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Home » Round Ups

Quesadilla Filling Ideas

Published: Mar 28, 2020 · Modified: Jul 8, 2024 by Harriet · 2 Comments

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If you are looking for new quesadilla filling ideas? You are sure to find some new favorites here on this page.

Fall in love with these crispy tortilla recipes stuffed with melted cheese, and savory meaty or meatless fillings for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Nine different quesadilla recipe images.
Jump to:
  • What is a Quesadilla
  • Tortillas To Use
  • How To Fill Quesadillas
  • Cheese To Use
  • What Put In A Quesadilla
  • How To Cook Quesadillas
  • What is the best way to reheat a quesadilla?
  • FAQ
  • Quesadilla Filling Recipe Ideas
  • Comments

What is a Quesadilla

A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that fills a tortilla (a type of flatbread) with cheese and other ingredients like meat, vegetables, or beans.

The tortilla is then folded in half and cooked until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy.

It is similar to a grilled cheese sandwich but made with a tortilla instead of bread.

Tortillas To Use

When making quesadillas, you have a few choices for tortillas. Flour tortillas are the most common.

They are usually about 8-10 inches (20cm x 25cm) wide, which is perfect for a quesadilla.

Corn tortillas are smaller, around 6 inches (15cm), and give a more traditional taste.

If you need gluten-free tortillas, you can find those made from corn, rice, or almond flour. Just check the label to make sure they are gluten-free.

You can buy tortillas from the store, which is easy and quick, or you can make them at home for a fresher taste.

Store-bought tortillas are convenient, and you can find many options, including gluten-free ones.

Homemade tortillas taste great but take a bit more time to prepare but are well worth it.

How To Fill Quesadillas

When filling your quesadilla, it is best not to overstuff it. For an 8-10 inches (20cm x 25cm) flour tortilla, use about ½ to ¾ cup of filling. For a smaller 6-inch corn tortilla, use about ¼ to ½ cup.

Spread the filling evenly over half of the tortilla before folding it in half.

Cheese To Use

You can use just about any type of cheese for quesadillas, including mozzarella, cream cheese, ricotta, cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack cheese, and more.

The choice depends on the fillings you are using and the type of cheese you enjoy or can get locally.

For a traditional Mexican-style quesadilla, use Queso de Oaxaca (or a similar cheese). It is a type of Mexican mozzarella or “stringy” cheese.

Sometimes, you might not use cheese at all. For instance, if you are making an Asian-style filling, cheese might not be appropriate as it could ruin the taste.

What Put In A Quesadilla

As for the filling, you can use cooked meat, sautéed vegetables, or beans.

The key is to not add too much so that the tortilla does not break and everything cooks evenly.

When you cook your quesadilla, use medium heat. This way, the cheese melts nicely and the tortilla gets crispy golden brown on both sides without burning. A non-stick pan, a lightly greased skillet, or a sandwich press works well.

A hand holding a quesadilla with text overlay on the image.

How To Cook Quesadillas

To cook a quesadilla, follow these steps:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place a tortilla in the pan.
  3. Sprinkle cheese evenly over half of the tortilla.
  4. Add any additional fillings like cooked meat or vegetables on top of the cheese.
  5. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the fillings.
  6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula.
  8. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
  9. Remove the quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board.
  10. Let it cool for a minute, then cut it into wedges and serve.

What is the best way to reheat a quesadilla?

To reheat left-over quesadillas and keep them delicious, you have a few good options.

Skillet - First, you can use a skillet or pan. Heat a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat, then place the quesadilla in the skillet.

Cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s crispy and the cheese melts. This method keeps the tortilla nice and crispy.

Oven - Another option is to use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).

Put the quesadilla on a baking sheet and heat it for about 10 minutes, or until it’s hot and the cheese is melted. This ensures even heating and keeps the quesadilla crispy.

Microwave - If you are in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Microwave it on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until it’s hot. This method is fast, but the tortilla might become a bit soft.

Air Fryer - Lastly, you can use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Put the quesadilla in the air fryer basket and heat it for about 3-5 minutes, or until it is crispy and hot. This method is quick and keeps the quesadilla crispy.

Choose the method that suits your needs based on how much time you have and how crispy you want your quesadilla to be.

FAQ

What is the difference between tacos and quesadillas?

The difference between tacos and quesadillas is tacos are typically small, hand-held, and filled with a variety of fresh ingredients, while quesadillas are larger, cheese-filled, and cooked until crispy.

Should you use oil or butter for quesadillas?

You can use either oil or butter for cooking quesadillas.

Oil helps crisp the tortilla and prevents sticking, while butter adds flavor and browns the tortilla nicely.

Choose based on your taste preference, dietary needs, and the texture you prefer in your quesadilla.

How do you pack a cheese quesadilla for school lunches?

To pack a cheese quesadilla for school lunch, cook it until it is done, then let it cool completely - preferably on a wire rack to prevent it from going soggy on the bottom.

Next, cut it into slices, and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep it fresh.

Place the wrapped quesadilla in a lunch box or container that closes securely to prevent it from getting squished.

If you like, pack some salsa, guacamole, or sour cream in separate containers for dipping.

If the quesadilla needs to stay cold, include a small ice pack or freeze a juice box to keep the lunch box cool until lunchtime.

What are some great side dishes for chicken quesadillas?

Some great side dishes for chicken quesadillas include guacamole, which is a creamy avocado dip that complements the flavors of the quesadilla.

Fresh salsa made with tomatoes adds a tangy and refreshing touch.
Sour cream can be added for a creamy texture and to balance out any spiciness.

Mexican rice, seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices, makes a great accompaniment.

Black beans, cooked and seasoned, provide protein and fiber. You can also serve corn salad, made with fresh corn kernels, bell peppers, onions, and cilantro tossed in a lime vinaigrette.

Tortilla chips with salsa for dipping are a classic choice. Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini seasoned and grilled, add a healthy and flavorful option.

Finally, a fruit salad with seasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and berries can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory quesadillas.

Quesadilla Filling Recipe Ideas

Enjoy making your quesadillas and experimenting with different tortillas and fillings with these ideas below:

Quesadilla with avocado on top.
howsweeteats.com
Cheese Chicken Quesadilla
This spicy chicken quesadilla is so cheesy and creamy. With a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese, mixed with soft cream cheese this is a cheese lovers dream come true.
Check out this recipe
Egg and bacon quesadilla with spinach.
plowingthroughlife.com
Spinach and Bacon Quesadilla Recipe
You can easily sneak some veggies into your quesadillas if you want to make a healthier quesadilla.
Check out this recipe
tastesoflizzyt.com
Beef Quesadilla Burger
You don’t have to stick to Mexican quesadilla recipes, be creative and invent something new for your family. Unique quesadilla recipes like this beef burger, can easily be adapted to your own person flavour tastes.
Check out this recipe
dizzybusyandhungry.com
Meatless Veggie Quesadilla Filling Ideas
Looking for something to eat on meatless Monday, try this zucchini and spinach veggie quesadilla.
Check out this recipe
A picture of a hand holding a slice of black bean and corn quesadilla.
itdoesnttastelikechicken.com
Beans and Corn Tortilla Quesadilla Recipe
Sauteed black beans, corn, onions, garlic, and jalapenos fill these soft tortilla wraps. This quesadilla recipe has no cheese making it perfect if you don’t like cheese or are looking for a vegan or vegetarian quesadilla recipe.
Check out this recipe
Pizza quesadilla on brown papper.
easycheesyvegetarian.com
Pizza Oven Baked Quesadillas
You don’t have to cook a quesadilla in a pan. Oven baked quesadillas are just as good. Use flour tortillas to create a tasty base for pizzas.
Check out this recipe
sweetpeasandsaffron.com
Quick Quesadilla Ideas
You can make this simple quesadilla recipe well in advance, it can be frozen and reheated for those times you don’t have time to cook.
Check out this recipe
A stack of veggie quesadillas with white sauce on top.
cakenknife.com
Avocado and Veggie Quesadilla
If you love your veggies and Asian herbs you will love this! This tortilla parcel is packed full of sautéed vegetables, pan fried until crisp and golden, then generously topped with a fresh creamy cilantro sauce.
Check out this recipe
Corn quesadillas with salsa in the back ground.
theaprilblake.com
Corn and Cheese Quesadillas
Try something new by adding sweet corn for an extra crunch the next time you make quesadillas.
Check out this recipe
Pulled pork carnitas quesadillas
recipetineats.com
Pulled Pork Carnitas With Caramelized Onions
These filling quesadillas are packed full will with tender juicy pieces of shredded pulled pork, sweet corn and cheese.
Check out this recipe
aheadofthyme.com
Baked Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Delicious quesadilla filling ideas can be made using ready-made fajita or taco seasonings. This baked chicken quesadilla recipe uses grilled chicken breast that has been seasoned with fajita spices, then baked in the oven.
Check out this recipe
Spicy peanut quesadillas.
thebewitchinkitchen.com
Saucy Peanut Chicken Quesadilla
This spicy chicken quesadilla features a flavorful peanut sauce that balances sweet and savory notes with a bit of heat, combined with chicken breast, peppers, cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla.
Check out this recipe
Rotissarie Chicken quesadilla on a round board.
oodmeanderings.com
Rotisserie Chicken Quesadilla
Use up any left-over rotisserie chicken you may have with this low fat and healthy quesadilla recipe.
Check out this recipe
Sweet potato quesadilla slice on brown paper with fresh coriander.
wellplated.com
Easy Veggie Quesadilla Recipe
These crispy quesadillas are filled with spicy, smoked mashed sweet potatoes and black beans, making them filling and healthy.
Check out this recipe
Chipotle beer shrimp quesadillas.
howsweeteats.com
Shrimp Quesadilla Filling Ideas
With beer marinated shrimp and spicy guacamole this one is on top of my to do list.
Check out this recipe
Jamaican shrimp quesadillas with mango salsa.
sweetpeasandsaffron.com
Shrimp Quesadilla With Mango Salsa
These healthy quesadillas are packed with fresh vegetables and are sweet, savoury and a little spicy.
Check out this recipe
Chipotle chicken quesadillas.
thefoodolic.com
Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas
Quick and easy to make even on a busy weeknight, these, spicy chicken quesadillas have a smokey flavor and a delicious served with avocado and sour cream.
Check out this recipe
Quesadilla with steak pieces on a serving plate.
adorefoods.com
Steak Fajita Quesadillas
Fajita steak quesadillas are a tasty and convenient meal perfect for the entire family. With straightforward ingredients and fast prep, they're ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Check out this recipe
Two pieces of cheesy quesadilla on a plate.
maricruzavalos.com
Big Mac Quesadillas
These Big mac Quesadillas are not just an average quesadilla, they’re cheesy, stacked with flavor, and a signature big mac sauce. Enjoy this tasty appetizer at game days or movie nights along with your favorite drink!
Check out this recipe
flavourstreat.com
Vegetable Quesadilla
Enjoy a flavorful dish with this easy vegetable quesadilla recipe, packed with vegetables and cheese. Whip up this Mexican-inspired vegetarian quesadilla that's deliciously cheesy and made with pantry staples—ideal for dinner, a snack, or lunch.
Check out this recipe
Greek style quesadilla being pulled apart.
somebodyfeedseb.com
Greek Quesadilla
Crispy on the outside, warm and melty on the inside, with a blend of two cheeses oozing out—introducing our vegetarian Greek Quesadillas!

Move beyond traditional Mexican flavors with our Greek-inspired filling nestled between whole wheat tortilla wraps.

Perfect for a weekend lunch, enjoy them paired with a side of fresh green salad!
Check out this recipe
Cheese oozing out of a quesailla.
hauteandhealthyliving.com
Authentic Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Looking for a quick dinner option on busy weeknights? Try this authentic chicken quesadilla recipe! Packed with traditional spices and flavors, each bite bursts with deliciousness.
Enjoy them solo or paired with your favorite salsas and sides for a complete Mexican feast!
Check out this recipe
Image collage of quesadillas.

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  1. Raia Todd says

    June 25, 2018 at 6:40 am

    Thank you so much for sharing my kids' cheese triangles. 😉 Great round-up!

    Reply
    • recipepocket.com says

      June 26, 2018 at 7:17 am

      Thank you!

Author image.

Hi, I'm Harriet! The face and photographer behind Recipe Pocket. I am a mother of two who is a cook by day and blogger by night.

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