Classic Cheese Tortilla Dish (Printable Version)

Toasted tortillas layered with melted cheese and seasoned vegetables, ready in 20 minutes.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Tortillas

01 - 4 large flour tortillas

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

→ Optional Fillings

03 - 5 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small zucchini, diced
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Cooking

11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

# How-To Steps:

01 - If using chicken and vegetables, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and sauté the diced vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine and warm through. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Place one tortilla flat and evenly spread about 1/4 of the shredded cheese over half of it. Add the filling mixture and a sprinkle of cilantro, then top with another quarter of the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
03 - Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the folded quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
04 - Cut each cooked quesadilla into wedges. Serve immediately with optional salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, and you can customize every single quesadilla to suit whoever is eating.
  • The contrast between the crispy tortilla and the melted cheese inside is pure comfort without any fuss.
  • You can make this with whatever you have on hand, and it still tastes like you planned it.
02 -
  • Don't turn the heat too high or the tortilla will brown before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crunchy shell and cold filling.
  • Always add cheese on both sides of the filling so everything sticks together and you get that gooey bite in every piece.
  • If your tortilla starts to unfold while cooking, press it down gently with the spatula and it will hold once the cheese begins to melt.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the tortilla a perfect golden crust.
  • Grate your own cheese from a block, it melts smoother and tastes fresher than the pre-shredded kind.
  • If you want extra flavor, brush the outside of the tortilla with a little butter before it goes in the pan.
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