Quesadillas are my go-to quick meal. I always make sure to have some variety of tortillas and cheese on hand, plus I typically stock vegetables in the fridge, beans in the cupboard, and pre-made salsa. This setup ensures that no matter how hungry my spouse and I are, a delicious quesadilla is just moments away. They’re a consistent crowd-pleaser in our house because they’re both easy to make and delightful to eat.
After years of making quesadillas, I’ve picked up several tips and tricks. I have a favorite skillet that I use exclusively for them, and I’m particular about the brands of tortillas and cheese I buy. I always keep small cans of HERDEZ Salsa Ranchera in stock because they’re inexpensive, the perfect size for about four quesadillas or two if served with chips, and they taste fantastic.
The best tip I’ve mastered is to toast the tortillas on both sides. It might sound overly simple, and sometimes I’m tempted to skip this step, but it truly elevates the dish.
The Benefits of Toasting Both Sides of the Tortillas
Toasting both sides of the tortillas may add an extra minute to your cooking time, but the payoff is significant. It allows the tortilla to crisp up nicely, which helps it hold up against any moist fillings. Not only does it make the quesadilla easier to handle and dip into salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, but it also enhances the flavor, bringing out a delightful toasted taste from the tortillas.
While I recommend using flour tortillas for the best texture, I understand that not everyone includes gluten in their diet. Regardless of the type of tortillas you use, make sure to toast both sides for an optimal eating experience.
Creating the Perfect Quesadillas
For quesadillas that are flaky and crispy on the outside with a gooey, melty middle, follow these tips:
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. My personal preference is an eight to 10-inch cast iron skillet because it’s naturally nonstick and withstands high temperatures well.
Next, prepare the tortillas by lightly oiling them. I use a silicone brush to brush on a thin layer of oil. If I’m feeling particularly lazy, I’ll put a bit of oil on one tortilla, then use another tortilla to spread it around, effectively oiling both tortillas at the same time. Flip one tortilla and rub it against the oily side of the other, then switch and repeat so all sides get a light coating of oil.
Place one of the oiled tortillas in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown spots appear on the underside. Remove it and repeat with the next tortilla. This usually takes less than a minute for each side. If making several quesadillas, it’s efficient to toast one side of all your tortillas at this point.
Now, assemble your quesadilla. Reduce the heat to medium and place one tortilla in the pan, toasted side up. This is crucial, remember which side is up. Add your cheese and other fillings, then either fold the tortilla over or, if you prefer a larger quesadilla, top it with another tortilla, toasted side down. Cook until the bottom is browned and crispy, then flip and cook the other side. If the quesadilla is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, lower the heat.
Savor your perfectly cooked quesadilla with your favorite dips!
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Riley Morgan simplifies health and wellness topics, providing readers with practical advice and insights. Dedicated to empowering others, Riley covers everything from mental health to medical breakthroughs.