Quesadillas – those delicious, cheesy, foldable tortillas that can satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and flavorful, there’s a quesadilla recipe out there for you. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring 19 creative quesadilla recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
From traditional favorites like cheese and chicken to innovative combinations featuring shrimp, pork, and even sweet potatoes, our selection of quesadillas offers something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or just a satisfying snack, these recipes are sure to impress.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these flavorful quesadilla recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering photos to inspire your own culinary creations. So grab your tortillas, cheese, and fillings – it’s time to get cooking!
Classic Cheese Quesadilla with Salsa
Elevate your snack game with this simple and satisfying recipe that combines the comfort of melted cheese with the bold flavors of a homemade salsa. Perfect for a quick lunch or evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or blend)
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Salsa (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together cheese, onion, and jalapeño.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Serve with a spoonful of salsa and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Chicken and Spinach Quesadilla
Elevate your quesadilla game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe, featuring tender chicken, wilted spinach, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In the skillet, cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the skillet, stirring until well combined.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese, followed by the chicken and spinach mixture.
5. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
6. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Beef and Bean Quesadilla
A twist on the classic Mexican dish, this Beef and Bean Quesadilla combines tender beef, flavorful beans, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a separate pan or griddle, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. Assemble the quesadillas by spooning the beef and bean mixture onto half of each tortilla, then topping with shredded cheese.
7. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
8. Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Black Bean Quesadilla
A flavorful and satisfying vegetarian twist on the classic quesadilla, packed with the goodness of black beans and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (vegetarian)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large tortillas (corn or flour)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro, salsa, or avocado for topping
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cooked black beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place a tortilla in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
6. Sprinkle one-quarter of the cheese on half of the tortilla, followed by one-quarter of the black bean mixture.
7. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
9. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, depending on the number of quesadillas you’re making.
Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla
Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe
Get ready for a flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla! This Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla is a perfect combination of spicy and savory, with succulent shrimp cooked in a bold blend of spices and melted cheese wrapped inside a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 large tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate pan or griddle, warm tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
5. Assemble quesadillas by placing cooked shrimp mixture onto one half of the tortilla, then top with cheese.
6. Fold tortilla in half and cook until crispy and melted, flipping once, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pulled Pork Quesadilla with Pineapple
Transform your favorite pulled pork into a sweet and savory quesadilla, topped with caramelized pineapple for a twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pulled pork (cooked)
– 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Brush one side of each tortilla with vegetable oil.
3. Place one tortilla, oiled-side down, in the skillet.
4. Sprinkle half the cheese on top of the tortilla, followed by the pulled pork and barbecue sauce.
5. Top with diced pineapple and remaining cheese.
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose filling.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per quesadilla
Mushroom and Swiss Quesadilla
A savory twist on the classic quesadilla, this recipe combines sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese for a deliciously easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the butter and stir until melted.
4. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the other side is also crispy.
8. Repeat with the second tortilla and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Breakfast Quesadilla with Eggs and Bacon
Start your day off right with this flavorful breakfast quesadilla, packed with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 whole wheat tortilla (8-10 inches)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt. Cook in the skillet until scrambled, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
3. Place the tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Add the cooked bacon and scrambled eggs on one half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadilla
A flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla, this recipe combines roasted sweet potatoes with black beans and melted cheese for a deliciously savory treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the sweet potatoes for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Place a tortilla in the skillet, followed by a spoonful of sweet potato mixture, some black bean mixture, and a sprinkle of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla
Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with this spicy and savory recipe! This Buffalo chicken quesadilla combines the classic flavors of buffalo wings with the comfort of a cheesy, crispy quesadilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 2 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and buffalo wing sauce until well coated.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Quesadilla
Spinach and Artichoke Quesadilla Recipe
Discover a delicious twist on traditional quesadillas with this creamy spinach and artichoke filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the spinach-artichoke mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with this sweet and savory BBQ chicken filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together cooked chicken and BBQ sauce until well combined.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Grilled Veggie Quesadilla
Transform your favorite quesadillas into a vibrant and flavorful grilled veggie version! This recipe combines the classic Mexican dish with the smoky goodness of grilled vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 whole wheat tortillas
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: salsa, avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until tender and slightly charred.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of cheese over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the grilled veggies and remaining cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also crispy.
6. Repeat with the second tortilla and remaining veggies.
7. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chorizo and Potato Quesadilla
This recipe combines the bold flavors of chorizo sausage with the comfort of potatoes, wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, cilantro for toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chorizo, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add about 1/4 cup of the chorizo-potato mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Avocado and Goat Cheese Quesadilla
Elevate your quesadilla game with the rich flavors of avocado and goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 large flour tortilla
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the mashed avocado and crumbled goat cheese.
3. Place the tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the avocado-goat cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Pesto Chicken Quesadilla
Elevate your quesadilla game with this creamy and flavorful twist! Pesto chicken, melted cheese, and crunchy veggies come together in a deliciously easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp pesto sauce
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Slice the chicken into thin strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add pesto sauce and stir to combine.
3. In a separate pan, warm one tortilla for 30 seconds on each side. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and top with cooked chicken mixture.
4. Top with diced bell pepper and onion. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Flip and cook an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Quesadilla
Get ready for a flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla! This Jalapeño Popper Quesadilla combines the creaminess of cheese, the spiciness of jalapeños, and the crunch of crispy tortillas.
Ingredients:
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2-3 diced jalapeños
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar and softened cream cheese until well combined.
3. Add the diced jalapeños, paprika, and salt to the cheese mixture; stir well.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese-jalapeño mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the other side is also crispy.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Quesadilla
Experience the fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with a Mexican classic – the Teriyaki Chicken Quesadilla. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for those looking to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together chicken and teriyaki sauce. Cook in the skillet until the chicken is fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheese. Add the cooked chicken on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
8. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mediterranean Quesadilla with Feta and Olives
Mediterranean Quesadilla with Feta and Olives: A flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla, this recipe combines the richness of feta cheese with the savory taste of olives.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the feta cheese, half of the olives, and half of the parsley.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or salad.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get creative in the kitchen with these 19 flavorful quesadilla recipes! From classic cheese to spicy shrimp, there’s something for everyone. Try a breakfast quesadilla with eggs and bacon, or go veggie with black beans and sweet potatoes. For meat lovers, there are options like beef and bean, pulled pork with pineapple, and buffalo chicken. And don’t forget the cheesy spin-offs, like mushroom and Swiss, and spinach and artichoke. These deliciously creative quesadillas are perfect for a quick dinner or lunch on-the-go.
