This grilled cheese quesadilla recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a quick, simple, and delicious meal option in a hurry. Quesadillas can be made with so many different fillings, toppings, and tortillas to create a truly delicious meal or appetizer. In this recipe, I’m taking it back to the basics with classic cheese quesadillas with a twist. Cheese quesadillas are a classic but often lack flavor, which changes in this recipe. In this recipe, I am adding an element of grilled cheese to the exterior of the quesadilla which adds a new experience by giving the quesadilla a nice toasted cheese exterior to pair with the soft cheesy inside of the tortilla.
The key to this recipe is having a good nonstick pan to melt the cheese without sticking. The process of melting cheese in the pan and allowing it to stick to the tortilla is a great way to get toasted cheese on the outside of the quesadilla but it can be problematic if your pan doesn’t allow the cheese to release. This recipe also uses minimal ingredients in order to keep things easy and budget friendly.
Tortillas
In this grilled cheese quesadilla recipe, I am using Tortilla Land flour tortillas. I found that using uncooked flour tortillas allows the cheese to stick to the tortilla better as it cooks without overcooking the tortilla. If you don’t have access to uncooked tortillas or would prefer to use another tortilla then a traditional tortilla will work. If you are using a precooked tortilla, be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn and you may need to adjust the temp down to prevent burning. If you want to make your own tortillas check out my recipe for flour tortillas here.
Cheese
The cheese for these grilled cheese quesadillas can vary to your taste but in order to make this recipe as simple and quick as possible I am using a combination of reduced-fat Mexican shredded cheese and nacho cheese. Some other great options would be pepper jack cheese, Monterey jack cheese, Colby jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, or cheddar cheese. Finely shredded cheese works best as it melts faster. I am using Tostitos Queso cheese sauce for this recipe but any nacho cheese will work. This helps add flavor to the quesadilla and works to help hold everything together.
Grilled Cheese Quesadilla
Servings
1
Prep Time
2 Minutes
Calories
320
Cook Time
3 Minutes
Total Time 5 Minutes
*Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate only and may vary depending on the ingredients used. Calories listed are per serving.*
Ingredients
- Tortilla Land flour Tortillas
- 1/2 Cup Reduced-Fat Mexican Cheese
- 1 Tbsp Nacho Cheese Sauce
*Disclosure, below are affiliate links to products we recommend. We do not include links to products we have not used or honestly recommend*
What Tools You Will Need
- Frying Pan (preferably nonstick)
- Flexible Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
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Directions
Step 01
Preheat the frying pan over medium-low heat. Prepare the cheese and tortillas.
Step 02
Add half of the shredded cheese to the frying pan and place the tortilla on top. Spread the nacho cheese evenly on half of the tortilla and sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top. Let cook for 30 seconds or until the tortilla starts to become opaque.
Step 03
Fold the tortilla in half and gently press them together. Cook for 20 seconds and flip. Cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Step 04
Cut into 4 pieces and serve with guacamole, sour cream, or dip of your choosing.
Notes
- Cheese sticking to the pan? It is important to use a nonstick pan or well-seasoned pan for this recipe to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan. If you are having issues with the cheese sticking try spraying a light layer of oil down before adding the cheese.
- Want more out of your quesadilla? Add shredded chicken, grilled peppers or any of your favorite add-ins to take this quesadilla up a level.
- Having trouble folding the tortilla? Using a flexible spatula will help you get under the tortilla with ease. Gently work the spatula around the tortilla until you feel the cheese start to release.
- Want to turn this recipe into a grilled cheese chicken quesadilla? To quickly turn this into a chicken quesadilla add some shredded rotisserie chicken to the tortilla before folding.
FAQ
Whats The Best Tortillas To Use For Cheese Quesadillas?
Tortilla land tortillas are excellent for this recipe because they aren’t precooked so everything cooks together. You can of course use the classic flour tortillas or corn tortillas as well.
Can I Meal Prep These Quesadillas?
Of Course! Simply cook your cheese quesadillas in advance and store them in an airtight container. Reheat when you’re ready to eat using a frying pan if possible. You can microwave them as well but I would recommend using a paper towel to absorb any oil from the cheese as you reheat them.
Is A Cheese Quesadilla The Same As A Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
Yikes! That’s a loaded and controversial question. There are similarities, definitely but it will depend on how you prepare them. Quesadillas tend to have a more balanced bread-to-cheese ratio which gives them a different overall texture and cheese can vary drastically. One thing is certain, however, both are delicious.
What Are Good Options For Quesadilla Fillings?
Popular options for quesadilla fillings are chicken, steak, peppers, tomato, olives, corn, beans, green onion, baby spinach, and a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and white cheddar cheese. You can really get creative and add a wide variety of your favorite filling options to truly customize your quesadilla.
What Should I Serve With My Quesadilla?
Quesadillas pair amazingly with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. You can even throw some tortilla chips in there next to them and use the dip for both.
What's The Best Cheese For Quesadillas?
You can use any cheese you desire but some popular options are Pepper jack cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Colby jack cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and Cheddar cheese. Using finely shredded cheese works best as it melts faster.
Grilled Cheese Quesadilla (Delicious & Ready In 5 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Tortilla Land Tortilla soft taco size
- 1/2 Cup Reduced-Fat Mexican Cheese
- 1 Tbsp Tostitos Queso Cheese Sauce or nacho cheese sauce of your choosing
Instructions
- Preheat the frying pan over medium-low heat. Prepare the cheese and tortillas.
- Add half of the cheese to the frying pan and place the tortilla on top. Spread the nacho cheese evenly on half of the tortilla and sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top. Let cook for 30 seconds or until the tortilla starts to become opaque.
- Fold the tortilla in half and gently press them together. Cook for 20 seconds and flip. Cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Cut into 4 pieces and serve with guacamole, sour cream, or dip of your choosing.
Video
Notes
- Cheese sticking to the pan? It is important to use a nonstick pan or well-seasoned pan for this recipe to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan. If you are having issues with the cheese sticking try spraying a light layer of oil down before adding the cheese.
- Want more out of your quesadilla? Add shredded chicken, grilled peppers or any of your favorite add-ins to take this quesadilla up a level.
- Having trouble folding the tortilla? Using a flexible spatula will help you get under the tortilla with ease. Gently work the spatula around the tortilla until you feel the cheese start to release.
- Want to turn this recipe into a grilled cheese chicken quesadilla? To quickly turn this into a chicken quesadilla add some shredded rotisserie chicken to the tortilla before folding.
Nutrition
Summary
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this easy cheese quesadilla recipe. If you have any questions or comments go ahead and leave them in the comments below or feel free to email us. What is your favorite quesadilla recipe? Did this grilled cheese quesadilla recipe make it into the list of your favorite recipes? Let us know in the comments below. For more awesome recipes check below.
