It surprises me when someone will tell me that he or she doesn’t know how to make quesadillas or that they don’t have a quesadilla pan. Quesadillas are really easy to make, and you don’t need any special equipment.
How to Make a Basic Quesadilla in a Frying Pan
Ingredients:
- Large Soft Taco Flour Wraps or Burrito Wraps
- Shredded Cheese (Monterrey Jack, Cheddar, American)
- Butter (or Vegetable Oil)
Directions:
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of butter in a frying pan on top of the stove. Be careful not to have the heat so high that the butter scorches, or the quesadillas will have a burned flavor. Note: Some people prefer the more traditional vegetable or olive oil for the grease to prevent sticking. It’s fine to use oil or even non-stick spray, but you get a more Southern cheese sandwich taste when you use real butter. Also, the quesadillas turn out pretty and golden brown if butter is used.
- Fold a large flour taco or burrito wrap in half. Smaller taco wraps can be used, but you need to have a top and bottom piece. We find it easier to use the larger wraps and fold them over.
- Place the folded wrap in the hot butter and then lift the edge and put a hand full of shredded cheese in the center of the taco wrap. Gently spread the cheese around, and be careful not to burn your hand. You don’t have to take the cheese all the way to the edges, because it melts and fills the space. Also, don’t overdo the cheese, or it will melt out of the wrap.
- Let the down side of the quesadilla brown nicely. Some people like the shell crispier than others. Experiment with that on preferences.
- Using a turner, quickly flip the quesadilla. Don’t mash it, or again the cheese may run out.
- When the other side of the taco wrap is browned, slip the quesadilla out of the skillet with the turner and on to a plate.
Quesadilla Variations
There loads of ways to jazz up quesadillas, although we often have the basic cheese quesadilla versions here.
Extra Toppings That Can Be Used When Adding the Cheese
- Browned Ground Hamburger
- Cooked Chicken Shredded
- Cubed Ham
- Lump Crab Meat
- Thin Sliced Deli Meats
- Mushrooms (canned or fresh)
- Black Olives
- Onions
- Green Peppers
You can also serve items on the side which can be stuffed in the quesadilla by lifting the edge or can be placed on top of the quesadilla and served with a fork and knife.
Extra Quesadilla Toppings Served on the Side
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Guacamole
If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, then quesadillas certainly fit the bill. They are easy to put together and take only minutes to cook. Quesadillas can be simple like basic grilled sandwiches or can be jazzed up much like people now “load” baked potatoes.
Cyndi Allison - Southern born and fed, Cyndi Allison is a college lecturer and newspaper advisor as well as being a freelance writer. She writes on ...
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