Easy Quesadilla

This quesadilla recipe comes out crispy on the outside with perfectly melty cheese! Here’s how to make this Tex Mex specialty.

If there’s one meal we lean on time and time again, it’s the mighty quesadilla. This Mexican and Tex Mex recipe is genius in its simplicity, from the golden tortilla outsides to its melty, gooey interior. When we’re not sure what’s for dinner, it’s often this trick that we pull out. It’s not rocket science to make a quesadilla, but there are a few tricks that take it over the top. This easy quesadilla recipe makes a crispy, deliciously seasoned tortilla melt every time.

How to make a quesadilla: 3 tricks

The quesadilla was invented in Mexico, possibly in the 16th century or before. The ingredients and method evolved over time, but an authentic Mexican quesadilla today is typically made with corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese. The American quesadilla is a variant on the Mexican original: it’s more like a grilled cheese and typically uses flour tortillas.

This Tex Mex staple is the recipe we’re sharing here. Here are 3 tips to a next-level quesadilla recipe:

• Use quality melting cheese. The best types of cheese for the American quesadilla include mild cheddar, Colby Jack, and Mexican blend cheeses. Avoid sharp cheddar because it doesn’t melt as well. For a more traditional Mexican quesadilla, use Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese.
• Fill with a sprinkle of pico de gallo. Pico de gallo, or fresh salsa, adds just the right kick to the interior. It adds a little tomato, onion, garlic and jalapeno, but not so much that you can distinguish any of the specific flavors.
• Cook in cast iron or stainless steel. This gets the best browning to the outside of the tortilla. We like to use a small drizzle of oil for cooking, but you can also cook with a dry pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown on the outside.

Cheese quesadilla ingredients

The ingredients for a basic cheese quesadilla are very simple. You can use it as a template to make a veggie or chicken variation with a few add-ons (see below). Here’s what you’ll need for a cheese quesadilla:

• Flour or corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional for Mexican-style tortillas. They also make this recipe gluten-free. The typical American or Tex-Mex style quesadilla uses flour tortillas, which get a bit more crispy when browned (like bread in a grilled cheese). Either work here!
• Mild cheddar cheese and Colby jack cheese: We like using a blend of cheese for most nuanced flavor. Or, try Mexican blend, smoked mozzarella, or Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese.
• Pico de gallo (aka fresh salsa): It’s easy to find containers of pico de gallo in the refrigerated section of the grocery.

Variations: veggie, chicken quesadilla & more

Step up your quesadilla with a few filling variations! You can easily turn this basic template into a veggie or chicken quesadilla with the following additions:

• Veggie: To each tortilla, add 1 handful drained and rinsed black beans, 1 handful thinly sliced green onions, 1 handful canned corn, and 1 sprinkle chopped cilantro.
• Chicken: To each tortilla, add ¼ cup chopped or shredded chicken.
• Beef or vegan beef: To each tortilla, add ¼ cup cooked ground beef or plant-based crumbles or taco meat (we like the brands Impossible and Beyond). Or, make Vegan Taco Meat.

Dipping sauces and toppings

Another way to a next-level quesadilla? Serve it with a fun dipping sauce or topping. To us, sour cream is just about perfect. But you can get creative and serve with a Mexican crema or dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for sauces and toppings:

• Sour cream
• Crema like avocado crema, lime crema, cilantro lime crema or chipotle crema
• Salsa
• Guacamole like this simple guacamole
• Sauces like avocado sauce or chipotle sauce

When it comes to toppings, we like to keep it simple: a bit of chopped cilantro and a dollop of hot sauce is all you need.

Try baked quesadillas to serve a crowd

Want to make more quesadillas at once? Try these Baked Quesadillas! This recipe makes an easy dinner by baking up a big batch all at once on a sheet pan. All the quesadillas are done at the same time, and they come out with a beautifully crispy exterior. 

More quesadilla ideas

There are lots of fun variations on the quesadilla! Here are a few other ways to get creative:

• Make a Breakfast Quesadilla with scrambled eggs
• Try a Loaded Veggie Quesadilla with sweet potato, black beans, and spinach
• Go elegant with Mushroom and Brie Quesadillas
• Try a Mediterranean-style filling with Greek Quesadillas
• Load up on avocados with an Avocado & Black Bean Quesadilla

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Quick Breakfast Quesadilla

02

Superfood Veggie Quesadilla

03

Brie & Mushroom Quesadilla

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Chipotle Quesadilla with Avocado

This quesadilla recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free (with corn tortillas).

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