How to make delicious quesadillas

If you are looking for a delicious snack that you can enjoy at any time of day these delicious quesadillas are perfect. The gooey melting middle oozes out of a thin crisp crust leaving you wanting more. They are really easy to make and everyone will love them. Read on to find out how to make delicious quesadillas.

I may have found my new favourite snack. These simple and delicious quesadillas are the perfect crowd pleaser. They are quick and easy to make for a midweek meal. A great way to turn leftovers into something tasty and a snack that will have hungry teenagers demanding more. They are also perfect for lazy summer days in the garden. Days when you can’t be bothered to cook but fancy a delicious snack.

Making quesadillas is so easy. Just warm a tortilla in a frying pan and top with cheese and fillings. Once the cheese melts and goes gooey just fold over and serve. Tasty and delicious food in minutes.

I have seen quesadillas made on cookery programs but never tried them. With the gorgeous warm weather upon us it was the ideal chance to try. I am glad I did, they are the perfect food for summer weather. The only problem is that once your family try them they will keep demanding more.

What is a quesadilla?

Quesadillas are a traditional food from Mexico.  Traditonally oxaco cheese, a stringy Mexican cheese, tops a tortilla. Other toppings are put on top and the tortilla is then put on a comal, a flat griddle pan which is used to cook tortillas. Once the cheese melts the tortilla is folded in half and served.

Other toppings include potatoes with chorizo, squash blossoms, mushroom or different cooked meats. Toppings can vary from region to region.  Avocado, gauamole, chopped onion or tomato and parsley are popular. Salsa is also common. The quesadilla has changed over the years taking inspiration from other cultures. Now you will find different recipes and ways of making it. It really is a versatile dish.

What toppings can I use on quesadillas?

You can use whatever toppings you want, my only advice is to keep it simple. Stick to just a few ingredients so you can really taste them. The melted cheese will work sticking everything together so it doesn’t fall out on the plate.

Toppings usually include cheese, vegetables like onions, tomatoes, peppers or mushrooms and some type of meat like diced chicken or steak. You can use leftover cooked vegetables, cooked beans, cooked rice and other leftovers.

Why not experiment with different toppings for different times of the day. For breakfast you could try avocado and a fried egg or mushrooms with garlic and the cheese. For lunch why not try seafood and cheese or for dinner add a slow cooked meat like beef or chicken and server with a salad.

I tried a version of the quesadilla known as the sincornizada which uses ham and cheese. This makes a delicious anytime snack.

How to make delicious quesadillas

For my quesadilla I choose to use ham, cheese, spring onions and peppers. Pick the toppings you are going to use and prepare them. Take the meats and vegetables you are going to use and chop them into small pieces. Grate the cheese.

Gently brush the outside of the tortilla with a little cooking oil. Don’t use too much or the outside will become soggy instead of crisp.

Take the tortilla and add the ingredients to half of it. First sprinkle on the chopped ham.

Next add the spring onions.

Then add the peppers. Be careful not to add to much filling, quesadillas should be thin and flat.

Finally, sprinkle on the grated cheese.

Warm a griddle pan and add the quesadilla carefully. Cook for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts. Fold the tortilla in half using a spatula sandwiching the filling inside. Put onto a chopping board and cut each tortilla into two or three wedges.

If you want to prepare a large batch for a crowd you can put the uncut quesadillas on a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven until they are all ready. Just before serving cut them into wedges.

If you have a health grill you can fold the tortilla in two before cooking and cook them on the grill. It works just as well.

Quesadilla recipe

Why not pin for later?

Other Mexican recipes you may like to try

Mexican Chill Beef

This is a delicious chilli beef that is perfect for a family gathering. Serve with rice and salad.

Chicken and pumpkin seed fajitas

Fajitas are always a family favourite. Serve with a selection of salad and get the kids to add their own fillings. Pumpkin seeds add a bit of crunch.

Mexican Party Food

If you are having a family round for a barbecue why not try some of these Mexican party food ideas. Hot dogeros, hot dogs served in tortiallas with hot coleslaw and lime salsa are ideal.

Have you tried making quesadillas? Let me know below