Quesadillas are often thought of as simply cheese wrapped in a tortilla, but they can be so much more. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, quesadillas can become a delicious canvas for endless flavor combinations. Here’s a collection of innovative recipes that showcase the versatility of this popular dish.
From classic combinations to unique twists, these 24 best quesadilla recipes offer easy filling and flavor ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Explore the possibilities with corn tortillas paired with cheddar, sheet pan shredded rotisserie chicken, or even vegan black bean and mushroom options. Other creative combinations include bacon and eggs, grilled chicken and queso fresco, Mexican cheese and spinach, and many more.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a hearty meal, these quesadilla recipes have something for everyone.
Sheet Pan Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
When a quick meal is needed for a crowd, these straightforward baked quesadillas are an excellent solution. Without the hassle of pan-frying, they consistently achieve a crispy exterior while being simple to customize according to individual tastes.
A combination of rotisserie chicken, black beans, salsa, and cheese makes for a satisfying filling that can be easily adapted by substituting other meats or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of adding a pinch of spice to give it an extra boost.
Mozzarella & Chicken (Keto-Friendly)
Breathe new life into traditional chicken quesadillas by ditching the flour tortilla altogether. Instead, create a cheesy foundation by baking a layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar on parchment paper. Next, add your favorite toppings to one side of this dairy-based base, including cooked chicken, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and guacamole – all perfect for dipping! To ensure everything stays in check, drain the excess oil from your cheese pan before cooking the toppings in the middle of the quesadilla. And the best part? These keto-friendly quesadillas are also a hit with anyone who shares your love for an abundance of melted cheese.
Copycat Taco Bell Jalapeno Sauce
To recreate the signature flavor of Taco Bell’s quesadillas at home, you’ll need only a few basic ingredients: cooked chicken, cheese, and tortillas. However, it’s the unique quesadilla sauce that sets their dishes apart from the rest. Fortunately, this tangy condiment is surprisingly easy to whip up using everyday pantry staples. Simply combine minced pickled jalapenos, jalapeno juice, sugar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt with mayonnaise in a bowl until well incorporated. For the best results, allow your homemade sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This short waiting period allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly, giving you a taste experience that’s remarkably similar to the real thing.
Avocado & Black Bean
Indulge in the creamy goodness of these avocado and black bean quesadillas, tailored to satisfy vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat intake. Begin by sautéing a mixture of onion and bell pepper in olive oil, before adding cooked black beans and taco seasoning. Meanwhile, blend ripe avocados with lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper to create a rich and tangy paste.To assemble the quesadillas, spread both mixtures onto a tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Fold the tortilla in half, then cook it in a pan until the exterior is crispy and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Bacon & Eggs
Indulge in a flavorful breakfast twist by trying out breakfast quesadillas, a delightful departure from traditional morning fare. These delectable treats require only five easy-to-source ingredients, allowing the star of the show – crispy bacon – to take center stage. To create these mouthwatering morsels, place chopped green onion, shredded cheese, and cooked bacon (or bacon bits) on one half of a tortilla. Next, add a generous helping of fluffy scrambled eggs, fold the tortilla in half, and pan-fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Serve with your favorite salsas and sour cream on the side or take it up a notch by serving with a warm cup of queso for dipping.
Vegan Black Bean & Mushroom
While dietary restrictions can sometimes feel like they’re limiting our food options, it’s amazing how many delicious meals we can still enjoy with a little creativity. Case in point: vegan quesadillas with black beans that happen to be gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and entirely homemade.
The game-changer here is the vegan cheese sauce, made using tapioca flour, nutritional yeast, and coconut milk (or your favorite store-bought vegan cheese alternative). This creamy delight pairs perfectly with sautéed onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms. Simply assemble everything on a gluten-free tortilla and you’ve got a quick, healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Plant-Based Cashew Cheese & Chickpeas
Indulge in the ultimate vegan quesadilla experience, packed with an abundance of vibrant veggies. This recipe deviates from traditional bean-based quesadillas, instead relying on sautéed mushrooms, onion, bell peppers, and garlic to add depth of flavor. A rich homemade vegan queso serves as the perfect accompaniment, crafted using a blend of olive oil, enchilada sauce for a spicy kick, cashews, chickpeas, salsa, fresh lime juice, and an assortment of spices. The result is a creamy, smooth texture that can be enjoyed not only in quesadillas but also as a delectable dip.
Grilled Chicken & Queso Fresco
When it comes to filling options, I like to think outside the box – from plant-based delights to bold, non-vegan creations. Take this chicken filling, for instance. By marinating the chicken in a mixture of vinegar, chili, and garlic, then combining it with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and wrapping it all in a warm flour tortilla, you’ll find that the flavors meld together in perfect harmony. What’s more, marinating the chicken beforehand can make all the difference in terms of tenderness and depth of flavor – and when paired with gooey cheese and crunchy onions, this filling is truly unstoppable.
Mexican Cheese & Spinach (Keto-Friendly)
To create these scrumptious low-carb quesadillas, you’ll embark on a journey of making tortillas from scratch. The ingredients required for this endeavor include two eggs, two egg whites, cream cheese, salt, psyllium husk powder, coconut flour, and a trusty hand mixer. When preparing the tortillas, it’s crucial to utilize a non-stick pan and a dash of oil if you choose to fry them, as the cream cheese can make them rather sticky when pouring the batter.
Once your tortillas are ready, either through baking in the oven or frying on the stove, it’s time to fill them with an abundance of fresh baby spinach and your preferred hard or Mexican-style cheese. Be sure to cook them evenly until the cheese reaches a delightful gooey consistency.
Breakfast Pinto Beans & Pickled Jalapeño
Starting the day with breakfast in a tortilla is a winning combination that’s hard to go wrong with. One of the biggest perks is that it keeps bites of food from scattering all over the floor or our laps. To take these breakfast wraps to the next level, we can add some excitement by mixing scrambled eggs with hot sauce, green onion, cilantro, and jalapeno on a whole wheat tortilla. The finishing touch comes when you add your preferred cheese before cooking for just 1-2 minutes until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown on both sides. And let’s not forget to have fun with it by serving homemade guacamole on the side for dipping – the perfect accompaniment!
Turkey & Cranberry Sauce
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouth-watering twist with turkey cranberry quesadillas! The key lies in cleverly combining ingredients like Havarti cheese, canned or homemade cranberry sauce, sliced leftover turkey, and of course, corn tortillas. To take it to the next level, layer these flavors between two tortillas and add some crispy texture using non-stick spray on each side. Once cooked, indulge in this delightful dish with a side of mashed potatoes and rich gravy for dipping.
Chicken Thigh & Green Pepper
Transforming traditional quesadillas into keto-friendly delights has never been easier! By substituting Kbosh veggie pizza crusts for tortillas, you can enjoy a crispy and flavorful twist on this classic dish. With a wide range of veggie flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your taste buds.
To get started, select your favorite veggie crust and cook chicken thighs in a pan with avocado, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Add some crunch by including chopped bell peppers and sliced green onions. Once your filling is ready, spoon it onto the veggie crusts, top with cheddar cheese, and let the magic happen as you crisp the crusts back up and melt the cheese to perfection.
Chicken Breast & Coconut Flour Tortillas
Indulge in this mouthwatering cheesy chicken quesadilla recipe that just happens to be keto-friendly and gluten-free to boot. To create the tortillas, combine coconut flour, heavy cream, and xanthan gum in a bowl, allowing the mixture to rest for a few minutes before frying it in coconut oil or olive oil. The resulting tortillas will have a delightful texture, slightly thicker than their traditional counterparts. When assembling the quesadillas, top them with shredded chicken and cheese to your liking, then cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are evenly browned on both sides.
BBQ Chicken & Cheddar (Gluten-Free)
Transforming a classic quesadilla into a mouthwatering barbecue delight is as simple as can be. To start, prepare your chicken by cooking two large breasts or using the convenience of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Once the meat is shredded, combine it with your preferred barbecue sauce in a bowl, ensuring an even coating throughout.Next, layer the saucy chicken with your go-to cheese between two tortillas. Simply cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the tortilla to crisp up and voila! You’ve successfully created a smoky-sweet twist on the traditional quesadilla recipe.
Pimento Cheese Chicken
In this creative take on the classic quesadilla, the heat is turned up a notch thanks to the addition of pickled jalapeño peppers. The star of the show is pimento cheese, a rich and creamy Southern staple that forms the base of the dish. Whether you choose to buy it from the store or make your own with a blend of white cheddar, pimentos, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices, the end result is a velvety layer of goodness waiting to be wrapped up in a tortilla. The addition of shredded chicken adds substance and texture, while the pickled jalapeños bring a bold, tangy flavor. To take it to the next level, simply repeat the cheese spread process with another tortilla, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a gooey, cheesy interior. Serve these spicy treats alongside fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavor combination that’s sure to please.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese
Kickstart your day with a creative twist on the classic breakfast sandwich. A harmonious blend of crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and rich shredded cheese comes together in a delectable breakfast quesadilla that’s bursting with comforting flavors. The larger burrito-sized tortillas require a bigger skillet for cooking, but this means you’ll end up with an even more satisfying quesadilla once you’re done! Enjoy yours with a dollop of sour cream and your preferred salsa or Picante sauce, or add some heat by pairing it with hot sauce or pickled jalapenos.
Chorizo
While traditional quesadilla recipes may not typically incorporate chorizo, this flavorful twist offers a bold and exciting way to spice up any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of spicy chorizo sausage, skillet-fried gold potatoes, and three types of cheese creates a satisfying and protein-packed filling that will surely leave you wanting more.
To make the quesadilla filling, simply combine crispy potatoes with crumbled chorizo, shredded cheese, onion, garlic, and a pinch of hot paprika. Then, layer the mixture into a tortilla, fold it in half, and cook until golden brown.
But that’s not all – take your quesadillas to the next level by serving them with a rich and tangy ranchero sauce. This creamy condiment is made by combining hot sauce, cream cheese, lime juice, and shredded cheese. The result is a bold and zesty flavor profile that complements the spicy chorizo perfectly.
Cheesy Zucchini Spinach
Transforming veggies into a satisfying meal, this quesadilla recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. A delicate balance of textures and flavors comes together as tender zucchini and spinach meet creamy cheese. To achieve this harmony, start by cooking sliced zucchini and garlic in olive oil until they reach a slightly softened state, but avoid overcooking for that perfect firmness. This step may vary depending on the thickness of your zucchini slices, so be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully. Next, spoon the zucchini mixture onto a tortilla, followed by a layer of fresh baby spinach and shredded Monterey jack cheese. Then, pan-fry until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy. For an added touch, you can wilt the spinach further by adding it to the pan with the zucchini for a couple of minutes before assembling the quesadilla. With its indulgent taste and wholesome ingredients, this veggie-packed delight is sure to become a new favorite.
Vegan Black Bean Corn
While it may seem counterintuitive to create a vegan version of quesadillas, which are typically associated with an abundance of cheese, this recipe successfully marries traditional flavors with dairy-free alternatives. You can opt for store-bought vegan cheese or craft your own using soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and miso paste to create a creamy nacho cheese spread. To prepare the filling, sauté black beans, onion, garlic, corn, and bell peppers, then season with chili powder, cumin, and salt until the mixture is cooked through and warm. Next, assemble the quesadilla by placing the vegetable mixture onto a tortilla alongside generous helpings of vegan cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. The combination of sweet corn, spicy chili powder, and jalapenos yields a flavorfully bold and satisfying dish.
Thai Chicken
Innovative twists can elevate even the most beloved dishes, and this Thai chicken quesadilla is no exception. By incorporating a bold and tangy sauce featuring rice vinegar, coconut milk, garlic, peanut butter, and ginger, we’ve managed to reinvent the classic combination of chicken and cheese without compromising its iconic essence. The tortillas are coated with a flavorful fusion that’s both spicy and savory.The accompanying sauce for the chicken is equally impressive, blending sweet chili sauce, ginger, coconut milk, brown sugar, peanut butter, lime, and soy sauce in perfect harmony. What’s more, this sauce can be used as a dip for the quesadillas, adding an extra layer of excitement to this already thrilling dish.To bring everything together, you’ll need chicken breast, peanuts, cilantro, onion, carrots, and Napa cabbage. Simply cook the vegetables and chicken, then shred pepper jack cheese and place it on a tortilla along with the chicken filling and Thai sauce. Top with another tortilla, and cook until crispy to achieve the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Grilled Shrimp
Reinventing the wheel, or rather, the quesadilla, sweet shrimp and savory cheese form an unlikely yet harmonious union in this vibrant twist on a classic favorite. For the most discerning of eaters, this dish serves as a gentle nudge to venture beyond their comfort zones and explore the realm of seafood-based cuisine.
To craft these succulent grilled shrimp quesadillas, blend tender shredded cheese with precooked shrimp infused with the warm, aromatic essence of Caribbean seasoning. A medley of textures is achieved by adding sweet pineapple, crunchy red onion, and fragrant cilantro, before bringing everything together beneath a second tortilla and grilling to a crispy perfection.
Cheesy Ground Beef
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these mouthwatering cheesy ground beef quesadillas, which cleverly reimagine classic cheeseburger flavors within the confines of a tender tortilla. To create this gastronomic masterpiece, you’ll need only a handful of straightforward ingredients: ground beef, grated cheese, tortillas, and a pinch of seasonings. Start by cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned and seasoned to perfection, taking care to add a dash of tomato sauce or broth to prevent sticking. Next, place the cooked beef onto a tortilla, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla into a semicircle shape and cook on both sides until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy to your liking.
Crispy Cheese & Mushroom
Give your taste buds a satisfying treat with this innovative take on the classic quesadilla. By incorporating earthy mushrooms and savory cheese, you’ll not only enjoy comforting flavors but also meet your daily vegetable quota. The key to this recipe lies in cooking the sliced mushrooms with garlic and scallions until they release their natural moisture and absorb the aromas. Once cooked, combine the mushrooms with shredded cheese and assemble the quesadillas by placing a tortilla on top of the filling. Cook the quesadillas until both sides are crispy, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously satisfying snack.
