Frederic Melton
A homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla can be a delicious, nutritious, and quick meal. The calorie count of a quesadilla varies depending on its ingredients and preparation. While cheese is a staple ingredient, it contributes significantly to the calorie count, along with the tortilla, oil, and other toppings. A homemade veggie quesadilla with cheese typically falls under 400 calories, while a restaurant quesadilla with generous amounts of cheese and other toppings can reach 2200 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Under 400 calories per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | Over 20g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 53mg |
| Sodium | 613mg |
| Potassium | 675mg |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 1400IU |
| Vitamin C | 24mg |
| Calcium | 481mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Calories in a homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla: 386 kcal
A homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla can be a nutritious and tasty meal or snack. The calorie count for this dish depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. A cheese and veggie quesadilla made with corn, zucchini, black beans, and cheese can contain approximately 386 calories per serving. This option is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
To make this quesadilla, you can start by combining corn, zucchini, and black beans in a bowl, and then placing this mixture in a skillet to fry. Adding cheese to the equation contributes to the calorie count, as cheese is a dense food. However, it also provides protein and calcium. If you're looking to reduce the calorie count, you can opt for low-fat cheese, but be cautious as it may not melt as well.
The type of tortilla you use also affects the overall calorie count. Corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or keto tortillas are great options. Using whole wheat tortillas can increase the nutritional value by adding more fibre and protein. Additionally, the size of the tortilla matters, as larger tortillas will generally have more calories.
While quesadillas can be a good source of nutrition, it's important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks. They can be high in sodium, especially if you add a lot of cheese. Cheese is also a significant source of saturated fat, which is recommended to be limited in diets.
By making your own homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla, you have the flexibility to customize the ingredients to meet your taste preferences and nutritional needs. You can experiment with different vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, and peppers, which contribute to your daily vitamin intake. Additionally, you can control the portion sizes and the amount of oil used during cooking to further manage the calorie count.
McDonald's Egg and Cheese Biscuit: Calorie Breakdown
You may want to see also
Calories in cheese
A homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla can be a quick and easy meal that is also healthy and low on calories. The calorie count of such a dish depends on the ingredients used, but it is estimated to be under 400 calories per serving.
The calorie content of cheese, a key ingredient in quesadillas, varies depending on the type of cheese and the milk used. Hard and semi-hard cheeses, for example, tend to have higher calorie counts compared to softer cheeses due to their longer ageing process, lower moisture content, and more robust flavour. Full-fat dairy products, in general, are high in calories, which can negatively impact weight loss plans. Therefore, those conscious of their calorie intake may opt for reduced-fat cheeses, though these may not melt as well.
Cream cheese, for example, tends to be highly processed and thus has a higher calorie count. Natural varieties are recommended for those watching their calorie intake. Yogurt, on the other hand, is generally low in calories, though this can vary depending on added sugars and overall fat content.
When it comes to snacking on cheese, it is important to consider what it is paired with. Even healthy crackers can have 5 to 40 calories each, and some contain high levels of sodium. A better option is to pair cheese with fruit or raw nuts, which have no added sodium or other ingredients and are good components of a healthy diet.
In conclusion, while cheese can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a meal or snack, it is important to be mindful of the calorie content, especially when paired with other ingredients. For those watching their calorie intake, opting for reduced-fat cheeses or natural varieties, and pairing them with healthier options like fruit or raw nuts, can be a good strategy to enjoy cheese while maintaining a balanced diet.
Calories in a Balogna and Cheese Sandwich
You may want to see also
Calories in veggies
A homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla is a tasty, healthy, and nutritious meal or snack. The calorie count of your quesadilla will depend on the vegetables and other ingredients you choose, but generally, veggie quesadillas are considered to be low-calorie meals, coming in at under 400 calories per serving.
Vegetables are a great way to fill up on volume while consuming a minimal number of calories. Most vegetables provide negligible amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. The preparation method can also impact the calorie count of your meal. For example, sautéing, steaming, and stir-frying use less oil, reducing the total calories, while frying and boiling can increase the overall calorie count.
Some common vegetables and their calorie content include potatoes, which are high in vitamin C and fibre, and mushrooms, which are high in protein and vitamin D. Leafy green lettuces are rich in vitamins A and C, while darker leaves contain more antioxidants. Corn, zucchini, and black beans are other popular vegetables to include in a quesadilla, and they are all low-calorie options.
When making a veggie quesadilla, you can also include onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and cheese. The type of cheese you use will also impact the calorie count, with low-fat cheese having fewer calories than full-fat cheese. Using whole wheat tortillas can increase the nutritional value of your quesadilla, and you can add extra protein with meats such as steak, shrimp, or chicken.
Overall, a homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla can be a delicious and healthy option, with the calorie count depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods you choose.
Cheese Blocks: Calorie Count and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Calories in tortillas
The calorie count of a quesadilla depends on its ingredients and the type of tortilla used. Corn tortillas, for example, are typically lower in calories than their flour counterparts. Corn tortillas are made from maize flour and were the original tortilla used by the Mayans and Aztecs. They are also gluten-free. In Mexico, corn tortillas are the classic choice, while in the USA, white flour tortillas are more common.
White flour tortillas have almost twice the calories and fat content of corn tortillas. They are considered the unhealthiest of the three major types of tortillas, which also include corn and whole wheat. Flour tortillas are also higher in iron and calcium than corn tortillas. They are fluffier and hold up better under lots of toppings, but they should be eaten in moderation due to their higher calorie and fat content.
Whole wheat tortillas are becoming an increasingly popular alternative due to their perceived health benefits. They are made from whole grain wheat flour, which is less refined than white flour, making them lower in calories, fat, and carbs, and higher in fiber. They are a good option for those who don't like the taste of corn tortillas but want a healthier alternative to flour tortillas.
The size of the tortilla also matters. Larger 12-inch tortillas made for burritos will have more calories than smaller 8-inch tortillas designed for tacos. Homemade tortillas are generally healthier than store-bought ones, as you can control the ingredients and portion size.
Indulge Wisely: Calories in Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olives
You may want to see also
Reducing calories: low-calorie alternatives
A homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla can be a tasty, healthy snack, but there are ways to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavour.
Low-calorie tortilla alternatives
Tortillas are a staple of quesadillas, but flour tortillas can be high in calories. One way to reduce the calorie count is to switch to a whole wheat tortilla, a keto tortilla, or a low-carb option. For an even lower-calorie option, you can try cauliflower tortillas, which are naturally gluten, wheat and preservative-free. These tortillas usually have under 100 calories, and you can find them in most grocery stores. If you want to make your own tortillas, there are recipes that use regular flour and are under 100 calories. However, gluten-free flours may not work as a simple substitute in these recipes.
Low-calorie veggie filling alternatives
Veggie quesadillas are already packed with flavour and nutrition, but there are some low-calorie alternatives to common fillings. Corn is a great option as it cooks quickly and keeps its texture. Zucchini is another low-calorie option that adds flavour and texture to your quesadilla. Black beans are a good choice, too, as they are high in protein and low in calories.
Low-calorie cheese alternatives
While cheese is a key ingredient in quesadillas, there are lower-calorie alternatives to regular cheese. You can use a low-fat cheese, but be cautious of fat-free shredded cheese as it doesn't melt well. You could instead use a smaller amount of full-fat cheddar cheese or a Monterrey Jack mixture, as these melt better and provide calcium and vitamin C.
Cheese Tamales: Calorie Count for Mexican Delicacy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla is approximately 386kcal. The calories can vary depending on the ingredients used, but a serving is usually under 400 calories.
Cheese, sour cream, guacamole, oil, and the tortilla itself are the ingredients that contribute the most calories to a quesadilla.
To reduce the calories in your homemade cheese and veggie quesadilla, you can use whole wheat tortillas or keto tortillas, which are lower in calories and carbohydrates. You can also substitute regular cheese for low-fat cheese, or use a smaller amount of regular, full-fat cheese. Additionally, you can be mindful of the amount of oil used during cooking, as it can add a significant number of calories.
