Quesadillas are my most frequent "go-to" meals when I am short of time and hungry. Perfect for lunch, a simple dinner, or breakfast for the kids. All kinds of leftovers can be added to quesadillas for a quick, easy, and nutritious meal.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.
Jump to recipe🡳
What is a Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a corn or flour tortilla folded in half, stuffed with various ingredients such as cheese, chiles, savory meats, and vegetables, and toasted or grilled until the cheese is melted.
Origin of the Quesadilla
The most authentic Mexican quesadilla originated in the colonial south-central regions of Mexico! The quesadilla as a dish has changed and evolved over many years as people have experimented with different variations of it.
What's The Best Cheese for Quesadillas?
- Freshly grated cheese (as opposed to pre-shredded cheese) melts best. Mexican cheeses like Queso Asadero, Queso Quesadilla, or Qaxaca are ideal cheeses that melt beautifully.
- If any of these cheeses are not available Mozzarella or Monterey Jack work perfectly for quesadillas.
What's in a Quesadilla?
A quesadilla can be low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan.
Tortillas:
- Traditionally quesadillas are made with flour tortillas or corn tortillas. The variety of tortillas available in grocery stores or online caters to any food diet requirements.
- All low-carb, wheat, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan tortillas work perfectly for quesadillas.
Protein:
- Any leftover or grilled meat like chicken, beef, pork, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and seafood are excellent choices for quesadillas.
- Cooked black beans, chickpeas, tofu, and nuts add protein to any meal, especially quesadillas.
Cheese:
- Block cheeses like Oaxaca, Quesadilla, Queso Asadero, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella are typical cheeses for a quesadilla.
- I use block cheese, pre-grated cheese contains preservatives, which means they don’t melt together as well when cooking. Freshly grated cheese lacks those additives so your quesadilla will turn out less clumpy and much smoother.
- For vegan quesadillas: Use your favorite store-bought shredded vegan cheese.
Vegetables:
Add your favorite veggie to your quesadilla
- Sauteed mushrooms, onions, diced green chiles, bell peppers, scallions,
- Roast or Grill poblanos, sweet potatoes, zucchini, corn, and much more!
Dipping sauces: Pico de Gallo, Spicy Avocado lime crema, or Habanero Sour Cream Sauce
The Busy Abuelita | Queso Fundido
How to Make a Quesadilla
- Place tortilla into a skillet (cast-iron recommended) or comal brushed with a little oil on medium-high heat.
- Place cheese, meat, veggies, or both on the tortilla.
- Lower the heat, and allow the cheese to melt. Flip one side of the tortilla over until the cheese is totally melted, cut it into wedges, and serve.
Try these Great combinations
If you have leftovers from breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try these combinations.
- Green chiles, onions, shredded rotisserie chicken, cheese
- Scrambled eggs with bacon or sausage, cheese
- Grilled shrimp, onions, bell pepper, cheese
- Taco meat, diced tomatoes, cheese
- Mushrooms, onions, potatoes, cheese
- Chorizo, potatoes, scallions, cheese
- Black beans, sliced jalapeños, rice, roasted corn, cheese
- Steak strips, onions, bell peppers, cheese
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for my latest recipes and videos.Quesadilla Recipe
