Chipotle Quesadilla: What's The Cheesy Secret?

Chipotle's quesadillas have become a viral sensation on TikTok, with people raving about the steak quesadilla with fajita veggies that tastes like a Philly cheesesteak. This has led to a surge in demand for the dish, causing supplies to run out and even physical altercations in stores. The quesadilla is made with a tortilla, melted cheese, and a variety of fillings such as meat, fajita veggies, and guacamole. While Chipotle initially struggled to keep up with the demand, they eventually added the quesadilla to their official menu, much to the delight of their customers.

Chipotle's Quesadilla: Cheese and Meat

Chipotle Quesadilla: Cheese and Meat

The Chipotle Quesadilla has become a viral sensation, with many people trying to recreate the famous dish at home. The quesadilla is a flour tortilla filled with cheese, meat, and fajita veggies. The viral version includes steak, but chicken can also be used. The tortilla is then folded in half and cooked until golden brown. The quesadilla is served with a dipping sauce made from a combination of sour cream and Chipotle honey vinaigrette.

Cheese

The cheese used in a Chipotle Quesadilla can vary depending on personal preference. Some people use shredded white cheddar cheese, while others use a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also use shredded Mexican cheese blends or your preferred type of cheese.

Meat

The meat in a Chipotle Quesadilla is typically steak, specifically marinated and grilled flank steak. However, you can also use other cuts of steak such as skirt or flat iron. If you prefer chicken, you can use boneless/skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. The meat is marinated and cooked before being added to the quesadilla.

Fajita Veggies

The fajita veggies typically include red and green bell peppers, red onion, and fresh jalapeños. These vegetables are sliced and cooked in a pan with olive oil and various spices, such as chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.

Dipping Sauce

The famous Chipotle Quesadilla dipping sauce is made by combining sour cream with Chipotle honey vinaigrette. The vinaigrette can be made from scratch or purchased as part of a salad from Chipotle. The ratio of sour cream to vinaigrette can be adjusted to taste, with some people preferring a 50/50 mix.

Quesadilla with Cheese and Fajita Veggies

A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that dates back to the 16th century. It is made by warming a tortilla on a griddle, filling it with cheese and other ingredients, and then folding it over to be eaten by hand. The traditional Mexican version uses corn tortillas, while the American version typically uses flour tortillas.

For a quesadilla with cheese and fajita veggies, you will need the following ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any meltable cheese of your choice)
• Fajita veggies (bell peppers, onions, etc.)
• Optional: additional ingredients such as mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, or meat

• Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan.
• Place a flour tortilla in the pan and flip it over a few times until it is lightly toasted.
• Sprinkle grated cheese over the tortilla, making sure it doesn't land directly on the pan.
• Add your fajita veggies and any other desired ingredients. Be careful not to layer the ingredients too thickly, as they may not heat through properly.
• Lower the heat and cover the pan. This will help melt the cheese and toast the tortilla.
• After a minute, check if the cheese is melted. If not, keep the pan covered and check every minute until it is melted to your liking.
• Once the cheese is melted, use a spatula to lift one side of the quesadilla and fold it over, similar to making an omelette.
• If the tortilla is not browned to your liking, increase the heat and flip the quesadilla over every few seconds until it reaches the desired colour.
• Remove the quesadilla from the pan and cut it into wedges.
• Serve with your choice of sides or toppings, such as lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Enjoy your delicious and cheesy quesadilla with fajita veggies!

Cheese Quesadilla on the Kids' Menu

Cheese Quesadilla on the Kids Menu

Chipotle's cheese quesadilla is a great option for kids. Although it is not written on the menu, it is available at Chipotle and costs only 89 cents for a small quesadilla. This makes it an affordable and tasty choice for children.

The quesadilla is made with a preservative-free flour tortilla and filled with Monterey Jack Cheese. It is then folded and pressed using a custom oven, melting the cheese perfectly. The quesadilla is cut into triangular pieces, making it easy for kids to eat.

In addition to the cheese quesadilla, kids can also enjoy sides such as guacamole and chips. These sides add a fun and tasty element to the meal, making it a hit with young ones.

It is worth noting that while quesadillas in most places outside of Mexico City typically include cheese, in Mexico City, it is not a standard ingredient. However, Chipotle's quesadilla is made with cheese, making it a delicious and familiar option for kids.

So, if you're looking for a kid-friendly meal at Chipotle, the cheese quesadilla is a fantastic choice. It's a simple yet satisfying option that kids are sure to enjoy.

Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

Ingredients

• 2 flour tortillas, medium/burrito-sized
• 1/2 lb beef (ribeye or top sirloin), thinly sliced or diced
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 red pepper, diced
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 6 oz mushrooms, diced
• 3 slices mild provolone cheese, sliced in half (avoid aged provolone)
• 1 tbsp light olive oil, divided
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tsp mayonnaise, optional

Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp oil. Once hot, add the chopped meat. Season with salt and pepper and cook until meat is fully cooked. Remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, dice the mushrooms, and peppers. Saute the vegetables in the same skillet until tender, adding another teaspoon of oil if needed.
• Add the beef back to the skillet with minced garlic, stir and cook until meat is reheated.
• Spread mayo (if using) on the tortillas. Divide the filling between the tortillas, adding them to one side of the tortilla. Top the filling with sliced cheese and close the tortilla.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat. For a crispier tortilla, add a little oil to the pan. Place the tortilla in the hot pan and saute until the cheese is melted and the outside is golden and crisp, flipping once.
• Slice and serve.

Tips

• To make it spicy, add some hot sauce or sriracha to the mayo when spreading over the tortillas.
• Any size of tortilla can be used, but adjust the filling amount accordingly.
• A griddle may be used instead of a skillet to cook the quesadillas.
• Keep the heat at a medium level. If the heat is too high, the tortilla will burn and the cheese won't melt.
• It's easiest to cut the quesadillas with a pizza cutter, but a sharp knife will also work.
• Quesadillas can be frozen once assembled. Fully thaw and then saute until the filling is hot.
• To reheat, cook over low heat until warmed through, flipping once.

Variations

• For a more authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience, use Cheese Whiz instead of provolone cheese.
• If you don't have time to cook steak, you can use leftover sliced steak or roast beef.

Best Cheeses for Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for a quick snack or a hearty meal. While you can experiment with various ingredients, the key to a great quesadilla is the cheese. So, what are the best cheeses for quesadillas?

Classic Choices

For a classic, traditional quesadilla, you can't go wrong with Mexican melting cheeses like Queso Oaxaca (also known as quesillo), Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla. These cheeses melt beautifully and have a wonderful stretch, making them ideal for that gooey, stringy texture we all love in a quesadilla. You can typically find these cheeses in Hispanic grocery stores or larger supermarkets.

Other Great Options

If you're looking for alternatives or don't have access to Mexican cheeses, there are several other varieties that work excellently in quesadillas. Monterey Jack is a fantastic choice and is widely available. It melts easily and has a mild, creamy flavour that pairs well with various fillings. Other options include cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, and gouda. These cheeses melt well and add a distinct flavour to your quesadilla.

Tips for Success

When making quesadillas, it's best to shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with an anti-caking agent, which can interfere with melting. Additionally, don't skip the butter! Cooking your quesadillas in butter adds a rich flavour and helps achieve that desired golden brown, crispy exterior.

Frequently asked questions