Cheesy Mexican Quesadillas (Printable)

Golden tortillas folded around melted cheese and optional fillings, pan-toasted until crispy

# Ingredient List:

→ Tortillas

01 - 4 large flour tortillas

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

→ Optional Fillings

03 - 5 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small zucchini, diced
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
10 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Cooking

11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

# How To Make It:

01 - If using chicken and vegetables, sauté the vegetables in a skillet with a bit of oil for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through. Set aside.
02 - Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half with about 1.75 oz of cheese. Add a portion of the filling mixture and a sprinkle of cilantro, then top with another 1.75 oz of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
03 - Heat 1/2 tbsp oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
04 - Cut each quesadilla into wedges. Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in twenty minutes flat, perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much but delivery is not an option
  • Endlessly customizable, so you can use whatever vegetables or leftovers are sitting in your refrigerator
02 -
  • Resist the urge to flip too early, let that first side develop a proper golden crust or the tortilla will tear
  • Medium heat is better than high, giving the cheese time to melt before the tortilla burns
03 -
  • Press down gently with your spatula while cooking to ensure even contact with the pan
  • Add a splash of lime juice over the vegetables while sautéing for extra brightness
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