Description
These crispy cheese quesadilla triangles are a quick and easy after school snack featuring a blend of gooey cheeses and golden, crunchy tortillas. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re endlessly customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8-inch flour tortillas (soft, 4 pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 oz)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 oz, optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 1 oz)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- Optional: 2 strips chopped cooked bacon
- Optional: Thinly sliced jalapeños, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Shred all cheeses and set aside. Chop any optional add-ins, like onions, jalapeños, or cooked bacon. Measure out butter and have your tortillas ready.
- Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat the pan.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup cheese evenly across the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Add any optional fillings.
- Place another tortilla on top and press gently. Alternatively, fold a single tortilla in half for a thicker, crispier edge.
- Transfer the assembled quesadilla to the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Press down lightly with a spatula.
- Flip the quesadilla. Add a little more butter if needed. Cook another 2–3 minutes, watching for bubbling cheese and crispy edges.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute. Slice into triangles using a sharp knife.
- Arrange triangles on a plate. Sprinkle with a little salt or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Notes
For extra crispiness, fry one quesadilla at a time and wipe the pan between batches. Shred your own cheese for best melt. Keep finished triangles warm in a low oven if making a big batch. Use gluten-free or whole wheat tortillas for dietary needs. Add veggies, beans, or protein for variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 triangles
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: quesadilla, cheese, crispy, snack, after school, easy, kid-friendly, Mexican, quick, party food