My Favorite Quesadilla Recipes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quesadillas are a delightful twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Whether you're craving something comforting or looking for a quick, delicious meal, the quesadilla can be the perfect choice. Here are some of my favorite recipes, along with the steps to make them, for all occasions.

Background and Personal Touch

While I often opt to purchase quesadillas from my local restaurant, there's something special about making them at home. I particularly enjoy the rich history of the word, especially when recited in a unique way, as it brings back memories of Anthony Padilla's mispronunciations. Over the years, I've experimented with various fillings, but there are two that consistently top my list.

Spicy Chicken Quesadilla

For my go-to spicy chicken quesadilla, I start with a simple yet flavorful recipe:

Diced chicken breast (fried until brown and crispy) Reds True BBQ Buffalo Wing Hot Sauce Sliced tomatoes and avocado Chopped mature cheddar cheese Hummus spread

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

Dice a chicken breast and fry it until it's brown and crispy. Cook the diced chicken in one of the best Buffalo Wing Hot Sauce available, ensuring it's both spicy and buttery, and set it aside. Thinly slice a tomato and half an avocado, and spread them over a small tortilla. Add the fried chicken on top of the veggies. Sprinkle mature cheddar cheese over the chicken. Spread a layer of hummus over the tortilla. Fry the tortilla on both sides until golden brown.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Quesadilla

Another of my favorite quesadillas includes layers of roasted butternut squash, black beans, sweet red peppers, and crumbled mild goats cheese. Here's how you can make it:

Cook and roast the butternut squash until tender. Spread the black beans and sweet red peppers on top of the roasted squash. Crumbled mild goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy element. Spread a layer of hummus on the top tortilla and top it with hot sauce (either sweet chilli jam or Sriracha). Cook the tortilla on both sides until crispy and golden brown.

Healthy Veggie Quesadillas with Cheddar Cheese

For a more vegetable-friendly option, I opt for quesadillas filled with veggies and cheddar cheese:

Prep the ingredients by grilling the veggies on high heat. Slice the grilled veggies into strips, finely shred the cheddar cheese, and also slice some tomatoes and chop some cilantro. Heat a few drops of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add a tortilla, cheese, and veggies, and then sprinkle salt and pepper and a drizzle of taco sauce on top. Add the cilantro towards the end. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Personal Recall

While I haven't made quesadillas in years, the variety of Mexican dishes I've been making lately, including more enchiladas and fish tacos, have kept my taste buds happy. However, the memory of my brother's quick and easy grilled quesadillas with flour tortillas, Jack cheese, and tropical fruit cocktail still brings a smile. The combination of sweet, savory, and a touch of smoke made for a delightful meal.

Conclusion

These recipes offer a range of flavors and options, from spicy to sweet and savory. Whether you're making them for a family meal, a quick snack, or a special occasion, these quesadillas are sure to impress. I encourage you to try out these recipes and share your own favorite filling combinations! With the variety of Mexican dishes I'm exploring these days, it's a great time to bring quesadillas back into your culinary repertoire.