Bushra Griffith
Quesadillas are a versatile Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The classic combination of a quesadilla is a crispy, golden-brown, buttery flour tortilla with gooey melted cheese. However, you can also add various other ingredients to make it a more filling meal. This includes vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes, or meat like chicken, ham, or steak. For a more authentic Mexican experience, you can use corn tortillas and traditional Mexican cheeses like queso Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Asadero.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, Queso Quesadilla, Pepper Jack, Tex Mex cheese blend, or any melty cheese |
| Tortillas | Flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or a combination of both |
| Toppings/Fillings | Mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, peppers, chicken, ham, steak, beef, avocado sauce, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, beans, corn, or any leftover vegetables or meat |
| Seasonings | Chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, taco seasoning |
| Oil/Butter | Butter, olive oil, cooking spray, or canola oil |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese types: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero
- Tortilla types: Flour, corn, toasted, crispy, soft, burrito-sized
- Fillings: Chicken, peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, beans
- Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, avocado sauce, green onion, cilantro
- Cooking tips: Shred your own cheese, use butter, fold,
Cheese types: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero
Quesadillas are a Mexican dish that dates back to the 16th century. They are traditionally made with corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are also commonly used. The tortilla is heated on a griddle, filled with cheese, and then folded over. In addition to cheese, quesadillas can be filled with practically anything, including meat, vegetables, and various toppings.
When making a quesadilla, it is important to use a cheese that melts easily. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own cheese typically results in better meltability. For an American-style quesadilla, Cheddar and Monterey Jack are common choices. However, for a more authentic Mexican quesadilla, consider using one of the following cheeses:
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for quesadillas due to its melting properties. It is commonly used in American-style quesadillas and can be purchased pre-shredded or shredded at home.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is another standard option for American-style quesadillas. It has a mild, creamy flavor and melts well, making it a versatile choice for quesadillas. Monterey Jack can be found pre-shredded or shredded at home.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a melting cheese that can be used in quesadillas. It has a luxurious stretch when melted and is a good option for those seeking a traditional Mexican cheese with a similar melt to Monterey Jack.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, is a Mexican melting cheese commonly used in quesadillas. It has a string cheese-like texture and a mild flavor. Oaxaca cheese melts easily and stretches luxuriously, making it a popular choice for quesadillas.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso menonita, is a semi-soft Mexican cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a semi-firm texture and a pale yellow color. Chihuahua cheese melts easily and is commonly used in quesadillas, providing a luxurious stretch.
Asadero
Asadero is a Mexican melting cheese similar to Monterey Jack. It has a more pronounced flavor than some other melting cheeses and is commonly used in quesadillas. Asadero can be found in Hispanic grocery stores or larger U.S. supermarkets.
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Tortilla types: Flour, corn, toasted, crispy, soft, burrito-sized
When making a cheese quesadilla, you can use different types of tortillas depending on your preference. Here are some options:
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are soft, pliable, and larger in size compared to corn tortillas. They are often used for quesadillas because they are mild in flavour and slightly sweet, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. They also brown perfectly in the pan while the cheese melts, creating a golden-brown and slightly crunchy texture. You can use any size flour tortilla, depending on how large you want your quesadilla. If you're using a burrito-sized flour tortilla, you can fold it in half instead of topping it with another tortilla.
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are traditionally used in Mexico for quesadillas. They are smaller, sturdier, and have a more pronounced flavour. Corn tortillas can add a delightful crunch to your quesadilla but might hold fewer fillings. They are a fantastic option for gluten-free meals or if you prefer the distinct taste of corn. Corn tortillas can be fried to create an extra-sturdy shell for tacos or other dishes.
Toasted Tortillas
Toasting tortillas can improve their flavour and texture. When toasted, tortillas develop brown spots and a bubbly texture, adding a crunchy element to your quesadilla. You can toast tortillas in a dry ceramic skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
Soft and Crispy Tortillas
The level of crispiness in a tortilla depends on the cooking method and the type of tortilla. For a softer quesadilla, you can use flour tortillas, which are known for their softness and pliability. For a crispier texture, frying or toasting the tortillas can give them a golden-brown colour and a crunchy texture. Additionally, using butter or olive oil can also contribute to the crispiness of the tortilla.
In summary, when choosing a tortilla for your cheese quesadilla, consider the size, flavour, texture, and crunch you desire. Flour tortillas offer softness and pliability, while corn tortillas provide a sturdier base with a more distinct flavour. Toasting or frying tortillas can add a crispy element to your quesadilla, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
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Fillings: Chicken, peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, beans
Chicken, peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, onions, and beans are all popular choices for quesadilla fillings. You can sauté or cook these ingredients first, or add them to your quesadilla raw—it's a matter of taste.
Chicken quesadillas are a popular choice. You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs, seasoned with spices like chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and garlic powder. You can also add leftover chicken fajitas or rotisserie chicken.
Peppers are a great addition to a quesadilla, providing flavour and vitamins. You can use bell peppers, or spicy varieties like jalapeños or chili peppers. Onions are also a tasty option, providing antioxidants when paired with peppers. You can use red onions, green onions, or scallions.
Mushrooms are another popular choice for quesadilla fillings, and can be sautéed or added raw. Tomatoes are also an option, and can be added fresh, or in the form of salsa. Olives can be added as a salty contrast to the other ingredients.
Beans are a great way to add protein and bulk to your quesadilla. You can use black beans, or another variety of your choice.
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Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, avocado sauce, green onion, cilantro
When it comes to toppings, there are several options to choose from to elevate your cheese quesadilla. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and avocado sauce are all refreshing choices that add a tangy, creamy, or mildly spicy kick to your quesadilla. If you're making a quesadilla with chicken and peppers, for instance, guacamole can be a great condiment.
If you're looking for something with a bit more crunch, green onions are a great option. They add a nice texture and a subtle onion flavour to your quesadilla. You can also use sliced green onions as a garnish.
Finally, cilantro is a wonderful herb that pairs well with Mexican cuisine. It has a unique, bright flavour that can enhance the taste of your quesadilla. You can sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over your quesadilla as a garnish, or add it as a topping.
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Cooking tips: Shred your own cheese, use butter, fold, cook on a skillet
Cooking tips for the perfect cheese quesadilla
Shred your own cheese
For the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose to prevent clumping, which also prevents it from melting as well.
Use butter
Butter is best for quesadillas, but you can substitute it with olive oil or cooking spray. However, be careful not to use too much, as this can make your tortilla soggy and greasy. Just a half teaspoon or so of butter, spread across the bottom of the pan, will ensure a crispy tortilla with golden-brown spots.
Folding
When adding your fillings, place them on each quadrant of the tortilla circle. Start with salsa in the first quarter, and finish with cheese in the final quadrant, so that it seals the quesadilla. Then, fold each corner in, so that each filling has its own pocket.
Cooking on a skillet
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil (about half a teaspoon) and spread it around the bottom of the pan. Place one tortilla in the pan and flip it over a few times, leaving about 10 seconds between flips. Air pockets should begin to form within the tortilla. When this happens, sprinkle grated cheese over the top, making sure it doesn't land on the pan itself. Add your other ingredients, then place a second tortilla on top.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then add the remaining butter and cook the other side. Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve.
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Frequently asked questions
For a traditional Mexican quesadilla, use queso Oaxaca (quesillo), Chihuahua, or Asadero. These cheeses melt easily and have a luxurious stretch. You can also use Tex Mex cheese blend, Monterey Jack, shredded cheddar, or mozzarella.
Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas are more common in the US. Corn tortillas are smaller and sturdier, and have a more pronounced flavour. Flour tortillas are softer, more pliable, and larger, often resulting in a fluffier quesadilla with more room for fillings.
You can put practically anything in a quesadilla. Popular options include cooked vegetables, meat, beans, corn, and peppers.
You can serve a cheese quesadilla with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or avocado sauce.
To make a cheese quesadilla, spread butter on a tortilla and place it in a pan. Sprinkle grated cheese over the tortilla, add any other ingredients, and top with another tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes, add more butter, and cook the other side.
