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Quesadillas might be the most underrated meal in your weeknight rotation. All you need is a tortilla, some cheese and a hot pan, and dinner is on the table in minutes. But once you start playing with fillings, the options are endless.
From classic cheese and chicken quesadillas to viral quesabirria, Philly cheesesteak and even a s’mores dessert version, there’s a quesadilla here for every craving. Many are ready in 30 minutes or less, and they make an easy work-from-home lunch too.
I rounded up 12 of the best quesadilla recipes from some of my favourite food bloggers, so you can find a new go-to for taco Tuesday, game day or a quick lunch.
Different Types of Quesadillas to Try at Home
This article is all about different types of quesadillas.
1. Classic Cheese Quesadillas
What it is: The simplest quesadilla of all: a flour tortilla, a generous layer of melty cheese and a little butter in the pan.
Monterey Jack is an easy pick, but Oaxaca, Chihuahua or asadero cheese gives you that big, stretchy pull. The whole thing is on the plate in about 10 minutes. Tip: shred your own cheese from a block, because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that keep it from melting smoothly.
2. Chicken Quesadillas
What it is: A crowd-pleasing classic with seasoned chicken and plenty of Mexican-blend or Jack cheese.
The chicken tenderloins get a rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano and cumin, and the salsa is cooked down first so the tortillas stay crisp. Plan on about 35 minutes. Tip: snip the white tendon out of each tenderloin before cooking for more tender bites.
3. Steak Quesadillas
What it is: Hearty quesadillas stuffed with seasoned flank or skirt steak, sautéed onions and melty cheese.
The steak is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and cumin, then paired with mozzarella and Jack cheese. They take about 30 minutes. Tip: leftover carne asada works perfectly here, and a few sliced poblanos or jalapeños add heat.
4. Birria Quesadillas (Quesabirria)
What it is: The viral favourite: tender, chile-braised beef and Oaxaca cheese crisped in a tortilla and dunked in rich consomé.
The chuck roast braises with ancho, guajillo and chile de árbol peppers, so the full recipe takes about 3.5 hours. With leftover birria, they’re ready in about 15 minutes. Tip: skip the pre-shredded cheese and grab a block of Oaxaca for the best melt, and serve extra consomé on the side for dipping.
5. Shrimp Quesadillas
What it is: A lighter quesadilla filled with garlicky shrimp, red onion, jalapeño and pepper jack.
It’s served with a fresh tomato, avocado, cilantro and lime salsa, and comes together in about 35 minutes. Using high-fiber tortillas keeps it on the lighter side. Tip: drain the salsa before serving so it doesn’t make the quesadilla soggy.
6. Black Bean and Veggie Quesadillas
What it is: A colourful meatless option packed with sweet potato, bell peppers, corn, red onion and beans.
Cumin and chipotle chili powder give the veggies a smoky kick, and Mexican-blend cheese holds everything together. They’re ready in about 20 minutes, which makes them a great work-from-home lunch. Tip: lightly mist the pan with oil for an extra-crispy tortilla.
7. Mushroom Quesadillas (Quesadillas de Hongos)
What it is: A traditional Oaxaca-style quesadilla made with corn tortillas, sautéed mushrooms and stretchy Oaxaca cheese.
The mushrooms cook with white onion, serrano chile and garlic in oil and butter, then get a handful of epazote (cilantro works too). Each quesadilla needs only about 2 minutes per side. Tip: cook the filling until it’s moist but not wet so the tortilla stays crisp.
8. Breakfast Quesadillas
What it is: A filling breakfast of scrambled eggs, beans and sharp cheddar tucked into a crispy tortilla.
Green onion, cilantro and pickled jalapeños add fresh flavour, and the whole thing takes about 25 minutes. Tip: layer cheese, then eggs, then more cheese so the cheese glues everything together as it melts.
9. Sheet Pan Quesadillas
What it is: One giant quesadilla baked on a sheet pan, which makes feeding a crowd so much easier.
Eight large tortillas are layered with spiced chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, onion and plenty of Jack and cheddar. It takes about 47 minutes. Tip: set a second sheet pan on top while it bakes to press it flat, and use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
10. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
What it is: All the flavour of buffalo wings in a cheesy, crispy quesadilla.
Shredded chicken gets tossed in wing sauce with green onions and Mexican-blend cheese, and it’s ready in about 10 minutes. Tip: rotisserie chicken makes this even faster, and don’t skip the ranch for dipping.
11. Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas
What it is: A mash-up of two favourites: thinly sliced steak, peppers, mushrooms and onions with melty provolone.
Ribeye or sirloin cooks quickly with red and green peppers and garlic, and the quesadillas are done in about 15 minutes over medium heat. Tip: slice them with a pizza cutter for clean wedges.
12. S’mores Dessert Quesadillas
What it is: A sweet ending: Nutella and mini marshmallows melted inside a tortilla coated in butter, brown sugar and graham cracker crumbs.
They grill in about 5 minutes and are perfect for a fun dessert night. Tip: use a sturdy tortilla so it holds up to all that gooey filling.
Tips for the Best Quesadillas
- Shred your own cheese. Block cheese melts smoother and stretchier than pre-shredded.
- Don’t overfill. A thin, even layer of filling helps the cheese melt before the tortilla burns.
- Use medium heat. Too hot and the outside chars before the middle is gooey.
- Butter or oil the pan. It’s the secret to a golden, crispy tortilla.
- Let it rest a minute. Resting before slicing keeps the cheese from oozing out, and a pizza cutter makes clean wedges.
Which quesadilla are you making first? Pin this post so you can find it again the next time you need an easy dinner idea!
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