Crispy oven baked quesadillas Recipe

Crispy Oven-Baked Quesadillas are a healthier and easier alternative to traditional pan-fried quesadillas. By baking them in the oven, you get crispy, golden edges without the extra oil. These quesadillas are filled with melted cheese, your choice of protein, and flavorful seasonings. Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or beef, pork, or beans for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup sautéed bell peppers and onions (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese with your choice of protein (shredded chicken, beef, beans, or any filling you prefer).
• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin (optional), salt, and pepper. You can also add sautéed bell peppers and onions for added flavor and crunch.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas:

• Place a tortilla flat on the counter or a cutting board.
• Spread a portion of the cheese and filling mixture evenly across the tortilla.
• Top with another tortilla, pressing down gently to help seal the quesadilla.

4. Bake the Quesadillas:

• Brush both sides of the stacked tortilla with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up as they bake.
• Place the prepared quesadillas on the lined baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides become golden and crispy. If you prefer a deeper crunch, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.

5. Slice and Serve:

• Once crispy and golden brown, remove the quesadillas from the oven and let them cool for a minute before slicing them into wedges.
• Serve with your favorite dips like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor.

Tips:

• Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the filling for some heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini as your filling.
• Cheese Mix: For more flavor, try using a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack.
• Add extra toppings: You can also top the quesadillas with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado after baking.

These Crispy Oven-Baked Quesadillas are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. With their golden, crispy crust and gooey cheese filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite!