Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Mexican street food paradise with these irresistible Cheese Melts Quesadillas! Imagine crispy, golden tortillas oozing with melted cheese, packed with optional tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers - all prepared in just 25 minutes. Whether you're craving a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a satisfying dinner, these quesadillas are about to become your new obsession. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends with this simple yet mouthwatering recipe that brings the authentic flavors of Mexico right to your plate!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Cooking spray or oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by shredding cheese, dicing bell peppers, and chopping cilantro. If using chicken, ensure it's cooked and shredded beforehand.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
- Place one flour tortilla flat in the heated skillet, and immediately sprinkle half of the surface with shredded cheese.
- If desired, add shredded chicken and diced bell peppers on top of the cheese layer for additional flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle additional cheese over the chicken and peppers to help bind the ingredients.
- Carefully fold the empty half of the tortilla over the cheese and filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom side turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese begins to melt.
- Gently flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Remove from skillet and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas.
- Cut each quesadilla into wedges and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with optional sides like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the tortilla before the cheese melts completely.
- Don't overstuff your quesadillas - this can make them difficult to fold and cook evenly.
- For extra crispiness, press down gently on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking.
- Let the quesadilla rest for a minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and melted cheese experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
