With just 3 simple ingredients and endless customization options, this is your go-to guide for a perfect, golden-brown cheese quesadilla every time.
Every person on this planet should know how to make a quesadilla, and I’m here to give that to you! Add a tortilla to a hot, greased pan and then top it with shredded cheese and another tortilla. Let the bottom tortilla brown and then flip and cook the other side.
I love making cheese quesadillas when “there’s nothing to eat,” and my toddler loves them too! My recipe is made with flour tortillas, shredded cheddar cheese, and olive oil/butter and is a great starting point to make this in so many different ways.
PS: our recipe for the cheese quesadilla is definitely Mexican-inspired, but not authentic as we’re using shredded cheddar cheese instead of an authentic Mexican cheese.
What You Need for this Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
- Tortillas: our favorite kind of tortilla to use for the cheese quesadilla is flour. It’s chewy and cooks to golden brown very easily. You can use a corn tortilla if you must, but it won’t come out as gummy.
- Shredded cheese: we love a classic shredded sharp cheddar cheese for this very basic cheese quesadilla recipe.
- Olive oil/butter: Typically, I use either butter or olive oil. Butter seems to help crisp up the edges better, but it’s really user preference.
Variations
Use a different cheese: we kept things super simple (and very American) with shredded cheddar cheese. The option is yours to use whatever kind of cheese you wish! Try:
- mozzarella
- Mexican cheddar blend
- Colby jack
Add a protein: amp up this protein in this recipe and use cooked chicken (rotisserie is my favorite!), black beans, or even shrimp!
Switch up the tortilla: feel free to use any kind of tortilla. We have had the best success with flour tortillas, but you can also try whole wheat or corn.
Best Cheese for Quesadillas
Traditionally, queso de Oaxaca is the type of cheese used in Mexico for quesadillas. It is similar to mozzarella cheese and melts very easily.
In our cheese quesadilla recipe, we’re using cheddar cheese. Below you will find some other cheeses that work well for quesadillas.
Top 5 Kinds of Cheese for Quesadillas
- Cheddar cheese
- Mexican cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Colby Jack cheese
- Gouda cheese
I recommend shredding your own cheese!
You can buy any of these cheeses pre-shredded, or you can buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself – and this is 100% what I recommend. Freshly shredded cheese doesn’t have any of those additives like bagged cheese, and it’s just so much better.
Check out our post on how to grate cheese!
Storage
Let your quesadillas cool completely. Then, transfer them into an airtight container and seal. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: the easiest way to reheat them is in the microwave. Microwave on high for about 60 seconds. You can also air fryer at 350ºF for 1 minute!
How to Serve Your Cheese Quesadilla
Don’t even think about eating your cheese quesadilla without toppings! Here are just a few of our favs:
- Sour cream/Greek yogurt
- More cheese
- Salsa
- Fresh cilantro
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Hot sauce
Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, or olive oil
- 2 8-inch flour tortillas
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese*
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons salsa, any kind
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter.
- Once the butter melts, add one of the tortillas to the pan and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the tortilla. Top the shredded cheese with the second tortilla.
- Let the bottom tortilla crisp up until golden brown (3-4 minutes) and then carefully flip the quesadilla over with a spatula. Sometimes I like to cover my pan with the top to make sure the cheese melts. Continue cooking the quesadilla until the second tortilla becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Cut the quesadilla into fourths and top the quesadilla with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Notes
- I always recommend freshly shredding your cheese. If you shred your own cheese, then it won’t have any additives on it like bagged shredded cheese.
- Other shredded cheeses that work well for cheese quesadillas include mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Mexican-blend cheddar.
- Feel free to add a cooked protein into your quesadilla such as shredded chicken, beans, beef, or pork.
- Nutrition information does not include toppings.
- Air Fryer Directions: assemble your quesadilla right inside your air fryer. Air fry at 400ºF for 3 minutes and then flip. Air fry for 3 more minutes.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #cheeseknees, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
I must say, this quesadilla was comfort food at its finest. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack when you’re in the mood for something easy and delicious.
So glad you loved this recipe as much as we do!
Thanks for this delicious recipe! i am loving it
Such a simple yet delicious recipe!