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Cheese Quesadilla

Cheese Quesadilla

This easy Cheese Quesadilla recipe offers a quick, delicious, and crispy dinner option featuring perfectly melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sandwiched between warm flour tortillas. Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that’s kid-friendly and easily customized with various fillings and seasonings.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients

  • 4 flour tortillas (soft yet sturdy for folding and toasting)
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for a golden, crispy exterior)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Seasonings

  • Pinch of chili powder or cumin (for a subtle kick)

Optional Fillings and Variations

  • 1 cup sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms (for veggie-packed variation)
  • Jalapeños or hot sauce (for spicy version, to taste)
  • Cooked chicken, beef, or beans (about 1 cup, for protein boost)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions (for herb-infused flavor)
  • Plant-based cheese alternatives and oil instead of butter (for vegan-friendly)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather your flour tortillas and shredded cheese. If adding extra fillings, chop or sauté them as needed so they’re ready to use.
  2. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil to coat the surface evenly.
  3. Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet. Sprinkle an even layer of cheese (plus any optional toppings) over half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over to cover the cheese.
  4. Cook Until Golden and Melted: Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly. Use a spatula to press gently for even browning.
  5. Slice and Serve: Remove from the skillet, let it cool for a moment, then slice into wedges and enjoy the melty, crispy goodness.

Notes

  • Use a blend of cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
  • Cook on medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning the tortilla before the cheese melts.
  • Avoid overloading fillings to prevent sogginess and breaking the tortilla.
  • Press gently with a spatula during cooking for even browning.
  • Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking or tearing.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese quesadilla, quick dinner, easy quesadilla, melted cheese, crispy quesadilla, kid-friendly snack, Mexican appetizer, customizable quesadilla