Patrick Oconnell
A cheese quesadilla is a quick and easy meal to make, and it can be made in less than 10 minutes. It is made using a flour tortilla, cheese, and butter. Some recipes suggest using corn tortillas as a gluten-free alternative, but these are more prone to breaking. To make a quesadilla, heat butter in a pan, add the tortilla, and scatter cheese over it. You can add other ingredients such as chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetables, beans, and spices. Once the cheese has melted, fold the tortilla over and serve.
Characteristics of a Good Cheese Quesadilla
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of tortilla | Flour, corn, plain |
| Fillings | Cheese, chicken, black beans, salami, eggs, salsa, garlic, sour cream, refried beans, avocado sauce, grass-fed ghee, butter |
| Spices | Chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, taco seasoning, Za'atar seasoning, smoked paprika, green chili pepper |
| Cooking method | Pan-fried, air-fried, oven-baked |
| Cooking tools | Non-stick skillet, spatula, electric griddle |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-high heat, medium-low heat, 350°F |
| Calories | 365 kcal |
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What You'll Learn
Use butter for a crisp texture
Butter is the key to achieving a crisp texture and rich flavour in your cheese quesadilla. Start by heating butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. You can use around half a teaspoon of butter for one tortilla, spreading it across the pan.
Once the butter has melted, place your tortilla in the pan, butter-side down. You can use flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. If you want a gluten-free option, corn tortillas or almond flour tortillas are a good choice.
For that signature crisp texture, keep an eye on the butter as it melts. You want to add your tortilla when the butter is just melted, not burnt. This timing will ensure that your quesadilla gets that golden brown exterior without burning.
After placing the tortilla in the pan, it's time to add your cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese of your choice evenly over one half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the tortilla over on itself, and you're ready to start cooking your quesadilla.
Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has begun to melt and the bottom tortilla is slightly browned. Then, carefully flip it over and cook the other side. Keep cooking until all the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp around the edges.
Finally, transfer your crispy, buttery quesadilla to a cutting board. Cut it into wedges or triangles and serve warm. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy texture and melted cheese!
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Avoid overfilling the quesadilla
To make a good cheese quesadilla, it is important to not overfill it. Whether you are using fillings besides cheese or not, do not overfill the quesadilla and leave a small border on the edges. This ensures that the quesadilla can be easily flipped and prevents spillage.
When making a quesadilla, it is recommended to use two tortillas with a layer of cheese in between. However, this method can be tricky and lead to a mess. To avoid this, you can make a smaller quesadilla with one tortilla. Simply add cheese to half of the tortilla and fold it over. This method is much easier to manage and reduces the risk of overfilling.
When determining the amount of filling to use, it is generally recommended to use about two heaping tablespoons of filling per large tortilla. This allows for a light and crispy quesadilla that is not overloaded. It is also important to consider the type of cheese you are using. Soft cheeses such as mozzarella, Colby, and cheddar have great melting capabilities and are ideal for quesadillas. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or crumbly cheeses like feta and blue cheese should be avoided as they do not melt smoothly.
Additionally, the cooking method plays a role in preventing overfilling. When cooking on a stovetop, use a light coating of oil or butter in the pan. Flour tortillas absorb a lot of oil, so it is important to not overuse oil or butter to prevent sogginess. Cook the quesadilla on medium heat to ensure that both sides become crispy and golden without overcooking the cheese.
By following these tips, you can avoid overfilling your quesadilla and create a delicious, light, and crispy dish.
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Try corn tortillas for gluten-free
Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free alternative to flour tortillas when making cheese quesadillas. They are naturally gluten-free, as they are made without flour, and come in white and yellow corn varieties. Corn tortillas are smaller than flour tortillas, so it is recommended to use two corn tortillas per quesadilla. This involves spreading your filling of choice on one tortilla, covering it with another tortilla, and then cooking with your preferred method.
When using corn tortillas, it is important to note that they crisp up faster than flour tortillas. Therefore, it is advised not to fold them over, as they are prone to breaking. Corn tortillas also require a shorter cooking time. To cook corn tortilla quesadillas, heat butter in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add your tortillas to the pan, and cover one tortilla with your chosen filling. Then, place a second tortilla on top and cook until the bottom tortilla is crispy and browned, with the cheese almost melted.
For a gluten-free cheese quesadilla, you can fill your corn tortillas with cheese only or add other fillings of your choice. Some popular filling options include black beans, caramelized onions, spinach, and roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or green onions. You can also add meat, such as cooked chicken, ground beef, or grilled shrimp, for a heartier meal. To enhance the flavour even more, consider adding spices like chili powder, Za'atar seasoning, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika directly to the cheese.
Corn tortilla quesadillas are a delicious and gluten-free option that can be easily customized to your taste preferences. They are a quick and convenient meal that can be made in under 20 minutes, making them an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
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Spice it up with taco seasoning
To make a good cheese quesadilla, you'll need butter, cheese, and tortillas. You can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but be careful not to fold them, or they will break. Flour tortillas are a better option if you want to fold your quesadilla in half.
When making your quesadilla, start by heating butter or oil in a pan. You can also add some spices to your butter for extra flavour. Add your tortilla to the pan and top it with cheese, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage. If you want to add some extra fillings, like cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables, now is the time to do so. You can also spice it up with taco seasoning.
- Add a pinch of taco seasoning directly to the cheese. As the cheese melts, the seasoning will infuse with it, elevating the overall taste of your quesadilla.
- If you're using meat in your quesadilla, season it with taco seasoning before adding it to the cheese and tortilla. This will ensure that the seasoning is well-distributed and give your quesadilla a nice kick.
- You can also try using taco meat as your filling. Simply cook ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning and place it on your tortilla with cheese, refried beans, onions, and taco sauce.
- For a saucier option, mix cream cheese with salsa and spread it on your tortilla before adding the cheese. This will give your quesadilla a creamy, spicy kick.
- If you want to spice up the tortilla itself, try heating it in butter seasoned with taco seasoning. This will add a punch of flavour and a crispy texture to your quesadilla.
- For a more subtle approach, sprinkle a small amount of taco seasoning over your cooked quesadilla. This will add a hint of spice and flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Remember, when adding taco seasoning, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences. You can always add more, but it's difficult to reduce the spice level once it's too high. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of cheese, fillings, and spices to create your perfect cheese quesadilla!
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Shred your own cheese
When making a cheese quesadilla, it's worth taking the extra few minutes to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent clumping, which also means it doesn't melt as well. Grating your own cheese will give you a better texture and flavour. You can use a Mexican blend, or try something different like gouda, or even a Mexican melting cheese like queso asadero.
If you're making a simple cheese quesadilla, you'll want to make sure the cheese has plenty of flavour. You can add spices like chilli powder, paprika, cumin, or taco seasoning to the cheese before you sprinkle it onto your tortilla. You can also add a dollop of grass-fed ghee or minced garlic to the tortilla before adding the cheese for extra flavour.
When you're ready to cook your quesadilla, heat some butter or olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add your tortilla, and scatter the cheese evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. This will make it easier to flip and prevent spillage. If you're using two tortillas, add your fillings and spices to the first tortilla before placing the second on top.
Once your cheese is melted, remove the quesadilla from the heat and transfer it to a cutting board. Give it a few minutes to cool and let the cheese set before cutting into triangles.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Havarti, Gouda, or a Mexican blend. For the best flavour and texture, grate the cheese yourself.
You can fill your quesadilla with anything you like! Popular options include chicken, beef, shrimp, black beans, and vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach.
You should cook your quesadilla in butter for the best flavour and texture. You can also use olive oil or cooking spray.
Your quesadilla is done when the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy around the edges.
