Randy Chandler
A small cheese quesadilla is a tasty, traditional Mexican dish. It is made with flour tortillas, cheese, and sometimes canola oil for frying. The calorie count of a small cheese quesadilla varies depending on the ingredients and portion sizes. For example, a quesadilla made with two 8-inch flour tortillas and Monterey Jack cheese can contain approximately 627 calories, while one made with queso blanco may contain about 599 calories. However, by using only one tortilla, reducing the amount of oil, or opting for reduced-fat cheese, the calorie count can be significantly lowered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 483-627 |
| Total Carbs | 37.2g-46.2g |
| Net Carbs | 34.8g-43g |
| Fat | 25g-38.4g |
| Protein | 17.8g-20g |
| Calcium | 421mg-481mg |
| Sodium | 339mg-415mg |
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What You'll Learn
- A small cheese quesadilla with two tortillas has around 483 calories
- Using one tortilla instead of two can cut calories
- A quesadilla made with Monterey Jack cheese contains more calories than one made with queso blanco
- Sour cream adds 46 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
- Adding vegetables increases vitamin and mineral content
A small cheese quesadilla with two tortillas has around 483 calories
To reduce the calorie count, there are several options to consider. Using just one tortilla instead of two can significantly cut down on calories. Another option is to opt for a whole-wheat tortilla, which provides a similar number of calories as a regular tortilla but with the added benefit of higher fiber content. Reducing the amount of oil used during cooking can also help lower the calorie count, as the dish can easily become soggy instead of crispy.
The cheese choice and quantity can also impact the calorie content. Using reduced-fat cheese or sprinkling the cheese lightly on the tortilla can reduce calories and fat. Adding vegetables, such as spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini, can increase the vitamin and mineral content without significantly increasing the calorie count.
It's worth noting that a cheese quesadilla already provides a substantial number of calories, with one source stating that a quesadilla with two tortillas and fillings has approximately 483 calories. This calorie count is in line with other estimates, such as the 490 calories estimated for a single cheese quesadilla on another website.
While a small cheese quesadilla with two tortillas can be a tasty treat, it's important to be mindful of the calorie intake. The calorie count can be influenced by various factors, and making conscious choices about ingredients and preparation methods can help manage the overall calorie content.
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Using one tortilla instead of two can cut calories
A traditional quesadilla is made with two 8-inch flour tortillas, containing 146 calories each, and fried with canola oil. The total calorie count for a quesadilla made with two tortillas can be as high as 627 calories, depending on the type of cheese used.
In addition to using one tortilla, you can further reduce the calorie count by carefully measuring the amount of oil used for frying. Oil can easily make the quesadilla soggy, so it's important to use just enough to get a crispy texture. Choosing a whole-wheat tortilla can also increase the fibre content without adding extra calories or fat.
Another way to cut calories is to opt for reduced-fat cheese. Both Monterey Jack and queso blanco, the traditional cheeses used in quesadillas, are relatively high in calories and fat. By substituting with a reduced-fat option or simply sprinkling the cheese lightly over the tortilla, you can further decrease the overall calorie count of your quesadilla.
Finally, consider adding vegetables to your quesadilla. While the traditional quesadilla contains only cheese, incorporating ingredients like spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini will boost the vitamin and mineral content of your meal without significantly increasing the calorie count.
By implementing these simple adjustments, such as using one tortilla instead of two, measuring oil portions, choosing whole-wheat options, selecting reduced-fat cheese, and adding vegetables, you can substantially reduce the calorie intake of your cheese quesadilla without compromising on taste and enjoyment.
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A quesadilla made with Monterey Jack cheese contains more calories than one made with queso blanco
A quesadilla is a simple, inexpensive meal that typically includes a tortilla, cheese, and a small amount of oil for frying. While a basic quesadilla is made with flour tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese or queso blanco, and canola oil, there are many variations that can affect the calorie content.
A traditional quesadilla is made with two 8-inch flour tortillas, each containing 146 calories and 3.7 grams of fat. For the cheese filling, one may choose between Monterey Jack, which contains 211 calories and 17 grams of fat per 1/2 cup, and queso blanco, which has slightly fewer calories at 183 and 14 grams of fat per 1/2 cup. As a result, a quesadilla made with Monterey Jack cheese will contain 627 calories and 38.4 grams of fat in total, while one made with queso blanco will contain 599 calories and 35.4 grams of fat.
The calorie count can be reduced by using only one tortilla and folding it in half, or by using a whole-wheat tortilla, which provides a similar number of calories but with the added benefit of approximately 5 grams of fiber. Using reduced-fat cheese in the filling and sprinkling it lightly over the tortilla can also help to cut calories and fat.
In addition to the core ingredients, toppings and accompaniments can significantly impact the calorie count. For example, sour cream, a traditional quesadilla topping, adds 46 calories and nearly 5 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving. A healthier alternative is salsa, which provides just 10 calories and 0.6 grams of fat per 2 tablespoons. Finally, adding vegetables such as spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini will increase the vitamin and mineral content of the dish.
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Sour cream adds 46 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
The calorie count of a small cheese quesadilla varies depending on its ingredients and preparation methods. For example, a cheese quesadilla made with two 8-inch flour tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, and canola oil for frying contains approximately 627 calories. On the other hand, a quesadilla made with the same ingredients but substituting queso blanco for Monterey Jack cheese contains approximately 599 calories.
While sour cream is a traditional condiment for quesadillas, it significantly impacts the dish's calorie content. Each 2-tablespoon serving of sour cream adds 46 calories and nearly 5 grams of fat to the dish. This is a notable contribution, especially considering that a typical quesadilla already contains a substantial amount of calories and fat.
For instance, let's consider a quesadilla made with two 8-inch flour tortillas, which already contributes 292 calories (146 calories per tortilla) to the dish. Adding a 2-tablespoon serving of sour cream increases the calorie count by 46 calories, bringing the total to 338 calories just for the tortillas and sour cream.
Additionally, the choice of cheese also plays a crucial role in the overall calorie count. Using Monterey Jack cheese, which has 211 calories per 1/2 cup, can significantly increase the calorie content compared to using queso blanco, which has slightly fewer calories at 183 calories per 1/2 cup.
To reduce the calorie intake, one could consider substituting the sour cream with a healthier alternative, such as salsa. Salsa provides just 10 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, along with significantly less fat (0.6 grams) compared to sour cream. Making such conscious choices can help manage calorie consumption while still enjoying the delicious flavors of a cheese quesadilla.
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Adding vegetables increases vitamin and mineral content
The calorie count of a small cheese quesadilla varies depending on its ingredients and size. A basic quesadilla is made with flour tortillas, cheese, and canola oil for frying. Each 8-inch flour tortilla contains 146 calories, while 1 tablespoon of canola oil has 124 calories. The calorie count varies depending on the type of cheese used. For example, Monterey Jack cheese contains 211 calories per 1/2 cup, while queso blanco contains 183 calories. Thus, a traditional quesadilla made with two tortillas and Monterey Jack cheese contains approximately 627 calories, while one made with queso blanco contains approximately 599 calories.
To reduce the calorie count, you can use just one tortilla instead of two, or opt for reduced-fat cheese. Using whole-wheat tortillas can also increase the fiber content without adding extra calories. Additionally, you can replace high-calorie toppings like sour cream with healthier options such as salsa.
While a cheese quesadilla is delicious, adding vegetables increases its vitamin and mineral content, making it a more nutritious meal. Vegetables such as spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices. These vegetables not only boost the nutritional value but also add flavor and texture to the quesadilla. For example, mushrooms are known to add a lot of flavor, while sweet potatoes provide a nice heartiness and balance to the dish.
When adding vegetables, it is recommended to sauté or cook them first. Heartier vegetables like root vegetables and winter squash should be sliced thinly and can be added pre-cooked to the pan with other veggies. This allows them to absorb the spice mixture and heat up. Less hearty vegetables like onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and summer squash will cook faster if cut into similar-sized pieces. You can also add sliced cabbage, shaved Brussels sprouts, or roasted butternut squash to your quesadilla for extra nutrition and flavor.
By including a variety of vegetables in your quesadilla, you not only increase the vitamin and mineral content but also make the dish more colorful, tasty, and satisfying. Additionally, cooking your vegetables in advance and storing them in the fridge can save you time when assembling your quesadilla later in the week. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favorite nutritious quesadilla creation!
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Frequently asked questions
A small cheese quesadilla can have anywhere between 483 and 627 calories, depending on the ingredients used and their quantities.
The calories in a small cheese quesadilla come from the tortilla, cheese, and any oil used for frying. A flour tortilla is about 146 calories, while a tablespoon of canola oil is about 124 calories. Monterey Jack cheese has 211 calories per 1/2 cup, while queso blanco has 183 calories.
You can reduce the calorie count of a small cheese quesadilla by using only one tortilla instead of two, using reduced-fat cheese, and limiting the amount of oil used for frying. You can also add vegetables like spinach, peppers, onions, or mushrooms to increase the vitamin and mineral content without adding too many calories.
