• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MJ and Hungryman

  • About
  • Blog
  • Feeding tips
  • Recipes
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Baby Led Weaning
  • Recipes
  • Feeding tips
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Baby Led Weaning
    • Recipes
    • Feeding tips
    • Resources
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Favorite Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

    By Min On June 5, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Jump to Recipe
    Quesadilla slices with salsa and ranch.

    Learn how to make the best cheese quesadillas! These are quick to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Enjoy as a quick lunch or kid-friendly dinner!

    Learn how to make the best cheese quesadillas! These are quick to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Enjoy as a quick lunch or kid-friendly dinner!

    The BEST Cheese Quesadilla

    Let's talk about this ultimate lifesaver for feeding hungry kids and families!

    Cheese quesadillas are so ridiculously easy to make. Just grab some tortillas, sprinkle on a good melting cheese, and voila! A delicious, kid-approved meal ready in minutes.

    But here's the best part, I think. Just like with these mini pizzas, quesadillas are an easy way to stretch any random bits of food that you have on hand. Have some frozen broccoli, leftover carrots, or chicken? Add them in!

    Quesadillas are also an awesome way to encourage your child to try foods that are a big "NO!"

    They offer familiar and comforting flavors from the cheese and tortilla that provide a sense of security for your little one. For instance, broccoli is always hit or miss with my son, but he LOVES these pizza quesadillas.

    All this to say, don't feel pressured to always reinvent the wheel. Try sprinkling foods your child is learning to like into their favorites foods and see what happens!

    Jump to:
    • The BEST Cheese Quesadilla
    • What is a Quesadilla?
    • Ingredients
    • The Best Cheeses for Quesadilla
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Top Tips for Making the BEST Cheesy Quesadilla
    • Variations (Filling Ideas)
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Cheesy Recipes
    • Easy Cheese Quesadilla

    What is a Quesadilla?

    The word "quesadilla" is derived from the Spanish word "queso" which means cheese.

    It is traditional Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla (typically corn tortilla) filled with cheese and other optional ingredients. The fillings can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preference.

    Quick cheese quesadilla is cooked on a griddle or skillet until the cheese inside melts and the tortilla becomes golden brown and crispy.

    Ingredients

    tortilla, cheese, and butter.

    All you need are 3 ingredients, unless you want to bulk up your simple cheese quesadilla with additional add-ins as suggested below.

    Butter

    This is such an essential ingredient! It not only adds rich and buttery flavor to the tortilla, it helps achieve that classic crispy and golden-brown exterior on the quesadilla.

    You can also use vegan butter or oil if looking for plant-based options.

    Tortilla

    Flour tortilla is my personal favorite as they have a mild flavor and are soft and pliable, making it easier to work.

    Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor and a slightly denser texture compared to flour tortillas. They are a great choice if you prefer a more authentic taste. Just be sure to look for soft tortillas for best results.

    You can also use almond flour or quinoa flour if needing a gluten-free option.

    Shredded Cheese

    Any good melting cheese will work!

    The Best Cheeses for Quesadilla

    This topic deserves its own section! The best cheese depends on your personal preference so feel free to experiment. You can use one or a combination of these cheeses.

    • Monterey Jack cheese - has a smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor
    • Mild or Sharp Cheddar cheese - adds a rich and sharp taste
    • Oaxaca cheese - this is a traditional Mexican cheese that is commonly used in quesadillas. It has a mild flavor and a stringy, stretchy texture when melted. If you're wanting to achieve that iconic cheese pull in your quesadilla, this is an excellent choice
    • Queso Blanco - this is a soft, crumbly white cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor
    • Mozzarella cheese
    • Colby Jack
    • Gouda cheese

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Here are two ways to make quesadillas depending on your preference and how large your tortillas are. For large or burrito-sized tortillas, the folded method is easier to flip.

    Stacked

    A four image collage of how to make quesadilla.
    1. Add butter to a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat. Be careful not to let your butter burn. Once melted, place a tortilla in the skillet.
    2. Sprinkle all over with cheese and filling (if adding). Add the second tortilla.
    3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom starts to brown and crisp up. Using a spatula, flip over the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until both sides are golden crisp and cheese melts. Add more butter if desired.
    4. Using a pizza cutter, slice into wedges or slices.

    Folded

    A two image collage of how to make folded quesadilla with cheese and zucchini.
    1. Add butter to a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat. Be careful not to let your butter burn. Once melted, place 1 tortilla in the skillet.
    2. Sprinkle cheese (and filling if adding) on just one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over on itself, creating a half-moon shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

    Top Tips for Making the BEST Cheesy Quesadilla

    • Don't add too much butter or oil! Otherwise you will end up with soggy and greasy instead of crispy quesadillas. Just ½-1 teaspoon to coat the bottom of the pan is enough.
    • Shred your own cheese if possible - will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese
    • Opt for a high-quality tortilla that won't easily tear when folding or flipping.
    • Don't overload! Otherwise, you will end up with unevenly cooked and mushy texture.
    • Use medium heat when cooking your quesadilla to prevent burning the tortilla while still allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly. Too high of a heat setting can lead to a burnt exterior.

    Variations (Filling Ideas)

    A close up shot of cheese quesadilla with a bite taken out.

    Sometimes, or maybe a lot of times, you just want to enjoy the simplicity of a cheese-only quesadilla. However, if you want to invite more variety and boost nutrition, here are some of our favorite fillings.

    This is also a wonderful opportunity to get your child involved in making their own quesadillas and exposing them to foods they don't like (yet!).

    • Favorite vegetables - such as sauteed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, any leafy greens like kale and swiss chard, corn, or zucchini
    • Rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken (here are all the ways to cook chicken)
    • Shredded beef or ground beef
    • Beans (e.g. black beans, chickpeas, refried beans)
    • Mashed avocado
    • Mashed sweet potatoes
    • Fresh herbs - sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onion to add a burst of freshness
    • Spices and seasonings - like cumin, chili powder, paprika, or oregano, no salt taco seasoning

    Serving Suggestions

    Quesadillas are perfect for dipping! I've included both traditional and non-traditional but delicious options!

    • Salsa or Pico de Gallo
    • Guacamole
    • Ranch
    • Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
    • Beet hummus
    • Sugar free pizza sauce
    • Black bean yogurt dip

    Storage

    Cheese quesadillas are best when enjoyed as soon as they are ready! The tortilla is crispy, the cheese is melty, and the flavors are incredible!

    But if you need to make a head of time, cool completely and transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature until the cheese is melted. You can microwave but monitor closely to prevent it from becoming overly soft or soggy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of cheese is best for quesadillas?

    Any good melting cheese! Some popular cheese options are Monterey Jack, cheddar, oaxaca, queso fresco, and mozzarella.

    What to add to a cheese quesadilla?

    Oh you can add anything in my opinion! Quesadillas are such a great way to repurpose leftovers. You can include leftover vegetables, cooked chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, beans, fresh herbs, etc.

    Just remember that adding additional ingredients might require adjusting the cooking time and ensuring they are fully cooked and heated through. Other than that, feel free to mix and match! The possibilities are endless.

    Can I make cheese quesadillas in the oven?

    Yes! Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tortillas on a baking sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, add additional ingredients if desired, and place tortillas on top to cover the filling. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas become golden and slightly crispy.

    It's a convenient, hands-off method for making a large batch of quesadillas.

    Can I freeze cheese quesadillas?

    You can! First cook the quesadillas as you normally would and be sure to cool completely.

    Now you can wrap individually with plastic wrap or place on a lined baking sheet and flash freeze until they're frozen solid. The latter is my preferred method and I use it for freezing pancakes and muffins as well.

    Either way, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, let the quesadilla(s) thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or in the oven.

    More Cheesy Recipes

    • three stacked hummus grilled cheese.
      Hummus Grilled Cheese (to share with kds)
    • Sliced protein pizza with toddler's hand grabbing one.
      Easy Protein Pizza
    • An overhead shot of baked enchilada casserole with a slice taken out.
      Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • Southwestern Cheesy Dip blog
      Southwestern Cheese Dip

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    Learn how to make the best cheese quesadillas! These are quick to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Enjoy as a quick lunch or kid-friendly dinner!

    Easy Cheese Quesadilla

    Learn how to make the best cheese quesadillas! These are quick to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Enjoy as a quick lunch or kid-friendly dinner.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon butter
    • 2 tortillas
    • ½-2/3 cup shredded cheese

    Instructions

    Stacked

    • Add butter to a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat. Be careful not to let your butter burn. Once melted, place a tortilla in the skillet.
    • Sprinkle all over with cheese and filling (if adding). Add the second tortilla.
    • Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom starts to brown and crisp up. Using a spatula, flip over the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until both sides are golden crisp and cheese melts. Add more butter if desired.
    • Using a pizza cutter, slice into wedges or slices.

    Folded

    • Add butter to a skillet or griddle over medium to medium-high heat. Be careful not to let your butter burn. Once melted, place 1 tortilla in the skillet.
    • Sprinkle cheese (and filling if adding) on just one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over on itself, creating a half-moon shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

    Notes

    • Choose a good melting cheese, like Monterey Jack, cheddar, oaxaca, queso fresco, and mozzarella.
    • Quesadillas are such a great way to repurpose leftovers. You can include leftover vegetables, cooked chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, beans, fresh herbs, etc.
    • Shred your own cheese if possible - will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese

    Nutrition

    Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

    More Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • An overhead shot of fun shaped mango popsicles on a plate.
      Creamy Mango Popsicles (So Easy)
    • Overhead shot of ricotta pesto in a bowl with lemon and basil in the background.
      Easy Ricotta Pesto (Creamy and Versatile)
    • Baked biscuits with toddler's hand grabbing one.
      Healthy Teething Biscuits
    • Stacked bliss balls with a bite taken out of one on the top.
      Easy Bliss Balls

    Share or Save It for Later!

    Share: [addtoany]

    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joanne says

      May 22, 2014 at 6:11 am

      The.Boy and I haven't been to the grocery store together in ages! Honestly, I think it's for the best. He mostly just makes fun of all the crazy ingredients I buy and then balks at the prices. 😛

      What a fun way to use up your chard! Can't go wrong with quesadillas.

      Reply
    2. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

      May 21, 2014 at 4:05 pm

      What a delicious looking quesadilla. Great idea to put swiss chard in, and my kids would eat anything that's in quesadilla too (don't even check and big bite!). Bacon is always a nice savory item to add. Very flavorful and sounds yummy!

      Reply
    3. Andi @ The Weary Chef says

      May 19, 2014 at 11:45 pm

      Holy Bacon, these look so amazing and creative and delicious! I love your story about being a grocery nazi. My husband doesn't go to the store with me because I spend too much time agonizing over prices and nutrition labels. If I send him to the store with a short list, I give very specifics. If I don't he panics and doesn't know what to buy. Poor guy! Good thing I do most of the shopping 😉

      Reply
    4. Ami@naivecookcooks says

      May 19, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      These look so delicious. I love good filling quesadillas anytime!

      Reply
    5. Danielle @ It's a Harleyyy Life says

      May 19, 2014 at 7:04 pm

      Oh my! Gosh I wish I lived near you to eat all of this wonderful food! (:

      Reply
    6. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says

      May 19, 2014 at 3:53 pm

      i have not tried swiss chard that much but with cheese and bacon, i bet its delicious/

      Reply
    7. Matt Robinson says

      May 19, 2014 at 12:09 pm

      Saw these on Twitter and had to pop over. They are amazing! Can't wait to try this recipe soon!

      Reply
      • Min says

        May 20, 2014 at 5:24 am

        Thank you, Matt!

        Reply
    8. Julie @ Lovely Little Kitchen says

      May 19, 2014 at 11:39 am

      Oh I'm so loving this! The recipe, the images, and picturing you two in the grocery store! My husband often tries to help out by taking the list and heading to the store, but he is infamous for making multiple phone calls to ask questions about the list. Perhaps his insecurities reveal that I too am a bit particular about what goes in the cart? Haha! At least we admit it :0)

      Reply
      • Min says

        May 20, 2014 at 5:21 am

        Hehe I've encountered many many husbands on the phone asking millions of questions to the person on the line. Yes, at least we admit to it..if only the husbands could do the same ;).

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    search

    Trending Now

    An overhead shot of fun shaped mango popsicles on a plate.

    Creamy Mango Popsicles (So Easy)

    Baked biscuits with toddler's hand grabbing one.

    Healthy Teething Biscuits

    Stacked bliss balls with a bite taken out of one on the top.

    Easy Bliss Balls

    a slightly angled shot of mango shake in two glass jars with toddler holding one.

    Easy Mango Shake (3 Ingredients)

    Banana popsicles two ways - strawberry yogurt and chocolate walnut.

    Banana Popsicles (Easy and Healthy)

    Frozen yogurt covered blueberries with toddler's hand.

    Frozen Yogurt Covered Blueberries

    Jump to Recipe
    Quesadilla slices with salsa and ranch.

    Is your baby 4-6 months old?

    Give your baby a head start on solids even before their first bite!
    I'M READY!
    Jump to Recipe
    Quesadilla slices with salsa and ranch.

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!
    Jump to Recipe
    Quesadilla slices with salsa and ranch.

    Is your toddler becoming picky?

    Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
    YES, PLEASE!

    popular feeding tips

    A four image collage of simple breakfast ideas.

    Top Foods for 6 Month Old Baby (with Recipes and Meal Plan)

    A four image collage of simple BLW meals.

    Baby Led Weaning Made Easy (a complete Guide)

    A four image collage showing how to serve protein finger foods for baby

    Best Healthy Finger Foods for Baby

    A four image collage of healthy baby snacks including iron.

    Healthy Baby Snacks (Easy and Balanced)

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2023 MJ & Hungryman LLC · Privacy Policy | Contact

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT