Cheese Quesadillas: The Perfect Sidekick

what to serve cheese quesadillas

Cheese quesadillas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. While they can be eaten on their own, they are even better with sides and dips. So, what to serve with cheese quesadillas? Well, there are plenty of options to choose from, including sauces, dips, sides, and drinks. Popular sides include grilled vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms, as well as Mexican rice, refried beans, and salads. Dips and sauces like guacamole, sour cream, and salsas are also common choices. For a drink, a Mexican-inspired option would pair well with the dish.

Characteristics Values
Sauces Guacamole, Sour Cream, Chipotle Mayo, Pico de Gallo, Smoky Chipotle Mayo, Chipotle Crema
Dips Guacamole, Cowboy Caviar
Sides Mexican Coleslaw, Mexican Rice, Spanish Rice, Taco Rice, Refried Beans, Fruit Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, Grilled Vegetables, Grilled Corn, Mexican Street Corn, Enchilada Soup, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Pickled Onions, Beans, Mexican Corn Casserole
Drinks Mexican-inspired drinks

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Mexican-inspired drinks, dips, sauces, and sides

There are numerous Mexican-inspired drinks, dips, sauces, and sides that can accompany cheese quesadillas. Here are some ideas:

Dips and Sauces

Quesadillas are often served with dips and sauces, such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. For a quick guacamole, simply mash some avocados and season with salt and pepper. If you want to add some spice, you can include chopped chillies or jalapenos. Sour cream is a great option to balance out spicy quesadillas, and it can be served as a dip or used as a base for a sauce. For a simple sauce, you can mix sour cream with chipotle peppers and mayonnaise to make a chipotle crema. Alternatively, you can make a five-minute, tomato-less guacamole or a smoky chipotle mayo with just two ingredients.

Sides

There are several Mexican-inspired side dishes that can accompany cheese quesadillas. Grilled vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms, are a popular choice as they add a smoky sweetness to the dish. You can also include grilled corn, either on or off the cob, to bring some sweetness and a charred flavour. Mexican rice, Spanish rice, and taco rice are also great options to add some flavour and texture to the meal. If you're looking for something lighter, a fresh salad with vegetables or fruit can be a good option. For a more authentic Mexican experience, you can try Mexican street corn, also known as esquites, which is often served with chipotle mayo. For a refreshing crunch, Mexican coleslaw is a great option, combining crisp cabbage with tangy dressing and bold Mexican spices.

Drinks

Although specific Mexican-inspired drink suggestions to pair with quesadillas were not found in my search, there are many options to choose from. Some ideas include margaritas, tequila sunrises, micheladas, or non-alcoholic agua frescas.

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Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetable quesadillas are a delicious and healthy option for a summer meal or snack. They are also versatile, as you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

To make grilled vegetable quesadillas, start by preparing your vegetables. Popular options include peppers, zucchini, corn, eggplant, and onion. You can also add in some jalapeño peppers for extra heat. Toss the vegetables in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the vegetables on a preheated grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until lightly charred.

Once the vegetables are grilled, it's time to assemble the quesadillas. Spread a tortilla with pesto, sour cream, or another sauce or dip of your choice. Sprinkle with cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or goat cheese. Add the grilled vegetables and any other desired fillings, such as beans or chicken. Top with more cheese and fold the tortilla over to close.

Place the quesadilla on a lightly oiled grill or grill pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted. Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad.

Grilled vegetable quesadillas are a fun and tasty option for a meal, and you can get creative with your fillings to make them your own. Enjoy!

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Rice

One option is to serve quesadillas with Mexican rice. This type of rice is typically made with carrots, peas, coriander, and chipotle chillies, which give it a smoky flavour. It can also be made with green chiles, which add spice to the dish. Mexican rice is a great way to add some extra flavour and authenticity to your quesadilla meal.

Another option is to make cheesy BBQ chicken quesadillas with jasmine rice. This dish combines the savoury, cheesy flavour of the quesadilla with the fragrant, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice. The rice is tossed with chicken, barbecue sauce, green onions, and cheese, creating a flavourful and satisfying dish.

Fiesta rice is another option that pairs well with chicken quesadillas. This colourful and vibrant rice dish adds a festive touch to your meal.

Overall, rice is a versatile and tasty option to serve with cheese quesadillas, offering a range of flavours and textures that can enhance your meal.

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Beans

Refried beans are a convenient option for quesadillas as they are already mashed and can be easily spread on tortillas. They can be purchased in regular or low-fat versions. Canned black beans can also be used, but they should be drained and rinsed before adding to the quesadilla. If using canned black beans, it is important not to overstuff the quesadilla, as this can make it difficult to flip and may result in a less crispy texture.

For a vegetarian option, beans and cheese quesadillas can be made with mini tortillas or wonton wrappers. This creates a small, handheld snack that is perfect for game days or appetizers. Beans can also be combined with vegetables such as onions, peppers, and cilantro to add more texture and flavor to the quesadilla.

When serving bean and cheese quesadillas, they can be accompanied by salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or ranch dressing for dipping. They can be served as a quick lunch, snack, or light meal and are a great option for vegetarians or those who do not eat meat. Bean and cheese quesadillas can also be made in advance and frozen for later consumption.

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Fruit

A fruit salad is a refreshing option to serve alongside cheese quesadillas. Try making a Mexican fruit salad with a tangy dressing, or a Chamoy fruit salad with chamoy sauce and Tajin seasoning for a spicy kick.

Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavours. It can be served as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for your quesadillas. The roasted Mango Habanero Salsa is a variation with roasted vegetables, adding depth to the salsa's flavour.

Grilled Fruit

Grilled fruit, such as Mexican corn ribs (grilled and spiced corn topped with cotija cheese and cilantro), can be a tasty side dish to accompany your quesadillas. Grilled corn on the cob, or Elotes, with a spicy and creamy sauce made from chili, garlic, and Cotija cheese, is another option.

Beverages

Don't forget to round out your meal with refreshing beverages. A fruity drink, like a Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita, can add a nice contrast to the savoury quesadillas.

Frequently asked questions

Guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo are all great dips to serve with cheese quesadillas. For sauces, you can try chipotle mayo or chipotle crema, which is made with chipotle peppers, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

Yes, grilled vegetables such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant make a great side dish. You can also serve a simple salad or Mexican coleslaw.

Yes, although not a drink per se, enchilada soup is a bold-flavoured, warm, and comforting soup that pairs perfectly with the rich and cheesy nature of cheese quesadillas.

Yes, street corn nachos are a perfect accompaniment to cheese quesadillas. They combine creamy corn, tangy cheese, and vibrant toppings. You can also try Mexican street corn (esquites) or grilled corn.

Some non-vegetarian sides that go well with cheese quesadillas include refried beans, Spanish rice, and chicken tortilla soup.

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