Kamil Perry
Quesadillas 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. The name quesadilla is a combination of tortilla and queso, which means cheese in Spanish. 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Mexico |
| Main ingredient | Cheese |
| Other ingredients | Meats, spices, vegetables |
| Type of cheese | Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Asadero, Queso Quesadilla, Cotija, Adobera, Quesillo, Manchego, Colby Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack |
| Type of tortilla | Corn, flour, wheat |
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What You'll Learn
What is a quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that dates back to the 16th century. It is a heated, filled, and folded tortilla, traditionally made with corn but now more commonly made with flour in the US and Northern Mexico. The name quesadilla is a combination of 'tortilla' and 'queso', the Spanish word for cheese.
Quesadillas were first made with Oaxaca cheese, a stringy Mexican cheese made by the pasta filata (stretched-curd) method. Oaxaca cheese is still the most common filling in central and southern Mexico. However, other types of cheese can be used, including Chihuahua, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla. In the US, popular cheeses include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Colby Jack.
In addition to cheese, quesadillas can be filled with cooked meats and vegetables. Popular fillings include chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. They are typically cooked on a griddle or stove, or fried in oil to make quesadillas fritas.
Quesadillas are a popular dish in Mexico and are often sold in Mexican restaurants worldwide. They have also become a regional favourite in the southwestern US and are commonly served as appetizers or snacks.
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What cheese is used in a quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that consists of a heated, filled, and folded tortilla. Quesadillas originated in central and southern Mexico and were traditionally made with corn tortillas and filled with Oaxaca cheese. The name quesadilla is a combination of tortilla and queso, which means cheese in Spanish. 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.
Oaxaca Cheese
Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, is a stringy Mexican cheese made by the pasta filata (stretched-curd) method. It is the most common type of cheese used in quesadillas in central and southern Mexico. Oaxaca cheese melts easily and has a gorgeous, luxurious stretch. It can be found in most Hispanic grocery stores or larger US supermarkets.
Chihuahua Cheese
Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso quesadilla, is another type of cheese commonly used in quesadillas, especially in Northern Mexico. It is a local cheese made by the Mennonites and can be found in Hispanic grocery stores or larger US supermarkets.
Other Cheeses
Other types of cheese that can be used in quesadillas include cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, pepper jack, and queso blanco. These cheeses are easily meltable and create a gooey, cheesy filling. In the US, cheddar and Monterey Jack are the standard cheeses used in quesadillas.
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How do you make a quesadilla?
How to Make a Quesadilla
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that dates back to the 16th century when Spaniards brought dairy products to Mexico. It is a heated tortilla with melted cheese inside and can be filled with practically anything, from meat to vegetables.
Ingredients
You will need:
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, mozzarella, or a combination)
- Fillings of your choice (e.g. vegetables, meat, beans)
- Butter or oil (optional)
- Toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream
Method
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat. You can add a small amount of butter or oil if desired, but it is not necessary.
- Place one tortilla in the pan and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, flipping occasionally, until it becomes pliable.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over half of the tortilla, leaving the other half bare. You can use a single tortilla and fold it over, or use two tortillas to create a sandwich.
- Add your desired fillings on top of the cheese. Chopped vegetables, cooked meat, or beans are all great options.
- Sprinkle more cheese on top of the fillings, then fold the tortilla or place another tortilla on top to create a sandwich.
- Cook the quesadilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. If using a single tortilla, use a spatula to flip it carefully, keeping the crease against the pan to prevent fillings from spilling out.
- Remove the quesadilla from the pan and cut into wedges.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Tips
- For the best melt, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
- If using two tortillas, you can cook both sides at once by grilling the quesadilla on an oiled griddle and flipping it.
- Chop your fillings into small pieces to ensure they heat through properly and hold the tortilla closed.
- For a crispier quesadilla, lightly toast the tortilla before adding the fillings.
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What can you serve with a quesadilla?
Quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal, and there are plenty of sides and dips to serve with them. While quesadillas can be eaten on their own, they're even better with sides!
Dips and Sauces
Quesadillas are often served with dips and sauces, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and pico de gallo. You can also try something different like a jalapeno ranch dip, Greek yoghurt buffalo sauce, or avocado sauce.
Salads and Sides
If you want something fresh and healthy, try a Southwest salad or a corn salad with your quesadilla. You could also add a simple salad or cut-up raw veggies on the side.
Beans
Beans are a great addition to quesadillas, either as a filling or as a side dish. You can try refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
Rice
Rice is another popular side dish for quesadillas. Cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice (also known as Spanish rice) are both great options.
Drinks
To complete your meal, consider serving a Mexican-inspired cocktail or mocktail, such as a margarita or a paloma.
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What are some popular additions to a quesadilla?
Quesadillas are a versatile dish, and while they traditionally feature corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese, there are many popular additions and substitutions.
In Northern Mexico and the US, flour tortillas have become the standard for quesadillas. Wheat flour tortillas are also used, especially in Northern Mexico. In the US, the use of wheat flour tortillas is more common, as they are closer to the Sonoran area of Northern Mexico.
Quesadillas can be filled with practically anything. Popular additions include cooked meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork, and vegetables, like mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, and spinach. For a vegetarian option, you could also add tofu. For a spicy kick, add some jalapeño peppers or chilli. For a more substantial meal, add some black beans, and serve with cilantro lime rice or refried beans.
If you're feeling creative, you could even make a dessert quesadilla, with ingredients such as chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, and fruit.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional Mexican quesadillas are usually made with Oaxaca cheese, a stringy Mexican cheese made by the pasta filata (stretched-curd) method. However, other types of cheese can also be used, such as Chihuahua cheese, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla.
In addition to cheese, Mexican quesadillas often include cooked vegetables, such as potatoes with chorizo, squash blossoms, huitlacoche, and different types of cooked meat, such as chicharron, tinga (made of chicken or beef), or cooked pork. They are typically served with green or red salsa and guacamole.
To make a traditional Mexican quesadilla, you will need a corn tortilla, Oaxaca cheese, and a comal (a flat griddle used for cooking tortillas). Warm the tortilla on the comal to soften it, then fill it with cheese and any other desired ingredients. Fold the tortilla in half and cook on the comal until the cheese has completely melted.
