Randy Chandler
Cheese tortillas are a delicious and easy-to-make meal. They can be made with just a few simple ingredients and can be customised with a variety of fillings. The tortillas can be made with either flour or corn, and filled with cheese and other ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or beans. The tortillas are then cooked until golden brown and the cheese has melted, creating a delicious and crispy treat. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect cheese tortilla, as well as offer suggestions for tasty fillings and serving suggestions.
Characteristics of cooking cheese tortillas:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of tortilla | Flour, corn, or low-carb |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any meltable cheese |
| Other ingredients | Chicken, beef, shrimp, avocado, beans, vegetables, etc. |
| Cooking method | Stovetop, air fryer, or oven |
| Cooking time | 2-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown |
| Serving suggestions | Cut into triangles or wedges, serve with guacamole or other dipping sauces |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a cheese tortilla
There are several ways to make a cheese tortilla, depending on your preference. One way is to make a quesadilla, which is a Mexican dish dating back to the 16th century. To make a quesadilla, you will need two tortillas and shredded cheese. You can use any type of cheese, but Cheddar and Monterey Jack are popular choices for American-style quesadillas, while a melty, white cheese is more traditional. If you want to make a gluten-free quesadilla, opt for corn tortillas, but be careful not to fold them as they will break. Flour tortillas are a good choice if you prefer a chewy texture.
To make a quesadilla, start by melting a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium to medium-high heat. You can use a comal or cast-iron pan without any butter or oil. Place one tortilla in the pan and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the entire surface. If you want to add other fillings, such as cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables, place them on top of the cheese, being careful not to overload the quesadilla, as this can make it soggy and difficult to flip. Place the second tortilla on top of the cheese and fillings.
Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook the other side. If the cheese starts to spill out of the quesadilla, reduce the heat. Once the quesadilla is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Let the quesadilla cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set, then cut it into wedges or triangles using a knife, pizza cutter, or scissors. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as guacamole.
Another way to make a cheese tortilla is to create a crispy taco shell using just one slice of cheese. This method is a great low-carb option and only requires two ingredients: cheese and olive oil. Start by heating a small non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and adding a small amount of olive oil. When the oil is fragrant, add a round slice of cheese to the skillet. Heat the cheese until it bubbles and browns around the edges, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the crispy cheese tortilla from the skillet and place it on a plate to cool. To shape it into a traditional hard shell taco, drape the hot cheese tortilla over a wooden spoon. You can fill your cheese taco shell with your favorite taco fixings.
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Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your tortillas, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of cheese you use can depend on the style of tortilla you want to make. For example, if you're making a quesadilla, a Mexican dish dating back to the 16th century, you might want to opt for a traditional Mexican cheese like queso Oaxaca (quesillo), Chihuahua, Asadero, or Quesadilla. These cheeses are known for their meltability and luxurious stretch, making them perfect for quesadillas.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are a great choice. However, they tend to crisp up faster than flour tortillas, so it's important not to fold them over or they may break. In terms of cheese, a standard option for American-style quesadillas is cheddar or Monterey Jack. Freshly grated cheese of these varieties will create the meltiest quesadillas. You can also use pre-grated cheese, but it may not melt as well.
For a simple cheese tortilla, you can use just one slice of cheese and create a delicious, crispy tortilla-like shape. Any type of cheese will work, but a round cheddar slice is recommended. If you do use a square slice, simply trim the corners to make a circle. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, and then add your cheese slice. It will take around 4-5 minutes for the cheese to get nice and crispy.
When making a quesadilla, you can use shredded cheese for a savoury, cheesy filling. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over your tortilla, being mindful not to overfill it, as this can make it difficult to flip and lead to spillage. If you're adding other ingredients, such as chicken or vegetables, be sure to not layer them on too thickly, as they may not heat through properly.
Overall, the right cheese for your tortillas depends on your personal preference and the style of tortilla you want to make. Whether you choose a traditional Mexican cheese, a standard American option, or a simple cheese slice, the key is to create a delicious, melted, and crispy tortilla that you can enjoy with your favourite fillings and toppings.
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Filling options
Cheese tortillas are incredibly versatile, and you can fill them with just about any ingredient you can imagine. You can use any meltable cheese, but for something closer to an authentic Mexican quesadilla, try a melty, white cheese.
If you're making a quesadilla, you can add your fillings to one tortilla, top with another, and cook. Alternatively, you can add your fillings to half a tortilla, fold it over, and cook. Either way, be mindful not to overfill the tortilla, as this can make it difficult to flip and may cause spillage.
For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas. However, be aware that these will break if you try to fold them, and they crisp up faster than flour tortillas, so limit the cooking time.
If you're making a taco shell, heat your cheese slice in a pan until it bubbles and browns around the edges. Then, drape it over a wooden spoon to cool and harden into the traditional taco shape.
- Cooked chicken, ground beef, or grilled shrimp
- Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes
- Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions
- Spices, such as chili powder, Za'atar seasoning, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika
- Beans, tofu, rice, grains, or corn
- Scrambled eggs
- Guacamole, Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- Olives
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Cooking methods
Cheese tortillas can be cooked in a variety of ways, depending on the desired outcome. Here are some common methods:
For a crispy cheese tortilla
You will need a non-stick skillet, a cheese slice, and olive oil. Heat a small amount of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is fragrant, add a cheese slice and heat until it begins to bubble and brown around the edges. This should take around 4-5 minutes. Remove the crispy cheese tortilla from the skillet and place it on a plate to cool. You can drape the hot cheese tortilla over a wooden spoon to create a traditional hard shell taco shape.
For a cheese quesadilla
You can use either corn or flour tortillas for your quesadilla. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and crisp up beautifully, but be careful not to fold them, as they may break. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, provide a chewy texture.
To make a quesadilla, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded or grated cheese evenly over the surface. If desired, add additional ingredients such as cooked chicken, vegetables, or beans. Place a second tortilla on top of the cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown. Remove the quesadilla from the pan, let it cool for a few minutes, and then cut into triangles or wedges before serving.
For a low-carb cheese tortilla
You can make a cheese tortilla with just one slice of cheese. Use a round cheese slice, or trim the corners off a square slice to make a circle. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cheese slice to the skillet and heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the cheese tortilla from the skillet and let it cool. You can use these low-carb cheese tortillas as a base for quesadillas, tacos, or nachos.
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Cutting and serving
When it comes to cutting and serving cheese tortillas, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to let the tortillas cool down and rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This allows the cheese to set, making it easier to cut and ensuring that the filling doesn't spill out. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife can be used to cut the tortillas, and cutting them into triangles or wedges is a common practice for easier serving and dipping.
If you are making cheese quesadillas, which are tortillas with melted cheese and other fillings inside, the cutting and serving process is slightly different. Once the quesadilla is cooked, remove it from the heat and place it on a cutting board. You can cut it into wedges or triangles, but be careful not to overload the quesadilla with too many fillings, as this can cause spillage.
For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas, but they should not be folded over or they may break. Corn tortillas also crisp up faster than flour tortillas, so be mindful of the cooking time. When adding fillings to your quesadilla, it is important to spread them evenly and not overload the tortilla to avoid spillage and ensure easy flipping.
If you are making a cheese tortilla taco shell, the process is a bit different. First, you melt a slice of cheese in a pan to form a crispy tortilla-like shape. Then, you drape the hot cheese tortilla over a wooden spoon to form a taco shell shape. Once the shell is cooled, you can fill it with your desired toppings, such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or Greek yogurt. These tacos can be cut into fourths, similar to tortilla chips.
Some additional tips for cutting and serving cheese tortillas include using scissors to cut quesadillas, as some people find it easier than using a knife or pizza cutter. It is also important to use only a small amount of butter or oil in the pan when cooking the tortillas to ensure they become crispy and golden brown, rather than soggy and greasy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use any type of cheese. Monterey Jack is another standard for American-style tortillas. For the best melt, grate the cheese yourself.
Corn tortillas are traditional and crisp beautifully, but flour tortillas are also a good option. Flour tortillas are chewier, whereas corn tortillas are gluten-free and crisp up faster.
Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown.
Guacamole, Greek yoghurt, salsa, or your favourite dipping sauce.
