A Simple Guide to Quesadillas

Quesadillas can be anything you want them to be. Beautifully golden on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside, they’re the perfect vehicle for a seemingly endless combination of ingredients. Whether you’re whipping up an afterschool snack, creating a shareable appetizer or tossing together a fresh dinner, quesadillas pack a ton of flavor into a fun, handheld treat that’s loved by adults and kids alike.

How do you cook a quesadilla?

The easiest way to cook up a quesadilla is on the stovetop. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add about half a teaspoon olive oil. Place the tortilla in the pan, then top it with your preferred ingredients. Once the cheese begins to melt, gently fold the tortilla in half to achieve that classic quesadilla appearance.

To make multiple quesadillas at once, try baking them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush your tortillas with oil and arrange the fillings over half the area. Flip the bare side of the tortilla over the filling and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Place quesadillas in oven and bake until crispy, melty perfection (about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through).

To begin, choose your tortilla. For the signature bubbly, flaky crust you’ve come to know and love, grab a large flour tortilla. For an alternative option, try a corn tortilla quesadilla. In addition to a better-for-you nutritional profile compared to their flour-based counterparts, corn tortillas also provide a wonderful aroma and texture. When it comes to what goes inside – that depends on your mood!

What toppings go in a quesadilla?

Wondering what to put in a quesadilla? Perfect for a quick and simple snack, a cheese quesadilla comes together in minutes and requires as little as two ingredients. To add some protein to the mix, a chicken quesadilla or shrimp quesadilla are great, more filling options. For a plant-based version, create a hearty veggie quesadilla with onions, tomatoes, peppers and/or mushrooms.

If you’re feeling adventurous, go beyond the basics with one of these easy and tasty options:

• Southwestern: Fill your quesadilla with black beans, chopped onions, peppers, tomatoes, corn, cilantro and pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle with your favorite spices, like garlic powder, chili powder, cumin or red pepper flakes, and top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Mediterranean: Load your quesadilla up with a blend of chopped spinach, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese crumbles and mozzarella cheese. For the perfect complement, serve it with a side of hummus.
• Caprese: Take the familiar caprese salad to a clever new level by layering the fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil inside a tortilla. Top your quesadilla with a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a quick Italian fix.

Quesadilla fillings can be made in large batches ahead of time and frozen in freezer bags. Try freezing together cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, black beans, chopped onions and your preferred spices for an even easier meal in the future. When you’re ready to eat, just scoop the mixture into your tortilla, heat in a skillet and enjoy.

Last night’s leftovers are tonight’s quesadilla fillings!

No more searching for leftover chicken recipes, because quesadillas are the answer. Give new life to last night’s chicken, grilled steak or BBQ pulled-pork by transforming the flavors you love into a fresh new dish. Pro tip: bring moisture back to your leftover meat by adding a sprinkle of water and some additional spices.

Where to find more quesadilla recipes:

Ready to get cooking? For easy chicken quesadilla recipes, beef quesadillas recipes, steak quesadilla recipes and more gooey, melty inspiration check out our ever-expanding collection of recipes and easily add the items you need to your shopping cart.