This Cheese Quesadilla has the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese and customized with your favorite toppings, these vegetarian quesadillas are a crowd favorite. Plus, ready to serve in just a few minutes!
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch, a tasty snack, or a satisfying dinner, cheesy quesadillas are a go-to option that will never disappoint. Serve them with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, for a delicious and customizable meal that's loved by all!
Why You'll Love this Cheese Quesadilla
- Quick and easy to make. This chicken quesadilla recipe is simple and can be made in about 5 minutes following just a few easy steps. They are perfect for busy days when you're short on time.
- Cheesy and delicious. This cheesy quesadilla is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Plus, you can customize the flavor by adding your favorite toppings.
- A kid-friendly meal. Cheese quesadillas are one of those meals that will satisfy any crowd — especially the kids. It’s quick lunch or dinner option for families. Load them up with toppings for the adults or leave them plain for any picky eaters.
- It’s customizable. This vegetarian quesadilla is a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a meat-free meal. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or beans for an extra boost of flavor. Meat lovers can also add in a meaty protein.
- Serve with homemade dipping sauce. Take your cheese quesadilla to the next level by serving it with a homemade dipping sauce. Whether it's salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, a good dipping sauce can make all the difference.
Ingredient Notes
To make this easy Cheese Quesadilla, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- butter - feel free to use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe — whatever your taste preference is. You can also use margarine or any other cooking fat instead of butter such as olive oil, coconut oil, or any other cooking oil.
- flour tortillas - quesadillas are traditionally made with flour tortillas. For a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas.
- cheese - we use cheddar cheese but you can use any type of shredded cheese that you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Optional Toppings
- cilantro - fresh herbs adds a great flavor to the quesadilla. If you don't like cilantro, you can skip it or use fresh parsley or basil instead.
- sour cream - use regular or light sour cream, or substitute with Greek yogurt or crema.
- jalapeño pepper - adds a bit of heat. If you prefer spicier, you can use hotter peppers like serrano or habanero.
- lime wedges - a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheesy quesadilla so well.
- guacamole - make homemade guacamole in just minutes or use store-bought. You can also substitute with sliced or mashed avocado.
- pico de gallo - You can make homemade pico de gallo salsa very easily as well or use store-bought.
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a skillet.
How to Make the Best Cheese Quesadilla
- Assemble. Heat the butter on a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute until it starts to bubble. Place one tortilla in the pan and evenly sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Top with remaining tortilla.
- Cook. Cook until the bottom tortilla is crispy and golden brown and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Flip over and cook until the other side is crispy and golden brown too, about 2 minutes.
- Slice. Remove quesadilla from the pan and transfer onto a plate. Slice into 6 even triangles.
- Serve. Serve with your favorite toppings (such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges) and your favorite dips (guacamole and/or salsa) on the side, if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Add a protein: For added protein, add in some black beans or pinto beans. If you are not sticking to a vegetarian diet, add in some meat such as cooked chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp for a heartier option.
- Load it with veggies: Add in veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
- Make it spicy. Add sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or chili flakes to give your quesadilla a spicy kick.
- Switch up the cheese. Experiment with different cheeses and combinations such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to give your quesadilla a different flavor.
- Add fresh herbs. Top your quesadilla with fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil to add a pop of freshness and flavor.
- Make a breakfast quesadilla: Make a breakfast quesadilla by adding a layer of scrambled eggs when you are assembling these.
How to Serve
Serve these easy Cheese Quesadillas on their own or with your favorite toppings and sauces for dipping. They also pair well with our favorite Mexican sides including:
- Guacamole
- Sheet Pan Nachos
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Pinto Bean Soup (Sopa Tarasca)
- Pico de Gallo Salsa
- Mexican Caesar Salad
For more, see our collection of 25 Mexican Side Dishes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don't overfill the quesadilla. Overfilling the quesadilla can cause it to break apart or become soggy. Use a moderate amount of filling and spread it evenly.
- Add toppings after cooking. To prevent soggy toppings, add fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado after cooking.
- Slicing tips. Cutting the quesadilla into smaller wedges or squares makes it easier to share and serve as an appetizer. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the quesadilla into equal portions.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Once the cheese quesadillas have cooled to room temperature, transfer them into an airtight container in between layers of parchment paper to divide them, if necessary.
How to Reheat
Reheat leftover quesadillas in an ungreased skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese is melty and gooey and the tortillas are crispy. You can also reheat in a 425F preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 400F for about 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
How to Freeze
Divide the quesadillas into your preferred serving sizes and seal in freezer bags or an airtight container. You can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 400℉ for 25-30 minutes until heated through and crisp.
More Recipes with Tortillas
- 30 Best Mexican Recipes
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Baked Chicken Quesadillas
- Vegetarian Quesadillas
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Huevos Rancheros
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Recipe
Cheese Quesadilla
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Quesadilla has the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese and customized with your favorite toppings, these vegetarian quesadillas are a crowd favorite. Plus, ready to serve in just a few minutes!
Ingredients
For the quesadillas:
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 2 medium flour tortillas (8-inches in diameter)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterrey Jack cheese)
For serving (optional):
- cilantro, chopped
- sour cream
- jalapeno pepper, sliced
- lime wedges
- guacamole and/or pico de gallo
Instructions
- Heat the butter on a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute until it starts to bubble.
- Place one tortilla in the pan and evenly sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Top with remaining tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is crispy and golden brown and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Flip over and cook until the other side is crispy and golden brown too, about 2 minutes.
- Remove quesadilla from the pan and transfer onto a plate. Slice into 6 even triangles.
- Serve with your favorite toppings (such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges) and your favorite dips (guacamole and/or salsa) on the side, if desired.
Notes
How to store: Once the cheese quesadillas have cooled to room temperature, transfer them into an airtight container in between layers of parchment paper to divide them, if necessary.
How to reheat: Reheat leftover quesadillas in an ungreased skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese is melty and gooey and the tortillas are crispy. You can also reheat in a 425F preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer at 400F for about 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
How to freeze: Divide the quesadillas into your preferred serving sizes and seal in freezer bags or an airtight container. You can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 400℉ for 25-30 minutes until heated through and crisp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
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