Andy Montoya
Cheese quesadillas are a quick, tasty, and fuss-free snack that can be made on a griddle. They can be made with any meltable cheese and filled with anything from plain cheese and beans to shrimp and avocado, or even just made with cheese. The key to a good quesadilla is keeping the temperature fairly low, as they can go from uncooked to burnt in seconds.
Characteristics of cooking cheese quesadillas on a griddle:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pan | Griddle, cast iron, non-stick, skillet |
| Temperature | Medium heat, not too high |
| Oil/Butter | A light brushing of oil or butter, half a teaspoon |
| Tortilla | Flour, corn, store-bought, soft |
| Fillings | Cheese, chicken, shrimp, avocado, beans, vegetables, meat, rice |
| Cooking technique | Fill one half of the tortilla, fold, flip, cook both sides, cut into wedges |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your cheese
It's worth noting that pre-shredded cheese is not ideal for quesadillas as it often contains an anti-caking agent that can prevent the cheese from melting properly. Therefore, it is recommended to shred your own cheese or use thick-cut pre-shredded cheese if you must.
When preparing your quesadilla, it is suggested to sprinkle cheese on one half of the tortilla, add your desired fillings, and then top with more cheese. This layering technique helps hold the tortilla closed and ensures a gooey, cheesy delight.
While the type of cheese is important, the amount of cheese you use depends on the size of your tortilla. For a standard 9-inch or 10-inch tortilla, use about 1 cup of shredded cheese per quesadilla. Adjust the amount of cheese accordingly if you're using smaller or larger tortillas.
Remember, the quesadilla is a versatile dish, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses and fillings to find your perfect combination.
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Selecting the right tortilla
When choosing corn tortillas, opt for high-quality soft tortillas to achieve the best results. Corn tortillas crisp beautifully and pair exceptionally well with melted cheese. If you prefer flour tortillas, look for tortillas that toast evenly, ensuring that one spot doesn't become overly charred while another remains raw-tasting. Thinner tortillas are ideal for a crispier texture, while thicker tortillas, such as La Tortilla Factory's Handmade-Style tortillas, provide a chewier bite.
The brand and quality of tortillas can vary depending on your location. It is recommended to taste and compare different brands of tortillas to determine your preference. Additionally, consider the size of the tortillas, as larger tortillas are easier to work with when making quesadillas. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own tortillas from scratch!
When cooking your quesadillas, it's essential to use only a small amount of butter or oil in the pan. Excessive butter or oil can result in soggy and greasy tortillas instead of the desired crispness. A light brushing of oil can enhance the crispness of your tortillas, but it's not necessary if you're using a good-quality tortilla and the proper cooking technique.
Ultimately, the choice between corn and flour tortillas depends on your personal preference and the specific characteristics you want in your quesadillas. Experiment with different types of tortillas, play with the burner temperature, and let your imagination guide you in creating delicious combinations of ingredients!
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Preparing your fillings
When preparing your fillings, you can be as creative as you like. The quesadilla is a versatile dish that can accommodate a wide range of ingredients. You can stick to a simple cheese filling or add a variety of additional ingredients to create a more substantial meal.
For a basic quesadilla, you can use any type of meltable cheese. If you want an authentic Mexican flavour, you can choose from a range of cheeses such as mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack. You can also add cooked meat, such as diced chicken or bacon, to make it more filling. Just make sure that the meat is heated through properly. Preheating the meat before adding it to the quesadilla can help ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
For a vegetarian option, you can fill your quesadilla with cooked vegetables, crumbled tofu, cooked beans, fresh or frozen corn, cooked rice or grains, or any other leftovers. You can also add in some green onions, sliced mushrooms, olives, or tomatoes for extra flavour and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using pita pockets or leftover roast chicken.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and create your own unique quesadilla fillings. Just remember to keep the fillings relatively simple and use only a small amount of filling per quesadilla to prevent it from tumbling out on the plate.
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Cooking your quesadilla
First, prepare your griddle by heating it to a medium-high temperature. You can use a cast-iron griddle, which doesn't require any oil or butter, or a non-stick griddle with a light coating of oil or butter to prevent sticking and add flavour. Keep the temperature fairly low, as quesadillas can burn very quickly.
Next, place your tortilla on the griddle. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, but flour tortillas are easier to handle and fold without splitting. If you do use corn tortillas, choose high-quality soft tortillas for the best results.
Once your tortilla is on the griddle, sprinkle grated cheese onto one half. You can use any meltable cheese, but for a more authentic Mexican flavour, try Monterey Jack, Asadero, or Oaxaca cheese. You can also add other ingredients such as cooked meat, vegetables, or beans. Just remember to keep the fillings simple and not too thick, so they heat through properly.
After sprinkling the cheese and adding any other ingredients, fold the tortilla over on itself and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the cooking time will depend on your equipment and the temperature of your griddle.
When the cheese has begun to melt and the bottom tortilla is browning slightly, flip the quesadilla over to cook the other side. Continue cooking until all the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp around the edges.
Finally, use a spatula to transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board. Cut it into wedges while it's still hot, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving cheese quesadillas, there are several ways to go about it. Firstly, it is important to let the quesadilla cool down for a minute or two after cooking, so that the cheese can set. Then, cut the quesadilla into wedges before serving. If you are preparing multiple quesadillas, you can keep them warm in the oven at 200°F until you are ready to serve, and then cut them into wedges just before serving.
Quesadillas can be served with various toppings and sides. For example, you can serve them with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. You can also add toppings to your quesadillas before serving; guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are all popular choices. If you are making quesadilla tacos, you can dip them in guacamole instead of adding toppings.
Quesadillas are also a great way to use up leftovers. You can fill them with leftover cooked vegetables, meat, tofu, beans, corn, rice, or grains. For example, you could use leftover rotisserie chicken and rice, or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use fresh ingredients, such as shrimp, avocado, or sautéed sliced mushrooms.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and fillings. Quesadillas can be adapted to suit your taste and imagination, whether you prefer to stick to Mexican ingredients or branch out into other combinations.
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