How To Make Quesadillas

Corn vs Flour: Which Tortilla is Better for Quesadillas?

Choosing the perfect tortilla for quesadillas is crucial for achieving the desired result. Let's analyze the characteristics of each type:

Corn Tortillas

Flavor: Provide a more intense and traditional taste.
Texture: Firmer and more compact.
Size: Generally smaller, ideal for individual quesadillas.
Nutritional benefits: Fewer calories, gluten-free, and more fiber.

Flour Tortillas

Flavor: More neutral taste that complements fillings well.
Texture: Softer and more flexible.
Size: Larger, perfect for abundant quesadillas.
Nutritional benefits: Higher in iron and protein.

Cooking Behavior

Corn: Require more care to avoid breaking when folding.
Flour: Easier to handle and less likely to break.

Versatility

Corn: Ideal for traditional Mexican fillings.
Flour: Better for fusion dishes and abundant fillings.

For an authentic Mexican experience and nutritional benefits, choose corn tortillas. However, if you're looking for versatility and ease of preparation, flour tortillas are your best option.

The Best Cheeses for Quesadillas

The ideal cheeses for quesadillas should have good melting properties and flavor. Here are the best ones:

Traditional Mexican Cheeses

Oaxaca: White cheese with a string cheese-like texture, excellent for melting with a mild and creamy flavor.
Asadero: Creamy traditional Mexican cheese, perfect for melting.
Chihuahua: Excellent choice for its melting properties.
Queso Quesadilla: Specifically designed for this dish.

Common and Accessible Cheeses

Monterey Jack: Classic option with mild flavor and excellent melting.
Cheddar: Provides a more intense flavor and melts very well.
Mozzarella: Excellent for achieving uniform melting and elastic texture.

Recommended Combinations

Mexican blend: Combination of cheeses including cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero.
Colby Jack: Blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses resulting in a mild and creamy flavor.

Oaxaca cheese is considered the best cheese for quesadillas due to its superior melting capacity and authentic Mexican flavor. For best results, grate it right before using.

Ingredients

To prepare traditional chicken and cheese quesadillas, you'll need these basic ingredients. The key is in the quality of each element:

Corn tortillas: 2-3 pieces per quesadilla - Traditional Mexican base.
Oaxaca cheese: 150g - Main cheese that provides the characteristic string texture.
Chicken: 200g shredded - Main protein, previously cooked and seasoned.
Vegetable oil: 1 teaspoon - For browning the tortillas.
Salt: To taste - To adjust flavor.
Onion: 1/4 piece diced - Accompanies the chicken and adds flavor.
Serrano pepper: 1 piece (optional) - For adding heat to taste.

How to Make Quesadillas from Scratch

Quesadillas are a Mexican dish that combines simplicity and flavor. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect quesadilla with the ingredients we have ready:

Step 1: Ingredient Preparation

Shred the pre-cooked chicken (200g) and mix it with diced onion (1/4 piece) and salt to taste. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Grate the Oaxaca cheese (150g) and finely chop the serrano pepper (1 piece). Keep the avocado (1/2 piece) sliced and ready to serve.

Step 2: Tortilla Preparation

Heat the pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil, distributing it evenly.
Place the corn tortilla and heat for 30 seconds until flexible and slightly golden.

Step 3: Assembling the Quesadilla

Add a generous portion of grated Oaxaca cheese over half of the tortilla and wait 20 seconds for it to begin melting.
Evenly distribute the chicken and onion mixture over the cheese and add serrano pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cooking

Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling, and press lightly with a spatula.
Cook for 2 minutes on each side until the cheese is completely melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serving

Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it rest for 30 seconds to allow the cheese to set.
Serve immediately with fresh avocado slices (optional) and additional serrano pepper to taste.

For the best quesadillas, ensure the pan is well-heated before starting and don't overload the filling to prevent the cheese from overflowing while melting.

The Secret to Perfect Cheese Melting Without Overflow

The perfect technique for melting cheese in quesadillas requires attention to several important details:

Cheese Preparation

Fresh Grating: Grate the cheese right before using to prevent oxidation and drying, avoiding pre-shredded commercial cheese.
Temperature: Keep the cheese at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to ensure uniform and smooth melting.
Amount: Use exactly 1/2 cup of cheese per quesadilla, distributing it in a thin and uniform layer.

Distribution Technique

Coverage: Spread the cheese evenly leaving a 1 cm border to prevent overflow when melting.
Layers: Place the cheese between hot ingredients to accelerate the melting process and create a creamy texture.
Edges: Keep a 1.5 cm cheese-free border at the edges to properly seal the quesadilla.

Temperature Control

Low-medium heat: Maintain a constant temperature between 150-180°C for perfect melting without burning the tortilla.
Time: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, flipping only once to maintain uniform heat.
Lid: Cover the pan for 30 seconds at the end to let the steam finish melting the cheese.

The final secret lies in patience: cooking over medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt uniformly while the tortilla browns perfectly without burning.

Tips to Prevent Quesadillas from Breaking When Folding

To achieve perfect quesadillas without breaks, these are the most effective tricks:

Proper Handling

Flexibility: Ensure the tortilla is flexible before folding it.
Gentle Pressure: When folding, apply uniform but gentle pressure with the spatula.
Controlled Filling: Avoid excess liquid ingredients that can moisten and break the tortilla.

Correct Temperature

Pre-heating: Never fold tortillas at room temperature, heat them beforehand to activate their flexibility.
Ideal Time: Heat each side for 10-30 seconds until they become soft and flexible.

Heating Method

Pan or Griddle: Use high heat until the surface is very hot.
Microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a clean cloth and heat for 20 seconds.
Toaster: Heat at medium power for 30 seconds.

Storage During Preparation

Tortilla Warmer: Keep tortillas warm in a tortilla warmer while using them.
Damp Cloth: If you don't have a tortilla warmer, cover the tortillas with a slightly damp cloth.

With these tricks and proper practice, you'll achieve perfectly folded quesadillas without breaks every time.

How Long Should I Cook the Quesadilla on Each Side?

The ideal cooking time for each side of the quesadilla will depend on several factors. Here are the precise details:

Time per Side

First side: 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cheese begins to melt.
Second side: 1-2 minutes until achieving uniform browning.

Temperature Adjustments

Medium-high heat: To start cooking and achieve browning.
Medium heat: Reduce if the tortilla is browning too quickly.

Visual Cues

First side: The cheese should begin to melt and the tortilla show light browning.
Second side: The tortilla should be crispy and the cheese completely melted.

Cooking Tips

Pressure: Apply light pressure with the spatula for uniform browning.
Temperature: Ensure the pan is well heated before starting.
Monitoring: Watch constantly to prevent burning.

The total cooking time should not exceed 5-6 minutes to maintain the tortilla crispy on the outside and the filling hot inside.

How to Keep Quesadillas Warm When Serving Multiple Portions

There are several effective methods to keep quesadillas warm when preparing multiple portions:

Oven Method

Ideal Temperature: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) to maintain heat without continuing to cook.
Wire Rack: Place quesadillas on a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
Separator Paper: If you need to stack quesadillas, place parchment paper between each layer.

Cloth Method

Damp Towel: Wrap quesadillas in a slightly damp kitchen towel.
Aluminum Foil: Cover the damp towel with aluminum foil to better retain heat.
Basket: Place everything in a covered basket for better heat retention.

Professional Method

Parchment Paper: Separate quesadillas and wrap them in parchment paper.
Double Wrapping: Cover the parchment paper with aluminum foil.
Sealed Bag: Place everything in a gallon-size plastic bag to maintain heat.

The most effective method is keeping them in the oven at 150°C on a wire rack, as this allows them to stay warm and crispy for longer.

Essential Sauces and Side Dishes for Quesadillas

Quesadillas reach their peak flavor when served with the right sauces and garnishes. Here are the most traditional accompaniments:

Traditional Sauces

Red Salsa: Prepared with roasted tomatoes, jalapeño or serrano peppers, garlic, and onion for a traditional flavor.
Green Salsa: Made with green chilies, boiled tomatillos, cilantro, and onion, adding a fresh and tangy touch.
Guacamole: Made with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Fresh Salads

Tomato and Onion: Mix of fresh tomatoes, purple onion, and cilantro with olive oil and lime.
Avocado and Cucumber: Refreshing combination with red onion and cilantro.
Cabbage and Carrot: Shredded cabbage and carrots with vinaigrette to add texture.

Classic Accompaniments

Pico de Gallo: Prepared with tomatoes, onion, serrano peppers, cilantro, and lime.
Refried Beans: Traditional complement that adds creaminess.
Cream and Cheese: To give a final touch of flavor and texture.

Additional Garnishes

Tortilla Chips: Add crunchy texture.
Mexican Rice: Versatile and hearty complement.
Steamed Vegetables: Light and healthy option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What type of cheese is best to use?

A: Oaxaca cheese is the best choice for its excellent melting capability and authentic flavor, though you can also use Chihuahua or Monterey Jack cheese as alternatives. The key is to grate the cheese right before using it for the best melting results.

Q: What is the ideal temperature for cooking quesadillas?

A: The ideal temperature is medium-high heat (approximately 150-180°C/300-350°F) to achieve uniform browning of the tortilla while the cheese melts perfectly. It's important to preheat the pan before starting.

Q: How to prevent cheese from overflowing?

A: Leave approximately a 1 cm border without cheese around the tortilla and distribute the cheese evenly, using about 1/2 cup per quesadilla. It's also important not to overload the filling.

Q: How long should each side be cooked?

A: Cook the first side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, then flip and cook the second side for an additional 1-2 minutes until achieving uniform browning.