quesadilla, this can cause it to spill out and make a mess. Stick to a moderate amount of filling. Make sure to press down with a spatula to keep everything together.
- Serve immediately. Cheese quesadillas are best serve hot and fresh, so be sure to serve them as soon as they are cooked. If you need to keep them warm, you can place them in a low oven or wrap them in foil until ready to serve.
Storing & Freezing
Cheese quesadillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, allow the quesadilla to cool down to room temperature. Then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat the quesadilla in the microwave, oven or on a stovetop until warmed through.
You can also freeze cheese quesadillas for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. When ready to eat, thaw the quesadillas in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them in the microwave, oven or on a stovetop.
It’s worth noting that the texture of the cheese may change after freezing. And the tortilla may become a bit soggy. So, it’s best to freeze them if you don’t plan on eating them within a few days.
FAQs
What Is The Best Cheese For Quesadillas?
The best cheese for quesadillas is one that melts and has good flavour. Oaxaca cheese is a popular choice for quesadillas because of its stringy texture. Also, it has the ability to melt quickly. Other good options include Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco. It’s also a good idea to use a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavour. The type of cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference. So feel free to experiment with different types of cheese until you find the one that works best for you.
What Ingredients Are In Cheese Quesadillas?
Cheese quesadillas are a simple and delicious Mexican dish. The main ingredients in cheese quesadillas are flour tortillas and shredded cheese. You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco. You may also want to add extra ingredients. such as onions, jalapenos, or spices to add flavour and texture to your quesadilla. Some people also like to add meat, such as chicken or beef, to their quesadillas. But, the classic cheese quesadilla is a vegetarian dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
What Do You Put In A Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a versatile Mexican dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The basic ingredients for a quesadilla include a tortilla and cheese. But, you can add extra ingredients to customize your quesadilla to your liking. One popular addition is meat, such as cooked chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. This adds extra protein and flavour to the dish. Other popular ingredients include beans, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. You can also add spices such as cumin and paprika for added flavour. Vegetarian options include adding veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Some people like to add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavour and texture. The ingredients you choose for your quesadilla will depend on your personal preferences.
What Goes Good With A Cheese Quesadilla?
Cheese quesadillas are a delicious and filling dish that can enjoy on their own. Here are some popular options for what to serve with a cheese quesadilla:
- Guacamole: A classic Mexican dip made from mashed avocado, lime juice, salt, and other seasonings. It’s creamy texture and tangy flavour pair well with the cheesy quesadilla.
- Salsa: A spicy tomato-based sauce that adds a zingy kick to the quesadilla. You can make your own salsa or use store-bought.
- Sour cream: A cool and creamy condiment that balances out the heat of the quesadilla.
Are Quesadillas Healthy For You?
Quesadillas can be a healthy meal option when made with the right ingredients. Choosing whole wheat tortillas over refined flour tortillas increases the fiber content. Cheese is a high-calorie ingredient. So, using a moderate amount can make the quesadilla healthier. Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes can increase the fiber. of the meal. For a protein boost, adding lean meats can make the quesadilla a more balanced meal.
But, it is important to watch sizes and avoid overloading the quesadilla with cheese.
What Is The Difference Between A Tortilla And A Quesadilla?
A tortilla and a quesadilla are two distinct Mexican dishes that are similar. (in appearance). But they have different ingredients and preparation methods.
A tortilla is a thin, flat, round bread made from either corn or wheat flour. It is a staple food in Mexican cuisine and is used as a base for many dishes. Tortillas can fill with a variety of ingredients such as meat, beans, vegetables, and cheese.
But, a quesadilla is a dish made by heating a tortilla and filling it with cheese. Other ingredients such as meat, beans, and vegetables can also be added. The tortilla folds in half to encase the filling and then cooked until the cheese melts. Quesadillas can be made with either corn or wheat tortillas. They often serve with toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, these cheese quesadillas offer a quick and satisfying meal or a delightful appetizer. You can achieve this by melting butter in a skillet and layering the tortillas with a generous amount of shredded cheese, ensuring a perfect, melty filling that extends to the edges. Cook the quesadilla until it forms a dark golden-brown crust on both sides, adding a delightful crunch and enhancing the overall taste.
Once you cooked the quesadilla to perfection, use a pizza cutter to slice it into four triangular pieces, making it easy to serve and share. Enhance the flavours by adding Creamy Avocado Sauce, which takes these quesadillas to another level, providing a creamy, tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling. Drizzle the sauce over the quesadillas or serve it as a delicious dipping sauce on the side.
For a touch of freshness, sprinkle sliced green onions and freshly chopped cilantro over the quesadillas. These ingredients not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also bring a subtle herbaceous flavour that complements the other components.
Whether you enjoy these cheese quesadillas as a satisfying lunch, or a quick dinner, or serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a gathering, they are sure to impress with their flavours and textures. Warm, melty cheese, crispy tortillas, and creamy avocado sauce create a harmonious blend of flavours that will leave you craving more.
So, gather your ingredients, melt that butter, and get ready to savour the deliciousness of these cheese quesadillas. Whether you cook for yourself or share with loved ones, this recipe guarantees smiles on everyone’s faces. Enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness and the delightful accompaniments that make these quesadillas a truly memorable culinary experience.
Cheese Quesadilla: Step-By-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 fajita or soft taco-size flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded cheese
To serve:
- freshly chopped cilantro
- green onion sliced
- creamy avocado sauce
Instructions
- Begin by melting half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt until it stops foaming.
- Once the butter melts, place one of the fajita or soft taco-sized flour tortillas into the skillet. Make sure the tortilla is spread evenly across the surface of the pan.
- Take the shredded cheese and spread it in an even layer over the tortilla, ensuring that the cheese reaches all the way out to the edges. This will help create a cheesy filling throughout the quesadilla.
- Next, place the second flour tortilla on top of the cheese, effectively sandwiching it between the tortillas.
- Cook the quesadilla for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla develops a dark golden-brown crust. This will give the quesadilla a crispy texture and enhance its flavour.
- Once the bottom side cooks to your desired level of crispiness, carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet.
- Melt the remaining butter in the pan, and then flip the quesadilla over, placing it back into the skillet. Allow the other side of the quesadilla to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it also develops a dark golden-brown crust.
- Once both sides cook to perfection, take a pizza cutter and slice the quesadilla in half. Then, slice each half again, creating four triangular pieces.
- Serve the cheese quesadilla with Creamy Avocado Sauce for a delightful accompaniment. Drizzle the sauce over the quesadilla or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Now, it's time to savour the flavorful combination of melted cheese, crispy tortillas, and creamy avocado sauce. Enjoy your cheese quesadillas as a tasty meal or share them as a delightful appetizer with friends and family.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheese. The cheese is the star of the show in a cheese quesadilla. So it's important to use a high-quality cheese that melts well and has good flavour. Try using a combination of different cheeses. Such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco, for a more complex flavour.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle. To prevent the tortilla from sticking and ensure even cooking, use a non-stick skillet. If your skillet is not non-stick, you can grease it with butter or oil.
- Heat the skillet or griddle over medium heat. To prevent the tortilla from burning or getting too crispy, heat the skillet over medium heat. This will allow the tortilla to cook through without getting too dark.
- Use room-temperature tortillas. If your tortillas are cold, they may crack or break when you fold them. To prevent this, let the tortillas come to room temperature.
- Add extra ingredients for flavour and texture. A simple cheese quesadilla is delicious. But you can add extra ingredients to add flavour and texture to the dish.
- Don't overfill the quesadilla. While it may be tempting to add a lot of filling to your quesadilla, this can cause it to spill out and make a mess. Stick to a moderate amount of filling. Make sure to press down with a spatula to keep everything together.
- Serve immediately. Cheese quesadillas are best serve hot and fresh, so be sure to serve them as soon as they are cooked. If you need to keep them warm, you can place them in a low oven or wrap them in foil until ready to serve.
