Andy Montoya
A cheese quesadilla is a simple, delicious, and easy-to-make meal. It is made with a flour tortilla, cheese, and a little oil. The number of calories in a cheese quesadilla varies depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. For example, the number of tortillas used, the type of cheese, and the addition of other ingredients such as vegetables or meat can all impact the calorie count. On average, a cheese quesadilla made with two flour tortillas can range from 483 to 627 calories. Using only one tortilla and reducing the amount of oil and cheese can help cut down on the calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365-627 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g-46.2g |
| Protein | 12g-17.8g |
| Fat | 19g-38.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g-4g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g |
| Cholesterol | 39mg |
| Sodium | 701mg |
| Potassium | 110mg |
| Fiber | 2g-5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 408IU-32% DV |
| Calcium | 303mg-50% DV |
| Iron | 3mg |
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What You'll Learn
A single flour tortilla contains 146 calories
A flour tortilla is a key ingredient in a quesadilla, along with shredded cheese and butter or oil for frying. While a basic quesadilla is made with two tortillas, you can make a smaller quesadilla with just one tortilla.
The calorie count of a quesadilla can vary depending on the type of cheese and tortilla used, as well as any additional fillings or toppings. For instance, using reduced-fat cheese or a whole-wheat tortilla can lower the calorie count. Adding fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, can increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Sour cream is a traditional accompaniment to a quesadilla, but it adds about 46 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. A lower-calorie option is salsa, which provides just 10 calories per 2 tablespoons.
When making a quesadilla at home, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes to manage the calorie intake. For example, using a single tortilla instead of two, measuring the amount of oil used, and choosing lower-calorie alternatives can help reduce the overall calorie count of the dish.
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A quesadilla made with Monterey Jack cheese contains 627 calories
A quesadilla is a simple, delicious meal that can be made on a stovetop in just a few minutes. It is made by filling a flour tortilla with cheese and frying it in butter or oil. The number of calories in a quesadilla depends on its ingredients and how it is cooked.
A quesadilla made with two flour tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, and canola oil for frying contains 627 calories. Each 8-inch flour tortilla contains 146 calories, while 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese contains 211 calories. Frying the quesadilla in 1 tablespoon of canola oil adds 124 calories.
The number of calories in a quesadilla can be reduced by using only one tortilla instead of two, or by using a whole-wheat tortilla, which has a similar number of calories as a flour tortilla but provides more fiber. Using reduced-fat cheese in the filling and measuring the amount of oil used for frying can also help to cut down on calories.
Adding extra ingredients to a quesadilla will, of course, increase the number of calories it contains. For example, sour cream adds 46 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, while 2 tablespoons of salsa contain just 10 calories. Adding vegetables such as spinach, peppers, onions, or mushrooms can increase the vitamin and mineral content of the dish without adding too many extra calories.
According to another source, a cheese quesadilla made with two tortillas contains 483 calories, while a smaller quesadilla made with one tortilla contains 365 calories.
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A quesadilla made with queso blanco contains 599 calories
A quesadilla is a simple, inexpensive meal that requires just three ingredients: a tortilla, cheese, and a little oil. However, it is not a particularly healthy option due to its high cheese content.
The calorie count of a quesadilla varies depending on its ingredients and portion size. For example, a quesadilla made with two 8-inch flour tortillas, canola oil for frying, and Monterey Jack cheese would contain 627 calories. In contrast, a quesadilla made with the same ingredients but using queso blanco instead of Monterey Jack cheese would contain 599 calories.
A smaller quesadilla made with just one tortilla and queso blanco would contain approximately 365 calories. Using reduced-fat cheese and less oil when frying can help to cut calories and fat content.
In addition to calories, quesadillas also provide other nutrients such as calcium, sodium, and vitamins. Adults need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day for strong bones and teeth, and a quesadilla can provide up to 50% of this daily requirement. However, it is important to limit sodium intake, as each 8-inch tortilla contains 364 milligrams of sodium, and cheese also contributes to sodium content.
To make a quesadilla a more well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase the vitamin and mineral content.
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Using one tortilla instead of two can cut calories
A traditional quesadilla is made with two flour tortillas, but using just one tortilla instead can significantly reduce the calorie count of your meal.
A single 8-inch flour tortilla contains approximately 146 calories, while a whole quesadilla made with two tortillas and Monterey Jack cheese can contain up to 627 calories. By using only one tortilla and folding it in half, you can cut the calorie content by nearly half, resulting in a meal of around 365 calories. This method also works well when making a quesadilla for one person, ensuring that you don't have to worry about leftover ingredients.
In addition to using one tortilla, there are other ways to cut calories when making a quesadilla. For example, you can use reduced-fat cheese in the filling, or sprinkle the cheese lightly to reduce the amount used. You can also be mindful of the oil you use when frying the quesadilla, as it can easily become soggy and absorb more oil, increasing the calorie count. Measuring the oil beforehand can help control the amount used.
Another way to make your quesadilla healthier is to add vegetables such as spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini. This will increase the vitamin and mineral content of your meal. Choosing a whole-wheat tortilla can also add some fiber to your meal without significantly increasing the calorie count. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are a great alternative, but be careful not to fold them, as they tend to break easily.
By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious quesadilla that is not only satisfying but also fits within your calorie and nutritional goals. So, the next time you're craving a quesadilla, remember that using one tortilla instead of two can be a great way to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
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Sour cream adds 46 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
Sour cream is a popular quesadilla topping, but it's important to remember that it adds 46 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. This can quickly increase the calorie count of your meal, especially when paired with other high-calorie ingredients commonly found in quesadillas, such as cheese, butter, and oil.
A traditional quesadilla is made with flour tortillas, cheese, and oil for frying. The calorie count of a single flour tortilla varies depending on its size and composition. An 8-inch flour tortilla, for example, contains approximately 146 calories. Whole wheat tortillas offer a similar calorie count but with the added benefit of providing a good amount of fiber.
The type of cheese used also significantly impacts the overall calorie count. Monterey Jack cheese, a common choice for quesadillas, has 211 calories per 1/2 cup, while queso blanco has slightly fewer calories at 183 per 1/2 cup. Using reduced-fat cheese can be a great way to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
Cooking methods and additional ingredients can further increase the calorie content of a quesadilla. Frying in butter or oil adds a crispy texture but also contributes additional calories and fat. Using two tortillas instead of folding a single tortilla in half also nearly doubles the calorie count from the tortillas alone.
When aiming to reduce the calorie content of a quesadilla, it's important to consider portion sizes and ingredient alternatives. Using a single tortilla, opting for lower-calorie cooking methods like baking or grilling, and choosing reduced-fat cheese are all effective strategies. Additionally, incorporating vegetables, such as spinach, peppers, and onions, can increase the vitamin and mineral content of your quesadilla while also providing bulk and reducing the overall calorie density.
While sour cream adds a delicious tang to quesadillas, it's important to be mindful of its calorie contribution. By considering the overall calorie count of your quesadilla and the impact of each ingredient, you can make informed choices to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese quesadilla made with two flour tortillas can contain anywhere between 483 and 627 calories. This number can vary depending on the type of cheese used, the oil used for frying, and the size of the tortillas.
You can reduce the calories in your quesadilla by using only one tortilla instead of two, using reduced-fat cheese, and limiting the amount of oil used for frying.
Using a whole-wheat tortilla will provide a similar number of calories but with added fiber. Corn tortillas are also a gluten-free alternative, but they tend to be more brittle and should not be folded.
