Quesadillas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal. Made with tortillas and cheese, they can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a classic quesadilla with step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients for Quesadillas
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil or butter, for frying
How to Make Quesadillas
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of cooking oil or butter over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla.
- If using, add a portion of the cooked chicken, diced bell peppers, diced onions, and chopped cilantro on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Top with another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and place another tortilla on top.
- Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla over using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the second tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute or two before cutting it into wedges.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
About the Main Ingredients
- Flour Tortillas: Flour tortillas are used in this recipe for their soft texture and mild flavor. They provide the perfect base for the cheesy filling and hold everything together.
- Cheese: Cheese is the star of the quesadilla, providing gooeyness and flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great options. Using a combination of cheeses adds depth of flavor.
- Cooked Chicken: Cooked chicken adds protein and makes the quesadilla more filling. You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded chicken from a can.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: Bell peppers and onions add crunch and flavor to the quesadilla. They also add a pop of color and nutrients.
- Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the quesadilla. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with parsley.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: Chili powder and cumin add a warm and smoky flavor to the quesadilla. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Cooking Oil or Butter: Cooking oil or butter is used to fry the quesadilla and prevent it from sticking to the skillet. Butter adds a rich flavor, while oil is a healthier option.
