Mouthwatering Homemade Quesadillas

Ingredients

  • 8 flour tortillas (8 inches in diameter)
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sour cream for serving (optional)
  • Guacamole for serving (optional)
  • Salsa for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onions, red and green bell peppers to the skillet and saute until they are soft and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and place one tortilla in the skillet.
  5. Sprinkle a quarter of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the tortilla.
  6. Add a quarter of the cooked chicken, sauteed vegetables, chopped cilantro, and jalapeno (if using) over the cheese.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Place another tortilla on top and press down gently with a spatula.
  9. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes.
  10. Flip the quesadilla carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  11. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a minute or two before cutting into wedges.
  12. Repeat steps 4 to 11 with the remaining ingredients to make three more quesadillas.
  13. Serve the quesadillas warm with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side (if using).

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet for cooking the quesadillas.
  • Spatula - A spatula for flipping the quesadillas and pressing them down gently.
  • Knife - A knife for chopping the vegetables and chicken.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely chop the vegetables and chicken.
  • Grater - A grater to shred the cheese.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the shredded cheese.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons for measuring the olive oil, cilantro, and jalapeno.
  • Optional: Jalapeno Seeder - If using jalapeno, a jalapeno seeder can be helpful for removing the seeds.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a healthier option.
  • Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or sliced steak.
  • Add diced tomatoes or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.
  • Include black beans or refried beans for a vegetarian protein option.
  • Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or feta.
  • Add sliced avocado or guacamole inside the quesadilla for a creamy element.
  • Incorporate different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Spice it up with additional seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
  • Make it spicy by adding chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
  • Try using corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas or substitute with lettuce wraps.
  • Serve with a side of pico de gallo or hot sauce for extra tanginess.

Recipe overview

This delicious Quesadilla recipe is a classic Mexican dish full of flavor and comfort. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer at your next party. The combination of melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, cooked chicken, sauteed vegetables, and a hint of spice from jalapeno peppers all encased in crispy golden brown tortillas will leave you craving for more. This recipe yields 4 quesadillas and can be easily doubled or halved to meet your needs. Plus, it's versatile - feel free to add in other ingredients you love, like beans, corn or different types of cheese. Serve these quesadillas warm with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side for an authentic experience. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or use a combination of your favorites. Just make sure they melt well.
  3. Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy quesadillas fresh, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or on a skillet. However, the texture may be slightly different.
  4. Can I add other fillings to the quesadillas? Certainly! Quesadillas are versatile, and you can add various fillings like cooked vegetables, mushrooms, beans, or even different types of meat.
  5. Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken from the recipe or replace it with a vegetarian protein alternative like tofu or plant-based meat substitute.
  6. How can I make the quesadillas spicier? If you prefer spicier quesadillas, you can increase the amount of jalapeno or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
  7. Can I freeze the quesadillas? Yes, you can freeze the quesadillas. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be reheated in the oven or on a skillet straight from frozen.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed for cooking the quesadillas.
  • Spatula - A spatula is essential for flipping the quesadillas and removing them from the skillet.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for chopping the vegetables and chicken.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for chopping the vegetables and chicken.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater is necessary for shredding the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are required for accurate measurement of shredded cheese and other ingredients.
  • Chopping board - A chopping board is helpful for chopping the cilantro and jalapeno pepper.
  • Mixing bowls - Mixing bowls are useful for combining the sauteed vegetables, cooked chicken, and other ingredients.
  • Spoons - Spoons are needed for mixing the ingredients in the bowls.
  • Plates - Plates are used for serving the quesadillas.
  • Napkins - Napkins are handy for cleaning up any mess while enjoying the quesadillas.

Origin stories

Quesadillas trace their roots back to colonial Mexico, during the 16th century. Originally, they were a staple of humble rural cuisine, with corn tortillas filled with pumpkin and squash flowers. When the Spanish colonists arrived, they introduced dairy products to the diet, leading to the inclusion of cheese in the quesadillas. It's a dish that beautifully captures the fusion of two culinary worlds, indigenous and Spanish. Today, quesadillas are known for their versatility. Depending on the region in Mexico, they can be filled with not just cheese, but also a variety of ingredients like potatoes, mushrooms, chorizo, and epazote leaves. So, whether you're up in the northern plains or down in the tropical south, the humble quesadilla stands as a testament to Mexico's rich culinary history, ready to be enjoyed in a thousand different ways.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.