Cheese Quesadilla: What's The Perfect Cheese?

Quesadillas are a Mexican dish that consists of a heated, filled, and folded tortilla. The name quesadilla is a combination of 'tortilla' and 'queso', which means cheese in Spanish. While there are many variations of quesadillas, the cheese quesadilla is a classic. The best cheese for quesadillas is any cheese that melts well, such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a blend of different cheeses.

The best cheese for quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious meal. They are a Mexican dish that consists of a heated, filled, and folded tortilla. They originated in central and southern Mexico and were first made with corn tortillas and filled with Oaxaca cheese.

Over the years, other fillings such as cooked meats and vegetables have been added to quesadillas, and in Northern Mexico and the US, flour tortillas have become the standard.

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for quesadillas, it is essential to consider a type of cheese that melts well. Here are some of the best options:

Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, is a traditional Mexican cheese that is perfect for quesadillas. It melts easily and has a luxurious stretch, making it ideal for that gooey, cheesy texture we all love in a quesadilla. You can find Oaxaca cheese in most Hispanic grocery stores or larger US supermarkets.

Chihuahua Cheese

Chihuahua cheese is another excellent choice for quesadillas. It is a Mexican melting cheese that is known for its smooth and creamy texture. It pairs well with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, and can be easily found in stores.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is a standard choice for American-style quesadillas. It melts well and has a mild, creamy flavour that pairs perfectly with a variety of fillings. If you're looking for a spicier option, you can opt for Pepper Jack cheese.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese, especially freshly grated, is a great option for quesadillas. It adds a sharp, tangy flavour and melts beautifully. For the best meltability, it is recommended to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheddar.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is known for its stretchy, melty texture, making it a perfect choice for quesadillas. It has a mild flavour and is easily accessible, making it a great option for those who want a simple, classic quesadilla.

When making quesadillas, it is essential to use freshly grated cheese whenever possible, as it melts better and creates a gooier filling. Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.

How to make a cheese quesadilla

Ingredients

Quesadillas can be made in a million different ways, with any number of ingredients. The only essentials are tortillas and cheese.

For the tortillas, flour tortillas are the most common, but corn tortillas are more traditional. For the cheese, you want something that melts well, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Oaxaca cheese.

Method

• First, heat up a pan. You can add butter or olive oil, but it's not necessary.
• Next, place one tortilla in the pan.
• Sprinkle grated cheese over one half of the tortilla, leaving the other half bare.
• If you want to add any other fillings, like vegetables, meat, or beans, add them now.
• Top with another sprinkling of cheese, then fold the bare half of the tortilla over the fillings to create a half-moon shape.
• Cook the quesadilla for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
• Remove from the pan, cut into wedges, and serve.

What to serve with cheese quesadillas

A cheese quesadilla is a Mexican dish that consists of a heated, filled, and folded tortilla. While a cheese quesadilla can be eaten on its own, it can be made even better with sides! Here are some ideas for what to serve with your cheese quesadillas:

Dips and Sauces

A dip or sauce can add flavour to your quesadillas and make them even more delicious. Here are some dips and sauces that go well with cheese quesadillas:

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Mexican crema
• Avocado sauce
• Cilantro lime crema
• Pico de gallo
• Roasted tomato salsa
• Black bean and corn salsa
• Smoky chipotle mayo
• Jalapeno ranch dip
• Greek yogurt buffalo sauce
• Sriracha aioli

Sides

Sides can add flavour, texture, and variety to your meal. Here are some side dish options that pair well with cheese quesadillas:

• Mexican coleslaw
• Mexican rice
• Spanish rice
• Refried beans
• Black beans and rice
• Mexican black beans
• Street corn nachos
• Avocado fries
• Spicy cauliflower nachos
• Avocado ceviche and chips
• Pickled red cabbage
• Baked white beans

Drinks

A refreshing Mexican-inspired drink can complement your cheese quesadillas and enhance your dining experience. Here are some drink options to consider:

• Spicy mango margarita
• Grapefruit paloma
• Spicy pineapple margarita
• Strawberry jalapeno margarita
• Frozen mango margarita

The history of quesadillas

The quesadilla is a Mexican dish that dates back to the 16th century. The name "quesadilla" comes from the Spanish word "queso", meaning cheese. Initially, quesadillas were made with corn tortillas and filled with Oaxaca cheese, a stringy Mexican cheese. The name is a combination of "tortilla" and "queso".

Quesadillas originated in central and southern Mexico, and over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of fillings, such as meats, beans, and vegetables. The exact origin of the quesadilla is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Mexico, particularly the state of Sonora. In Mexico City, quesadillas are not assumed to include cheese unless specifically requested, which is in contrast to the rest of Mexico, where quesadillas are considered to include cheese by definition.

In the United States, quesadillas are often made with flour tortillas and filled with cheese, ground beef, and other ingredients such as peppers and onions. This version is similar to a grilled cheese sandwich and is usually served as an appetizer in restaurants. Another variation is the sincronizada, which is made by sandwiching cheese and ham between two flour tortillas and cutting them into wedges. This dish is considered distinct from quesadillas in Mexico but is often referred to by the same name in Mexican restaurants outside of the country.

The quesadilla has become a popular dish worldwide, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine, and its versatility has led to numerous adaptations, including dessert quesadillas with chocolate and fruit, and breakfast quesadillas with eggs and bacon.

Popular substitutions and additions

Quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some popular substitutions and additions to the classic cheese quesadilla:

Types of Cheese

While the traditional Mexican cheese for quesadillas is Oaxaca cheese, there are several other types of cheese that can be used as a substitute. These include:

• Chihuahua
• Asadero
• Queso quesadilla
• Monterey Jack
• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Pepper Jack
• Queso fresco

Types of Tortillas

The type of tortilla you use can also be varied to suit your preferences. While flour tortillas are the standard in Northern Mexico and the US, you can also use corn tortillas or almond flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Proteins

If you want to make your quesadilla more filling, you can add protein such as:

• Shredded chicken
• Carne asada
• Barbacoa
• Carnitas
• Chicken tinga
• Birria

Vegetables

Adding vegetables to your quesadilla can provide extra flavour and texture. Some popular choices include:

• Sauteed peppers and onions
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Diced green chiles
• Olives
• Tomatoes
• Red bell peppers
• Corn kernels
• Jalapeno peppers
• Pickled red onions
• Zucchini

Dips and Sides

To enhance the flavour of your quesadilla, serve it with dips and sides such as:

• Sour cream
• Mexican crema
• Pico de gallo
• Roasted tomato salsa
• Black bean and corn salsa
• Guacamole
• Avocado sauce
• Cilantro lime crema
• Cilantro
• Spanish rice
• Refried beans

Frequently asked questions