Microwaving Tortillas With Cheese: How Long Should You Heat?

A tortilla with cheese is a quick and easy meal to make in the microwave. The length of time it takes to cook depends on the number of tortillas and the type of cheese used. For example, a quesadilla with two flour tortillas and shredded cheddar cheese can be cooked in the microwave in 30 to 45 seconds. If you are using two tortillas and a mixture of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, it will take about one minute. To get a crispy texture, it is recommended to microwave each tortilla individually for about 50 seconds, let them cool, and then assemble the quesadilla and microwave it for another 30 seconds.

Microwaving tortillas on a plate

Warming Tortillas

To warm tortillas in the microwave, start by placing five or fewer tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. It is important to not lie the tortilla flat on the plate, as this can cause trapped steam and make the tortilla soggy. Instead, stack and cover the tortillas with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel. This creates a steamy environment that helps warm the tortillas evenly without drying them out.

Place the plate in the microwave and set it to high. Heat the tortillas for about 30 seconds, keeping a close eye on them to avoid overheating. If the tortillas need more time, heat them in 10-15 second intervals until they are warmed through.

Once warmed, carefully remove the plate from the microwave and gently remove the damp towel. Your tortillas are now ready to be enjoyed with your favourite fillings!

Making Tortilla Chips

To make tortilla chips, start by cutting 3 corn tortillas into quarters and placing them on a large plate. Coat the tortillas with cooking spray or a thin layer of vegetable oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Turn the tortillas over and repeat the process on the other side.

Microwave the tortillas on high for 2-3 minutes. Remove the plate carefully, as it will be very hot, and flip the chips. Microwave for an additional minute, or until crispy. Serve with your favourite dip!

Making Quesadillas

To make a quesadilla, place one flour tortilla on a large microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle shredded cheese (such as cheddar) on the tortilla and top with another tortilla. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted. Cut into slices and serve.

You can use smaller tortillas and any type of cheese you prefer. This method can also be done in a frying pan or on a cast-iron skillet for a crispier quesadilla.

Filling options

The beauty of a tortilla with cheese in the microwave is that it is a blank canvas for a wide variety of fillings. The most important thing to remember is that the moisture in the filling will cause the tortilla to become soggy, so it's best to avoid ingredients with high water content, such as salsa or tomatoes.

• Cheese and hot sauce: This is a classic combination that is simple yet delicious. You can use shredded cheese, such as cheddar, and add your favourite hot sauce to taste.
• Cheese and black olives: Black olives add a briny, savoury note to the tortilla. You can use sliced or chopped black olives, or even try using green olives for a slightly different flavour profile.
• Cheese, avocado salsa and tortilla strips: Avocado salsa is a great way to add creaminess and a fresh flavour to your tortilla. The tortilla strips will add a satisfying crunch.
• Cheese, shredded chicken and cream cheese: This filling option combines protein and creaminess from the shredded chicken and cream cheese, respectively. You can also add some hot sauce or spices to taste.
• Refried beans and cheese: This is a hearty and comforting combination. You can spread the refried beans on the tortilla like peanut butter, top with cheese, and then microwave. You can also add some sour cream after it's hot.
• Scrambled eggs and cheese: For a breakfast option, try adding some scrambled eggs to your tortilla with cheese. You can also add some breakfast meats, such as sausage or bacon, for extra flavour.
• Deli meats and cheese: Layer some deli meats, such as salami or turkey, with cheese and microwave for a quick and easy lunch. You can also add some lettuce and ranch dressing for a more substantial wrap.
• Pizza-style: Try using pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni for a pizza-inspired tortilla. You can also add other pizza toppings, such as mushrooms or peppers.
• Sweet option: For a sweet treat, spread a tortilla with honey and cinnamon, and maybe even a little butter for extra indulgence.

Avoiding sogginess

To avoid soggy tortillas when cooking with cheese in the microwave, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to understand why tortillas become soggy in the microwave. This is because the microwave turns the moisture in food into steam, which is great for foods with high water content but not for tortillas. Therefore, to avoid sogginess, you need to prevent the steam from affecting your tortilla.

One way to do this is by using a bacon crisper or a similar plastic surface with perforations. The raised ridges on a bacon crisper allow the steam to escape and stop the tortilla from becoming soggy. Place your tortilla on the bacon crisper or a similar raised, perforated surface and then place it inside the microwave.

Another method to avoid sogginess is to oil your tortilla. Oil both sides of two tortillas and place them in the microwave individually for around 50 seconds each on high heat. The tortilla may puff up or look like it is under duress, but this is normal. After microwaving, drain the tortillas by placing them between kitchen paper towels to pat off the excess oil.

If you are making quesadillas, another way to avoid sogginess is to not heat the tortillas for too long. Place your cheese filling between two tortillas and microwave on high for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted. If you heat the tortilla for too long, it will turn into cardboard, and the cheese will turn into inedible putty.

Finally, if you are reheating tortillas with fillings, wrap them in a paper towel before placing them in the microwave. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture and prevent it from affecting the tortilla. Additionally, heat the tortillas at less than full power to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

Melting cheese

The key to successfully melting cheese on a tortilla in the microwave is to avoid the cheese becoming rubbery or hardening. The tortilla must also be cooked correctly, as it can become soggy or overly crispy.

To melt cheese on a tortilla, place one tortilla on a microwave-safe plate. It is important to ensure that the plate is suitable for microwave use, to avoid any potential issues. Sprinkle cheese over the tortilla. The type of cheese is up to personal preference, but shredded cheese is often used, and a mix of cheeses can be effective. Common choices include cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack.

Once the cheese is on the tortilla, place another tortilla on top. This creates a sandwich-like structure, with the cheese in the middle. Place the plate with the tortillas into the microwave and heat on high for around 30 seconds to 1 minute. The exact time will depend on the power of your microwave, so adjustments may be necessary. It is important to keep an eye on the tortilla to prevent overcooking. The cheese should be melted, and the tortilla should be slightly crispy.

For a more complex dish, you can add other ingredients to the tortilla before microwaving. For example, vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn can be mixed together and warmed in the microwave before being added to the tortilla. Meat, such as chicken, can also be added, but ensure it is cooked before placing it on the tortilla.

Cooking time

The cooking time for a tortilla with cheese in the microwave varies depending on the number of tortillas, the type of cheese, and the desired level of crispness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect microwave tortilla with cheese:

Step 1: Preparing the Tortillas and Cheese

Place one flour or corn tortilla on a microwave-safe plate. You can use any type of tortilla according to your preference. Sprinkle your desired amount of shredded cheese onto the tortilla. A variety of cheeses can be used, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Step 2: Initial Microwave Time

To melt the cheese and warm the tortilla, microwave it on high power for 30 to 60 seconds. This initial cooking time ensures that the cheese starts melting and the tortilla begins to heat up.

Step 3: Adding Toppings

During the initial microwave time, you can prepare any desired toppings or fillings. This can include vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños. You can also add proteins like chicken or beans. Mix your toppings in a separate bowl and microwave them for about a minute to warm them through.

Step 4: Final Microwave Time

Once the initial microwave time is complete, remove the tortilla from the microwave and layer on your desired toppings. Add another generous layer of cheese and place the second tortilla on top. Put the plate back into the microwave and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. This final cooking time will melt the cheese completely and heat up the toppings.

Step 5: Crisping the Tortilla (Optional)

If you prefer a crispy tortilla, there are a couple of techniques you can use. One method is to microwave the tortillas individually before adding the cheese and toppings. Microwave each tortilla for about 50 seconds on high heat. This will give them a crispier texture. Additionally, you can also oil the tortillas before microwaving to enhance the crispness.

Step 6: Serving

Let the quesadilla rest for a minute after cooking to allow the fillings to cool slightly. Cut it into slices and serve. You can pair it with salsa or ketchup for dipping.

Adjusting Cooking Time

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave. The provided timings are based on a specific microwave power setting, so you may need to adjust the timings accordingly. Experiment with different cooking times to find the perfect setting for your microwave.

Frequently asked questions