Description

This recipe for Crispy Oven-Baked Quesadillas features golden, crunchy quesadillas filled with melted cheese and optional fillings such as chicken, beans, or vegetables. Perfectly baked in the oven for a healthier alternative to fried quesadillas, they are quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

Optional Fillings

1 cup cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables
1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped green onions or red onions
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin

For Crisping

Olive oil or cooking spray, for brushing

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Assemble Quesadillas Bottom Layer: Place two flour tortillas on the baking sheet and evenly spread the shredded cheese and any optional fillings like cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables over them, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
Add Additional Flavorings: Add salsa or diced tomatoes, chopped onions, chili powder, and cumin evenly over the fillings to build layers of flavor.
Top with Second Tortillas: Place the remaining two tortillas on top of the filled ones and gently press down to secure the layers together.
Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the tops of the quesadillas with olive oil or lightly spray them with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy texture during baking.
Bake First Side: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
Flip and Bake Other Side: Carefully flip the quesadillas and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the other side is equally golden and crispy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the oven and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Notes

You can customize the filling with cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables according to your preference or dietary needs.
Using olive oil or cooking spray helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
Be careful when flipping the quesadillas to avoid breaking them; using a large spatula helps.
Letting the quesadillas rest briefly after baking allows the cheese to set slightly for easier slicing.
To keep quesadillas crispy, serve immediately after baking.