We have several go-to recipes for lunch and dinner that are so easy even the kids can make them. Today’s cheese quesadilla is one of those. They’re simple, delicious, and loved by EVERYONE!
This Cheese Quesadilla is golden, crispy on the outside, and filled with perfectly melted cheese inside. Made with buttery flour tortillas and a generous layer of Colby and Monterey Jack, this simple recipe delivers that irresistible cheesy pull every time.
A cheese quesadilla pairs perfectly with some Homemade Salsa or a bowl of fresh Guacamole. Or use our Sweet Salsa Verde for some added sweetness.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Kids can help. They whip up in minutes and are so easy to make that the kids can do it!
- Enjoy all day long. A cheese quesadilla makes a perfect appetizer for your Mexican dishes, a quick dinner idea, or even a late-night snack.
- A simple favorite. It uses just a few basic ingredients. Pair them with your favorite Salsa for perfection.
Cheese Quesadilla Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas (4): Creates the crispy outer layers that hold the melted cheese inside. We prefer Homemade Tortillas or uncooked Tortilla Land Tortillas, but packaged cooked tortillas will also work.
- Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups): Provides smooth melt and rich, cheesy flavor. Or use other cheeses that melt well. Use a combination of 2-3 of Oaxaca cheese, Chihuahua cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Cheddar cheese, Fontina cheese, Gruyere cheese, Havarti cheese, Provolone cheese, Swiss cheese, or Pepper Jack cheese.
- Butter: Adds flavor and helps the tortillas brown evenly and crisp up perfectly.
- Dips and sides: Enjoy with some delicious sides to dollop on top or dip into, like Homemade Salsa, Guacamole, Chicken Enchilada Dip, Jalapeno Popper Dip, Refried Beans, Pico de Gallo, or sour cream.
How to Make a Cheese Quesadilla
TORTILLAS. Heat tortillas on a skillet.
CHEESE. Add butter to one side of 1 tortilla and add it back to the skillet. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese and any other ingredients desired. Add another tortilla that is buttered on one side and place that on top of the cheese with the buttered side up.
Cover the pan, cook for a minute or two until the cheese melts, then flip the quesadilla over. Cook an additional minute until both sides are golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
SERVE. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and cut them into wedges with a pizza cutter. Serve with your favorite toppings and dips.
Alternative cooking methods
- Oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Butter the tortillas and assemble them according to the recipe. Bake for 4-5 minutes then flip and bake for another 4-5 minutes or until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese has melted.
- Air fryer. Be sure that the tortillas will fit in the air fryer. Mist the tortillas with cooking spray to help it crisp up. Use toothpicks to secure the top tortilla to the bottom otherwise the air circulation from the air fryer can cause it to move around. Place the quesadilla in the fryer and cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
- Microwave. It will heat it and melt the cheese, but you won’t get a nice toasted tortilla. Microwave on High for 30 seconds. Check and heat for another 15 seconds if needed.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Add fillings to your quesadilla like beans, grilled chicken or steak, veggies, or added spice.
- Cook tortillas briefly first to avoid a doughy texture.
- Keep the heat low when melting the cheese, so it cooks slowly to prevent burning.
- Covering the pan helps the cheese melt faster.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. We prefer to shred a combination of Colby Jack and Monterey.
- Slice with a pizza cutter for clean, easy triangles.
Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas, (we prefer homemade or uncooked TortillaLand Tortillas)
- 2 cups shredded cheese, Colby & Monterrey Jack cheese
- butter
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat and cook tortillas until cooked and air pockets form, and bubbles slightly brown. Remove tortillas from the skillet and lower the skillet to LOW heat.
- Add butter to one side of 1 tortilla and add back to the skillet. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese and any other ingredients desired. Add another tortilla that is buttered on one side and place that on top of the cheese with the butter side up.
- Cover the pan and let the cheese melt. After a minute or two, the cheese should be melted, and you can flip the quesadilla over. Cook an additional minute until both sides have been browned.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Remove quesadillas from the skillet and cut into triangles with a pizza cutter. Serve with your favorite toppings and dips.
Notes
- Add fillings to your quesadilla like beans, grilled chicken or steak, veggies, or added spice.
- Cook tortillas briefly first to avoid a doughy texture.
- Keep the heat low when melting the cheese, so it cooks slowly to prevent burning.
- Covering the pan helps the cheese melt faster.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. We prefer to shred a combination of Colby Jack and Monterey.
- Slice with a pizza cutter for clean, easy triangles.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Wrap leftover cheese quesadillas in plastic and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Wrap them again with aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer Ziploc, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, allow the cheese quesadilla to thaw a bit if applicable. Heat a frying pan with just a bit of olive oil and heat the quesadilla on both sides.
To reheat in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place a cooling rack onto a baking sheet. Add the quesadillas to the cooling rack and place the sheet into the oven. Heat until warm.
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This recipe was first shared April 2022.
Hi 👋, if I wanted to add bacon to this would I have to fry the bacon first and then add it into the cheese mix? Thank you 😊
Yes, you will want to cook the bacon first.
I love your Quesadillas anytime of the day. Better than grilled cheese!
Thank you!! So glad you love them!
I’m puzzled. Four tortillas = 2 quesadillas. The directions say 1/2 cup of cheese per quesadilla. Ingredients say 2 cups. What am I missing? Thank you.
I often just heat up a quesadillas in the microwave, but taking the time to make them in the skillet is so worth it!
The simplest meal that all family members love! Oooey gooey cheesy tortillas.
Any time we make Mexican food, these are on the menu. The kids love them. It’s about all they will eat! Super easy & simple!
These quesadillas were lunch today, along with your homemade salsa! So good! Everyone loved it.
Oh yay!! I’m so glad to hear that everyone enjoyed the recipes!
My kids love a good cheese quesadilla!
Whenever I need an easy dinner idea, these cheese quesadillas are always my top pick! SO good and literally couldn’t be more simple to make. My family loves them!
Oh I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for sharing!!