Quesadillas are Versatile and Fun to Eat
Quesadillas are one of those go-to meals that are fun, simple, and perfect for any occasion—especially when you have people dropping by. With minimal prep, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and customizable. Whether you're in the mood for a cheesy vegetarian option or something heartier like chicken, this recipe has you covered. It’s also a great way to use up ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The best part? You can have dinner on the table in no time, and everyone gets to enjoy a warm, crispy quesadilla filled with gooey melted cheese. Pair it with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an even more delicious meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings or a quick family dinner.
Did You Know?
Quesadillas originated in Mexico and are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally made with corn tortillas, they can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a versatile and customizable dish. The name "quesadilla" comes from the Spanish word "queso," meaning cheese!
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients:
Basic Ingredients:
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Spinach & White Cheese Filling:
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken & Cheese Filling:
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Spinach & White Cheese Filling:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Personal Tip: Use a non-stick skillet to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Personal Tip: Be sure to drain excess water from the spinach for a better texture.
In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with the shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese.
Prepare the Chicken & Cheese Filling:
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Personal Tip: Let the peppers get a little charred for an extra smoky flavor.
Add the shredded chicken, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the chicken is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Personal Tip: Adjust the cumin and chili powder based on your spice preference.
In a bowl, combine the chicken mixture with the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Assemble the Quesadillas:
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush one side of a tortilla with olive oil or butter and place it, oiled side down, on the skillet.
Personal Tip: Cooking over medium heat ensures a crispy tortilla without burning.
Spread a portion of your chosen filling evenly over half of the tortilla. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Personal Tip: Don’t overfill to avoid spillage while cooking.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
Serve:
Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Personal Tip: Serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Spinach & White Cheese Quesadilla):
Calories, 300, Protein, 12g, Carbohydrates, 28g, Sugars, 2g, Total Fat, 16g, Saturated Fat, 8g, Sodium, 500mg, Fiber, 3g
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla):
Calories, 350, Protein, 20g, Carbohydrates, 28g, Sugars, 2g, Total Fat, 18g, Saturated Fat, 9g, Sodium, 600mg, Fiber, 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
1. Using Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach:
Both fresh and frozen spinach work well for this recipe. Fresh spinach offers a vibrant flavor, while frozen spinach is convenient and can be used year-round. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.
2. Chicken Options:
For a quick and easy option, use rotisserie chicken. For a more flavorful filling, grill or sauté your own chicken with spices and herbs.
3. Cheese Substitutions:
Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorites. For a different flavor profile, try using pepper jack, gouda, or even blue cheese.
4. Adding Vegetables:
Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables to the fillings. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are great additions.
5. Spice Level:
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and cumin. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the fillings.
6. Making Ahead:
Prepare the fillings in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
7. Freezing Quesadillas:
Assemble the quesadillas and freeze them uncooked. When ready to eat, cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
8. Serving Suggestions:
Serve the quesadillas with a variety of toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
9. Health Benefits:
Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium, making the spinach and cheese quesadilla a nutritious choice. Chicken provides a good source of lean protein.
10. Cost-Saving Tips:
Buy cheese and chicken in bulk when on sale and freeze portions for later use. This reduces waste and saves money, ensuring you always have ingredients on hand for this delicious dish.
Let’s Learn About the Difference Between Flour and Corn Quesadillas
Flour and corn tortillas each bring unique textures and flavors to quesadillas. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to fold, and they crisp up nicely when cooked. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, have a more robust flavor and are gluten-free, offering a slightly heartier, more traditional quesadilla. Corn tortillas can be more delicate, so be careful when folding and flipping them. Both are great options, but it’s fun to experiment with each to see which you prefer!