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Quesadillas are a delicious Mexican dish that have become popular all over the world. The name quesadilla comes from the Spanish words queso, meaning cheese, and tortilla, referring to the corn or flour tortillas used.
Traditionally, quesadillas are made by filling a tortilla with cheese such as Oaxaca, Manchego, or Monterey Jack, then folding it in half and cooking it on a griddle until the cheese is melted and the tortilla crispy. The classic fillings are cheese, meat, beans, and vegetables, but the possibilities are endless.
Quesadillas likely originated in colonial Mexico when Spanish colonizers introduced European cheeses that were then incorporated into native dishes using corn tortillas. Over time, quesadillas evolved across different regions of Mexico with variations in fillings and preparation methods. Fillings range from simple cheeses to chicken, and more. They can be served as an entree or appetizer, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their versatility and universally loved combination of melted cheese, warm tortillas, and delicious fillings make quesadillas a comforting and craveworthy dish for people across cultures.
Here are 7 delicious recipes of quesadillas to make on repeat
Chicken, Chili, and Cheese Quesadillas
Layer tortillas with cheese, jalapeños, and chicken, fold in half and fry until golden brown. Serve the melty quesadillas with fresh salsa made of grated tomato and onion mixed with cilantro and hot sauce, along with sliced avocado.
Image credit: Freepik
Grill Basket Vegetable Quesadillas
Make quesadillas in a fold-over grill basket for easy flipping without spillage; the basket locks in the ingredients. Pack the quesadillas with cheese, bell pepper and corn for crunchy, melty bites. Grill until the cheese melts and the tortilla browns.
Image credit: Freepik
The Greatest Quesadilla
Combine Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheese in a bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Layer tortilla, cheese, tomatoes, chiles, and seasonings. Cook quesadilla 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Slice and garnish with cilantro.
Image credit: Freepik
Chicken and Pepper Jack Quesadillas with Cilantro Slaw
For a fast, easy dinner, grab some flour tortillas, rotisserie chicken, pepper Jack cheese, coleslaw mix, lime, garlic, cilantro, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, butter, and crema. Layer the tortillas with cheese, chicken, and more cheese. Fold in half and cook in a skillet with butter until browned, crispy, and melted. Meanwhile, toss the coleslaw mix with a lime-cilantro dressing. Cut the tortillas into wedges. Serve the quesadillas and dressed coleslaw. The zesty citrus coleslaw perfectly complements the warm, melty quesadillas.
Image credit: Freepik
Southwest Quesadilla with Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
To make these flavourful black bean quesadillas, start by sautéing aromatic red pepper and onion in oil over medium-high heat until softened. Next, add corn, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking briefly to allow the flavours to meld. Transfer the veggie mixture to a bowl and stir in fresh cilantro. Then, assemble the quesadillas by layering warmed tortillas with the veggie mix and refried black beans, finishing each quesadilla with cheese in the middle. Grill the assembled quesadillas until the cheese melts. Finally, cut the quesadillas into wedges, garnish with more cilantro, and serve with a zesty lime-cilantro sour cream for dipping.
Image credit: Freepik
Chicken-Mushroom Quesadillas
To make these quesadillas, first heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms, cooking until browned and moisture evaporates. Next stir in garlic, chicken, spices like cumin, chili powder and oregano so flavours blend. Wilted spinach joins the mix before filling tortillas with the chicken veggie combo and cheese. Carefully cook each quesadilla in the skillet until lightly browned and cheese melts. Then slice, top with sour cream and salsa and enjoy.
Image credit: Freepik
Dessert Quesadilla
To make a delicious chocolate hazelnut quesadilla dessert, first take a tortilla and lay it flat on a clean counter. Brush the edges with beaten egg to help seal it. Scoop one tablespoon of chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella into the center of the tortilla, and top with a sweet filling like fresh fruit slices or marshmallows. Fold one side of the tortilla over the filling to form a half moon shape.
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Then fold the other side over so the edges overlap slightly, pressing gently to seal the quesadilla shut. It will look like a triangular hand pie. Cook the quesadillas in melted butter in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Let cool on a paper towel briefly to absorb excess grease. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy this sweet and savoury treat!
