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.
Jump to:
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.
How To Cook Quesadillas
To cook a quesadilla, follow these steps:
- Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the pan.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over half of the tortilla.
- Add any additional fillings like cooked meat or vegetables on top of the cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the fillings.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula.
- Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Remove the quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!
Raia Todd says
Thank you so much for sharing my kids' cheese triangles. 😉 Great round-up!
recipepocket.com says
Thank you!