Bushra Griffith
Ham and cheese quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. This recipe is an English/American take on a Mexican dish and is perfect for a hot lunch, easy dinner, or even a snack. The key to this quesadilla is thinly sliced ham, which can be substituted with smoked turkey if you don't eat ham. The recipe is infinitely adaptable and can be made with a variety of cheeses, herbs, and vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Tortillas, shredded cheese, ham, butter, olive oil, hot sauce, pickles, mustard, apple butter, eggs, sour cream, guacamole, salad, salsa, and ranch dressing |
| Cooking Method | Fry or bake |
| Cooking Time | 3-8 minutes |
| Calories | 313kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 1225mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the ham and cheese
When it comes to choosing the ham and cheese for your quesadillas, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use thinly sliced ham. This ensures that your quesadillas stay flat and cook evenly. You can purchase deli-style ham, which is usually pre-sliced, or slice your own ham as thinly as possible. Leftover ham is a great option for this.
In terms of cheese selection, you'll want a variety that melts well. Good melting cheeses include Gruyere, mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, and Mexican cheese blends. You can also mix and match different types of cheese to create your own blend. Grated or shredded cheese works best, as it will melt more easily and evenly.
If you don't eat ham, you can substitute it for thinly sliced smoked turkey, which will provide a similar texture and flavour profile. Additionally, consider adding some extra ingredients to your ham and cheese quesadillas, such as sliced pickles, hot sauce, diced tomatoes, green onions, or diced sweet peppers. These additions can enhance the flavour and provide a nice veggie boost to your meal.
Oven-Baked Frozen Cheesy Treats: Quick, Easy, Delicious
You may want to see also
Preparing the quesadilla filling
Once you have your filling ready, it's time to assemble the quesadillas. Start by placing a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread some butter or cooking spray on one side of the tortilla, especially if you're using a pan. This will give the quesadilla a golden crust. If you're baking them in the oven, you can brush the tortilla with olive oil instead. Sprinkle or spread the filling evenly over the tortilla, making sure to leave some space around the edges so that the filling doesn't spill out when you fold it. If you're adding eggs to your quesadilla, scramble them first and mix in some diced ham before pouring them onto the tortilla.
For an extra cheesy bite, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the ham (or turkey/chicken) before adding any other ingredients. This will help the filling stick together and ensure every bite has plenty of cheese. If you're using sliced ham, lay the slices evenly across the tortilla, slightly overlapping them to ensure good ham distribution in each bite. If you're adding vegetables, such as sliced pickles, tomatoes, or green onions, distribute them evenly over the cheese and ham. You can also add some sliced onions or peppers for a spicy kick.
Finally, top the filling with another layer of shredded cheese. This will help hold everything together and create a deliciously gooey texture when melted. If you're using apple butter or mustard, spread it on another tortilla and place it, spread-side down, on top of the filling. Press the tortillas together gently to ensure the filling is secure. If you're baking the quesadillas, place them on a cookie sheet or baking tray before putting them in the oven.
Quick Mac & Cheese: Frozen to Fabulous
You may want to see also
Cooking the quesadillas
Once you've added your fillings, fold the tortilla in half and cook for about 3 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted. If you're cooking multiple quesadillas, work in batches, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.
When your quesadillas are done, transfer them to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven while you cook any remaining batches. Finally, cut the quesadillas into wedges or halves and serve. You can enjoy them as they are or with dips like sour cream, ranch dressing, or guacamole.
Easy Frozen Cheese Pizza: Cooking Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving suggestions
Ham and cheese quesadillas are a delicious meal on their own, but there are several sides and dips you can serve with them to elevate your meal.
A simple green salad or homemade tomato basil soup can round out the meal and make it more substantial. If you're looking for something simpler, potato chips are always a great pairing.
If you want to serve your quesadillas as a more indulgent snack, you can add some dipping sauces. Sour cream and guacamole are great options, and you can also add some salsa for a spicy kick. For a more substantial dip, you could try ranch dressing.
Quesadillas are also a great appetizer or party snack. They're a fun alternative to breakfast burritos and can be served with salsa and sour cream, or even bacon and sautéed veggies for a more substantial brunch.
The Best Way to Cook Ground Berg Cheese Kransky
You may want to see also
Recipe variations
There are many ways to put a creative twist on the classic ham and cheese quesadilla. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Veggie Kick
Adding vegetables is a great way to add some colour, texture, and flavour to your quesadillas. Try tossing in some diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sweet peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with herbs like basil, oregano, or cilantro.
Meat Alternatives
If you're not a fan of ham, or simply want to try something different, you can replace it with other meats. Try using thinly sliced smoked turkey or even bacon for a unique twist.
Cheese Options
While the classic recipe calls for shredded cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. Try using creamy cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or cheddar. If you're feeling fancy, go for Gruyere or provolone.
Dips and Sides
Quesadillas are commonly served with dips and sides to enhance the flavour and make them more filling. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even a simple salad can take your quesadilla game to the next level.
Fruit Twist
For a unique flavour combination, try adding some fruit to your quesadillas. Sliced apples go well with ham and cheese, especially when tossed with lemon juice and cinnamon.
Cooking Haddock: Cheese Sauce Perfection
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need tortillas, shredded cheese, sliced cooked ham, and butter or oil for cooking. You can also add extra ingredients like pickles, hot sauce, tomatoes, green onions, or peppers.
Spread butter or oil on one side of a tortilla and place it butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese over the tortilla, then add your ham and any extra fillings. Top with another layer of cheese and place a second tortilla on top.
Cook the quesadillas for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Yes, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375-425 degrees F and place the assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet. Bake for around 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can serve them with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a side salad. If you're making the apple-cheese variation, serve them with cinnamon-tossed apple slices.
