Cheese Options For Mexican Quesadillas: A Guide

Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that combines a tortilla with cheese and other fillings. While the dish is now synonymous with cheese, the word quesadilla means little cheesy thing in Spanish, and the original versions did not always include cheese. In fact, in Mexico City, you need to specify if you want cheese in your quesadilla.

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your quesadilla, it's important to select one that melts well and pairs well with the other ingredients. Popular options include Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and various Mexican cheeses such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla. These Mexican cheeses are known for their creamy texture and mild flavour, and they melt beautifully, adding a luxurious stretch to your quesadilla.

So, the next time you're craving a quesadilla, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and fillings to find your perfect combination!

Types of cheese: Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, and Cotija

Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, depending on your taste preferences and what is available to you. Here are some of the most commonly used cheeses for quesadillas:

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, making it a classic choice for quesadillas. It is widely available and can be substituted for Chihuahua cheese.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a sharper-tasting cheese that adds depth of flavor to quesadillas. It is often mixed with Monterey Jack to balance the sharpness.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild-flavored cheese with a lovely, stretchy texture. It is a good option for those who want a mild flavor and is a common substitute for Oaxaca cheese.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca cheese is a semi-soft, stringy Mexican cheese with a smooth, meltable texture and a delicate, milky flavor. It is a popular choice for quesadillas and often used in Mexican cuisine.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua cheese is a mild, salty, and slightly sour cheese similar to cheddar. It is commonly used in northern Mexico and melts well, making it ideal for quesadillas.

Asadero

Asadero is a traditional Mexican cheese with a creamy texture that melts easily. It is a popular choice for quesadillas, though it may be challenging to find outside of Mexico.

Cotija

Cotija is a salty Mexican cheese that does not melt. It is often combined with other cheeses, such as Oaxaca, to add a salty kick to quesadillas.

When making quesadillas, it is essential to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients. Experimenting with different cheeses and creating your own combinations can lead to delicious results. Additionally, remember that quesadillas are versatile, and you can fill them with various ingredients besides cheese to create a unique and tasty dish.

Corn vs flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer, pliable, and larger, while corn tortillas are smaller, sturdier, and have a more pronounced flavour

Quesadillas are a Mexican dish made with tortillas and cheese. While corn and flour tortillas differ in texture, flavour, and nutritional value, both can be used to make quesadillas. Here is a comparison between the two types of tortillas:

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are made from corn or maize that has been nixtamalized, a traditional process of soaking and cooking kernels in an alkaline bath of lime water. This ancient method yields a sweet and gently nutty flavour. Corn tortillas are thinner, smaller, and more pliable, making them ideal for tacos and enchiladas. They have a firmer texture and a more pronounced earthy flavour due to the use of ground nixtamalized corn or masa harina. This gives them a distinct graininess and robustness that can hold up to heartier fillings without becoming soggy. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free and tend to be lower in fat, calories, and carbohydrates, making them a healthier and more diet-friendly option.

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas, on the other hand, are typically made from wheat flour, water, and other ingredients like lard or vegetable oil. They are larger, softer, and more pliable, resulting in fluffier quesadillas with more room for fillings. Flour tortillas have a milder taste, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine through. They are also chewier and have a softer texture. Flour tortillas tend to be higher in calories and fat and are not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour.

In summary, corn tortillas offer a more distinct flavour and are better suited for dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and taquitos, where a sturdy and flavourful tortilla is needed. Flour tortillas, with their milder taste and softer texture, are more versatile and preferred for dishes like burritos and quesadillas, where a larger and more flexible tortilla is desired.

Tortilla cooking methods: Toasting in a skillet or griddle, or deep-frying

There are several ways to cook tortillas, each with its own unique results. Here are some detailed instructions for toasting tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle, as well as deep-frying them.

Toasting Tortillas in a Skillet or on a Griddle

Toasting tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle is a quick and easy way to cook them. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat. There is no need to add oil or non-stick spray to the pan.
• Place the tortilla directly into the pan and heat for about 45 seconds to one minute, until the bottom is browned in spots.
• Use tongs or a fork to flip the tortilla and cook the other side for a similar duration.
• Remove the tortilla from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas. You can stack them as you go.

Deep-Frying Tortillas

Deep-frying tortillas is another popular method that results in crispy, golden shells. Here's how to do it:

• Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a skillet or deep fryer and heat to between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While the oil is heating, line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack over it. Place this in the oven and set the temperature to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep the fried tortillas warm.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place a tortilla into the pan using tongs. It should sizzle immediately.
• Cook each tortilla for 10 to 15 seconds, then flip it over and fold it in half, holding it in place with the tongs until crispy (about another 15 seconds).
• Remove the tortilla from the oil and sprinkle with salt while still hot.
• Keep the fried tortillas on the wire rack in the oven to stay warm and crispy until serving.

Fillings: Cooked vegetables, meat, or beans

Quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of cooked vegetables, meats, or beans. Here are some ideas for each of these filling categories:

Cooked Vegetables

Quesadillas can be a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Some popular vegetable filling options include:

• Diced red bell peppers
• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Sliced jalapeño peppers
• Pickled red onions
• Fresh spinach
• Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini
• Onion
• Capsicum/bell peppers
• Black beans

Meat

Meat lovers can also enjoy quesadillas with a variety of cooked meat fillings. Some options include:

• Chicken: Seasoned and seared golden, then chopped and cooked with diced vegetables.
• Beef: Ground beef cooked with quesadilla seasoning and capsicum/bell peppers.
• Pork: Ground pork cooked in a similar way to beef.
• Turkey: Ground turkey or thin steaks can be used in place of chicken or beef.

Beans

For a heartier option, beans can be added to quesadillas. Black beans are a popular choice, as they provide a good source of protein and can be combined with other ingredients such as corn and spices to create a tasty and filling meal.

Remember, you can get creative and combine different ingredients to make your perfect quesadilla!

Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo

While quesadillas are delicious on their own, toppings can add a refreshing tanginess, creaminess, or a hint of heat. Here are some popular topping options:

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a versatile topping that can be used as a dip or spread directly on the quesadilla. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the melted cheese and crispy tortilla. Sour cream can also be used as a base for other toppings, such as chives or garlic.

Guacamole

Guacamole is another popular topping for quesadillas, offering a creamy texture and a fresh avocado flavour. It is often made with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and spices, creating a delicious complement to the rich, cheesy quesadilla. Guacamole can be served as a dip on the side or spread directly onto the quesadilla.

Salsa

Salsa is a tangy and fresh topping that adds a burst of flavour to quesadillas. It is typically made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, creating a vibrant and flavourful addition to the dish. Salsa can range from mild to spicy, depending on the type of peppers used, and can be served as a dip or spread on top of the quesadilla.

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a traditional Mexican salsa that is known for its bold colours and fresh ingredients. It typically includes ripe Roma tomatoes, onions, Serrano peppers, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Pico de Gallo adds a tangy and spicy kick to quesadillas, enhancing the flavour and providing a contrast to the melted cheese.

These toppings can be used individually or in combination to create different flavour profiles. They add texture, creaminess, and a burst of flavour to the quesadillas, making them even more enjoyable and satisfying.

Frequently asked questions