Easy Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Tight on groceries this week but still craving a hot, delicious meal? In less than 10 minutes, you can enjoy a cheese quesadilla oozing with melted cheesy goodness. If you’re searching for something tasty, quick, and easy that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy, then this is the best cheese quesadilla recipe for you.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
- Pantry Staples Superstar: This recipe relies on ingredients you might already have on hand – cheese, tortillas, a little butter. No need for a special shopping trip!
- Quick Fix, Big Satisfaction: Quesadillas come together in minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or whenever hunger strikes.
- Melty Magic: Who can resist a perfectly melted cheese pull? This recipe delivers that gooey goodness in every bite.
- Endless Customization: Quesadillas are a blank canvas for your tastebuds. Get creative with leftover ingredients – beans, veggies, salsa – the possibilities are endless.
- Budget-Friendly Champion: Stretch your grocery dollars further with this affordable meal. Quesadillas are perfect for using up cheese ends and bits of tortillas.
- Kid-Approved Delight: Even picky eaters love the melty cheese and warm tortillas. This recipe is a surefire way to win over the whole family.
- Leftover Lifeline: Quesadillas hold up well for lunchboxes or quick reheated meals. Perfect for meal prepping or using up leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How To Make Cheese Quesadilla With Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the US customary and metric measurements are available in the recipe card below.
Melt the Butter
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Carefully place one tortilla in the pan. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes slightly softened and fragrant.
Cheese Time!
Add shredded cheese to the tortilla; if you add refried beans, add your preferred amount now.
Place a tortilla over the top and cook for 2 – 3 minutes; then, using a spatula, flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2 – 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Slice and Serve
Remove from the pan, slice into quarters using a pizza cutter, and serve with guacamole, sour cream, veggie queso, or salsa.
Enjoy your cheese quesadilla!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Stretch Your Cheese: No need for fancy cheeses here! Use a budget-friendly shredded mozzarella or cheddar blend. You can even shred your own cheese from a block to save money.
- Tortilla Magic: Flour tortillas are the classic choice, but you can also experiment with whole wheat tortillas for a bit more fiber. Look for store brand tortillas to save even more. If your tortillas are stiff, warm them directly over an open flame on your stovetop for a few seconds each side. Just watch closely to avoid burning!
- Bean Bonanza: Refried beans are a great way to add protein and fiber to your quesadilla for a heartier meal. If you have leftover cooked beans on hand, mash them up and use them instead of canned refried beans.
- Veggie Power: Get creative with leftover or chopped vegetables like sauteed peppers and onions, mushrooms, or even spinach. Adding these will boost the nutritional content of your quesadilla without breaking the bank.
- Guac vs. Salsa: Both salsa and guacamole are classic toppings, but they can add up at the store. Make your own guacamole by mashing an avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. If salsa is more your style, try making a simple pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Master the Flip: Use a large spatula to carefully flip your quesadilla. If the cheese seems too melty to flip easily, let it cook for an additional 30 seconds before attempting to flip.
How To Store Leftovers
They don’t hang around long in our house, but if you do find yourself wit leftovers, then here’s how to store them so they last the longest.
- Cool Down Completely: Let your leftover quesadilla come to room temperature before storing. This prevents trapped moisture from making the tortilla soggy.
- Wrap it Tight: Once cool, wrap the quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This creates a barrier to prevent the cheese from drying out and protects it from fridge odors.
- Container Choice: Alternatively, for extra protection, place the wrapped quesadilla in an airtight container. This is ideal if you plan to store it for longer or have other strong-smelling foods in the fridge.
- Fridge Freshness: Your leftover quesadilla will stay happy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat your quesadilla in a pan over medium heat until warmed through and the cheese is melty. You can also use the microwave, but be aware the texture might not be quite as crispy.
What to Serve with Cheese Quesadilas
Eat them as a stand alone snack or light meal, but get maximum flavor by pairing them with these great dishes.
You can’t go wrong with a good dollop of cool sour cream or creamy yogurt that balances the richness of the cheese and adds a touch of tang.
Freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro create a vibrant pico de gallo that dds a burst of flavor and a touch of heat.
A cilantro lime rice or a corn salsa will make your quesadila a filling meal.
More Easy Mexican Recipes for You To Try at Home
If you like cooking Mexican food, you’re going to love these delicious recipes.
- Chipotle Chicken Pasta
- Walking Taco Casserole
- Taco Salad Cups
- Chipotle Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Tamale Pie
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Easy Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat, add your tortilla and warm it for approximately 30 seconds. Add cheese to the tortilla, if you are adding refried beans, then add your preferred amount now. Place a tortilla over the top and cook for 2 – 3 minutes, then, using a spatula, flip and cook for another 2 – 3 minutes, until the cheese has fully melted.2 tablespoons butter, 4 flour tortillas, 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Remove from the pan, slice into quarters using a pizza cutter, and serve with guacamole or salsa.
Notes
- Stretch Your Cheese: No need for fancy cheeses here! Use a budget-friendly shredded mozzarella or cheddar blend. You can even shred your own cheese from a block to save money.
- Tortilla Magic: Flour tortillas are the classic choice, but you can also experiment with whole wheat tortillas for a bit more fiber. Look for store brand tortillas to save even more. If your tortillas are stiff, warm them directly over an open flame on your stovetop for a few seconds each side. Just watch closely to avoid burning!
- Bean Bonanza: Refried beans are a great way to add protein and fiber to your quesadilla for a heartier meal. If you have leftover cooked beans on hand, mash them up and use them instead of canned refried beans.
- Veggie Power: Get creative with leftover or chopped vegetables like sauteed peppers and onions, mushrooms, or even spinach. Adding these will boost the nutritional content of your quesadilla without breaking the bank.
- Guac vs. Salsa: Both salsa and guacamole are classic toppings, but they can add up at the store. Make your own guacamole by mashing an avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. If salsa is more your style, try making a simple pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Master the Flip: Use a large spatula to carefully flip your quesadilla. If the cheese seems too melty to flip easily, let it cook for an additional 30 seconds before attempting to flip.
