How to Make the Perfect Cheese Quesadilla
The Perfect Cheese Quesadilla has gooey, melty cheese and a perfectly golden and crispy tortilla. When we need a fast but deliciously satisfying meal, this is where I turn. And that creamy tomatillo dressing just takes it to the next level!
Crispy Homemade Cheese Quesadillas
Quick weeknight meals doesn’t have to mean picking up fast food or heating up another tray of chicken nuggets. Cheese quesadillas can be made in under 10 minutes, they’re cheap, and they are a total crowd-pleaser every time! I like to whip up this quick creamy tomatillo cilantro lime ranch dip- it really takes it to the next level. If I have extra time or want a more filling meal, we load them up with chicken, spinach, peppers and onions, mushrooms, black beans, or avocado. Either way, this simple meal is definitely a family favorite!
Ingredients You Need to Make the Perfect Cheese Quesadillas:
- Flour Tortillas
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Butter
For the Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- Tomatillos
- Buttermilk
- Mayonnaise
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Ranch Dressing
- Garlic
- Lime Juice
- Jalapeno
How to Make the Perfect Cheese Quesadilla:
- Grate the cheese. We like to use a combination of monterey jack and cheddar cheese.
- Heat a large skillet. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of butter and swirl to coat. Add a tortilla (flour or corn tortilla) to the skillet and sprinkle with about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Top with a second tortilla.
- Cook until golden and melty. Cook until the cheese melts and the bottom tortilla is nice and golden. Flip and continue cooking for another minute or so, until the second side is also golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and slice. Repeat with the remaining cheese and tortillas. Cut the quesadillas into wedges (we use a pizza cutter).
- Serve. If desired, serve with Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Lime Dressing. Or, serve with salsa, guacamole and/or sour cream. Enjoy!
Tips & Suggestions
Flavor Boosters
If desired, sprinkle the cheese with taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika before adding the second tortilla.
What is the best cheese for quesadillas?
I like to use a mixture of cheddar and monterey jack cheese. The idea is really just to use a good melting cheese. Other good options are mozzarella cheese, pepper jack cheese, colby jack cheese, American cheese, Mexican cheese blend, or chihuahua cheese.
What should I put in my cheese quesadillas?
We love a simple cheese quesadilla made right- but I’ll often load them up too! It’s a great way to boost the nutrition and use up leftovers. Here are some of our favorite quesadilla add-ins:
- Fire-Roasted Corn
- Grilled Peppers and Onions
- Black Beans
- Refried Beans
- Green Onions
- Diced Avocado
- Leftover Taco Meat
- Grilled Chicken
- Ground Beef or Shredded Beef
- Fresh Cilantro
- Spinach
How to Store Leftover Cheese Quesadillas
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, warm them up on a foil lined baking sheet in a preheated 325 degree oven for 10 minutes or until crispy and the cheese is melted.
Looking for More Weeknight Meal Recipes?
- The Gooiest Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- The Best Ground Turkey Tacos
- Fast & Healthy Top Ramen
- Easy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
The Perfect Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Lime Dressing
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
- 2 small tomatillos
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 small jalapeno seeds removed
Instructions
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium high heat Add 1 teaspoon of butter and swirl it around. Add one tortilla to the pan and sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheese; top with another tortilla.
- Cook until cheese has melted and tortillas are golden brown, flipping halfway through. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut quesadillas into triangles with a pizza cutter. Serve with your favorite salsa.. Enjoy!
Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Add all ingredients in order to a blender. Blend together until smooth and creamy. Pour into a serving jar/dressing container and let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. It will look thin at first, but it will thicken as it cools.
- Serve with your favorite salad, or as a dip. We love it with our Copycat Cafe Rio Chicken Salad! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
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Natalie Monson
I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.
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