Cheese Quesadilla: The Ultimate Melty, Gooey Guide

A cheese quesadilla is a simple, delicious, and quick meal to make. It is a Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or Oaxaca. The tortillas can be made from flour or corn, and are filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients such as meat or vegetables. They are typically cooked on a skillet or griddle, and served with dips like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Types of cheese to use

The best cheese for quesadillas is one that melts well. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses. Here are some options:

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a standard choice for American-style quesadillas. It melts easily and has a mild, sweet flavour. It is also a good option if you are looking for a more traditional Mexican cheese, as it is similar to Oaxaca cheese, a common choice for quesadillas.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is another popular option for quesadillas, as it melts well and has a sharper flavour. You can use mild or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a great melting cheese and is readily available in grocery stores. It is a good choice if you want a creamier, stringier texture to your quesadilla.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua cheese is a Mexican cheese that melts easily and has a luxurious stretch. It is similar to Monterey Jack but has a slightly sweeter flavour.

Asadero

Asadero is a traditional Mexican cheese used in quesadillas. It is creamy, melts very well, and is great for many other Mexican dishes.

Queso Oaxaca (Quesillo)

Queso Oaxaca, also known as quesillo, is a traditional Mexican cheese for quesadillas. It is buttery, melty, and a bit stringy. It has a delicate flavour and is best purchased fresh.

Other Options

Other cheeses that can be used in quesadillas include pepper jack, manchego, queso panela, queso quesadilla, and cotija. You can also mix and match different cheeses to find your favourite combination.

What to cook it with

A cheese quesadilla is a simple, quick, and delicious meal that can be made even better with a few additions.

Proteins

If you're looking to bulk up your quesadilla, you can add some protein. Try seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, steak, pork, ham, beans, taco meat, beef hamburger, or bacon.

Vegetables

For a vegetarian option or to add some extra vitamins and minerals, add some veggies to your quesadilla. Onions, peppers, spinach, corn, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes are all great options. You could also add in some fajita veggies, such as sautéed peppers and onions, or a spoonful of diced green chiles.

Dips and Sauces

To take your quesadilla to the next level, serve it with some dips and sauces on the side. Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, black bean and corn salsa, hot sauce, taco sauce, or creamy avocado sauce all pair well with the cheesy dish.

Spices

To add some extra flavour, sprinkle some spices on your cheese before adding the top tortilla. Chili powder, paprika, cumin, or taco seasoning will give your quesadilla a kick.

Other Cheeses

While this article is about cheese quesadillas, you can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, or Queso Panela.

How to cook it

How to Make a Cheese Quesadilla

Ingredients

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. The core of a quesadilla is flour tortillas, butter, and shredded cheese. For the best flavour and texture, shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent clumping, which also stops it from melting as well.

For the cheese, you can use whatever you have in the fridge, but for a more authentic Mexican flavour, try Oaxaca, Asadero, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, or cheddar. You can also mix and match cheeses to find your favourite combination.

For the tortillas, you can use either corn or flour, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas are more common in the US. You can also use gluten-free tortillas made from almond, cassava, or quinoa flour.

Finally, you'll need some butter. You can substitute olive oil or cooking spray if you prefer, but butter adds a delicious flavour and crispy texture.

Method

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking!

• Start by melting some butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You'll need enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan—about half a tablespoon should be enough.
• Once the butter has melted and stopped foaming, add your first tortilla to the pan.
• Sprinkle grated cheese over the tortilla. You can also add other ingredients like chopped chicken, peppers, onions, or spinach. Just be careful not to layer the ingredients too thickly, or they may not heat through properly.
• Add your second tortilla on top.
• Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
• Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. If your pan starts to look dry, add a little more butter.
• Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted, remove the quesadilla from the pan and cut it into wedges.

Serving

Quesadillas are best served fresh and warm, but you can make them up to an hour ahead of time and reheat them just before serving. They also freeze well and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.

To reheat, simply pop your quesadilla back into a skillet on low heat until it's warmed through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve your quesadillas with toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce. Enjoy!

What to serve it with

A cheese quesadilla is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dips, toppings, and sides to enhance its flavour and make it a more substantial meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your cheese quesadilla:

Dips and Sauces

• Sour cream or Mexican crema: A cool, creamy dip is the perfect contrast to the crispy, cheesy quesadilla.
• Guacamole: Avocado-based guacamole adds a creamy texture and a fresh, tangy flavour.
• Salsa: Whether it's roasted tomato salsa, pico de gallo, or pico de guillo, salsa adds a spicy kick to your quesadilla.
• Black bean and corn salsa: For something a little different, this salsa combines the creaminess of beans with the sweetness of corn.
• Creamy avocado sauce: This sauce is a great way to add some healthy fats and extra flavour to your quesadilla.

Proteins and Fillings

• Seasoned ground beef: Adding some beef to your quesadilla makes it a more filling and hearty meal.
• Chicken: Shredded, grilled, or rotisserie chicken is a great option to add some protein to your quesadilla.
• Steak: Thinly sliced steak can be a delicious and indulgent addition.
• Beans: Black beans or refried beans are a classic Mexican option to add some extra protein and fibre.
• Vegetables: Sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, corn, or chillies can add a nutritional boost and extra texture.

Sides

• Rice: A simple side of rice can round out your meal and make it more filling.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy quesadilla.
• Lettuce: Shredded iceberg lettuce with a sprinkle of cider vinegar and salt is a simple side that adds some crunch.
• Beans: If you want to keep things simple, serve your quesadilla with a side of beans, such as refried beans or black beans.

How to store it

Cheese quesadillas are best served fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat your quesadilla, use a skillet on the stove over low heat until it is warmed through and the cheese is gooey. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven on a sheet pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

It is not recommended to reheat your quesadilla in the microwave, as it will become soft and soggy.

Frequently asked questions