Patrick Oconnell
Ham and cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal to make. They are a great way to use up leftover ham and can be served in a variety of ways. But what are the best side dishes to accompany this mouth-watering meal? From simple side salads to potato chips, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore different side dishes that will complement your ham and cheese quesadillas, taking your meal to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dipping | Sour cream, ranch dressing, guacamole, salsa |
| Salad | Green salad |
| Soup | Tomato basil soup |
| Sides | Potato chips, apple slices |
| Drinks | N/A |
| Extras | Pickles, hot sauce, mustard, mayonnaise |
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What You'll Learn
Sides: potato chips, salad, soup, or apple slices
Ham and cheese quesadillas are delicious on their own, but serving them with sides can make the meal more substantial and enjoyable. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with ham and cheese quesadillas:
Potato Chips
Potato chips are a simple yet yummy pairing with ham and cheese quesadillas. The crunch of the chips complements the crispy exterior of the quesadillas, and the potatoes provide a neutral base to balance the flavours of the ham and cheese.
Salad
A simple green salad can be a refreshing side dish to accompany the heartiness of the quesadillas. The crisp vegetables will add a fresh texture to your meal, and a light vinaigrette dressing can enhance the flavours without overwhelming the palate.
Soup
For a comforting and hearty meal, pair your ham and cheese quesadillas with a bowl of homemade tomato basil soup. The warmth and acidity of the tomato soup will nicely balance the richness of the quesadillas, creating a satisfying dining experience.
Apple Slices
Apple slices can be a refreshing and tasty side dish to serve with ham and cheese quesadillas. The sweetness and crispness of the apple slices provide a nice contrast to the savoury flavours of the quesadillas. You can even toss the apple slices with lemon juice and cinnamon to enhance their flavour and presentation.
These side dish suggestions will surely enhance your ham and cheese quesadilla meal, providing a variety of flavours, textures, and colours to delight your taste buds and satisfy your guests.
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Dips: sour cream, ranch dressing, mustard, or mayonnaise
Ham and cheese quesadillas are delicious on their own, but dips can enhance their flavour and make the meal more enjoyable. Here are some dip options to consider:
Sour cream
Sour cream is a versatile dip that can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to your quesadillas. It pairs well with various toppings and fillings, such as salsa, guacamole, or even just the ham and cheese. Sour cream can also be used as a base for creating more complex dips by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients to it.
Ranch dressing
Ranch dressing is another popular dip option for quesadillas. It offers a creamy texture and a blend of savoury flavours that complement the ham and cheese. Ranch dressing often includes a mix of herbs, such as parsley, chives, and dill, along with a tangy buttermilk base, making it a refreshing and flavourful addition to your meal.
Mustard
Mustard is a bold and pungent condiment that can add a spicy kick to your quesadillas. It comes in various forms, such as yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or whole-grain mustard, each with its unique flavour profile. Mustard can be paired with ham and cheese to enhance the flavours and provide a memorable bite.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a creamy and versatile dip that can be used as a base for creating various flavour combinations. It has a rich, smooth texture and a mild taste that can be customised by adding different herbs, spices, or sauces. Mayonnaise pairs well with ham and cheese, providing a creamy contrast to the crispy quesadillas.
These dips can be served individually or offered as a selection, allowing your guests or family members to choose their preferred flavours and textures. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties of each dip, as well as additional ingredients, to create unique and personalised combinations.
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Drinks: beer, cocktails, or soft drinks
When it comes to drinks, there are several options that can accompany ham and cheese quesadillas. Beer is a versatile beverage that can be paired with various dishes, including quesadillas. For a refreshing and flavourful combination, opt for a light and crisp beer such as a pilsner or a wheat beer. These beers possess a clean taste that complements the heartiness of the quesadilla without overwhelming the palate.
If you're seeking a more indulgent option, cocktails offer a diverse range of flavours that can be tailored to your taste preferences. A classic margarita, for instance, blends tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of orange liqueur, resulting in a tangy and slightly sweet beverage. The acidity of the lime can help cut through the richness of the quesadilla, creating a well-rounded dining experience. Alternatively, a mojito, with its refreshing blend of mint, lime, and rum, offers a crisp and invigorating counterpart to the savoury notes of the ham and cheese.
For non-alcoholic options, soft drinks provide a wide array of possibilities. Consider pairing your quesadilla with a sparkling beverage, such as a ginger beer or a craft soda, to add a touch of effervescence to your meal. If you prefer something lighter, iced tea or lemonade can provide a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the dish. For a more indulgent soft drink, opt for a creamy milkshake or a fruit-based smoothie, which can introduce additional flavour notes to your meal.
Ultimately, the choice of beverage depends on your personal preferences and the specific flavours you desire. Whether you opt for a crisp beer, a sophisticated cocktail, or a refreshing soft drink, the key is to find a balance that enhances the flavours of the ham and cheese quesadillas without overwhelming your palate.
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Variations: add shrimp, pepperoni, or egg
Ham and cheese quesadillas are delicious on their own, but you can add shrimp, pepperoni, or egg to the recipe to make it even more flavourful and nutritious.
Shrimp Quesadillas
For shrimp quesadillas, you can add a tasty mixture of spicy shrimp, sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and melted cheese, crisped in a tortilla. The shrimp cooks quickly, so the whole dish can be prepared in one pan in under 20 minutes. You can serve these quesadillas with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
Pepperoni pizza quesadillas are another quick and easy variation. You can sprinkle cheese on a tortilla, add pepperoni and other toppings, sprinkle on more cheese, and place another tortilla on top. Heat this in a pan for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. You can serve these with a bowl of pizza dipping sauce.
Egg Quesadillas
For a protein-rich breakfast, brunch, or dinner option, you can add scrambled eggs to your quesadillas. Simply whisk the eggs with hot sauce and salt, cook them in a pan, and then add them to your tortilla with cheese, beans, and herbs. You can also add vegetables like green onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
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Alternatives: burritos, sandwiches, or tacos
If you're looking for an alternative to ham and cheese quesadillas, you could try making burritos, sandwiches, or tacos with the same ingredients. Here are some ideas for each option:
Burritos
Burritos are a versatile option that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For a breakfast burrito, scramble some eggs and add chopped ham and shredded cheese. You can also include vegetables such as sautéed peppers or onions, and spices for extra flavour. Roll it all up in a tortilla and serve with toppings like sour cream or hot sauce.
Sandwiches
A classic ham and cheese sandwich is always a good option. Try adding some sliced dill pickles and spreading on some ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping. You can also serve it with a side of potato chips for an extra crunch.
Tacos
For a tropical twist, try making grilled ham and pineapple tacos. Grill or pan-fry some ham slices and heat up your tortillas. Top the tortillas with Swiss cheese, diced onion, tomato, and crushed pineapple. You can also add some black beans, rice, or a side of tropical couscous.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with ham and cheese quesadillas include potato chips, a simple green salad, homemade tomato basil soup, or even just some sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
Some good additions to the ham and cheese in a quesadilla include sliced pickles, hot sauce, diced tomatoes, green onions, ground black pepper, and mustard or mayonnaise for dipping.
Some other types of quesadillas that you can make include egg and cheese, shrimp, pepperoni, chicken, or even apple and cheese.
Ham and cheese quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be made in about 20 minutes.
