Description
This recipe for Crispy Oven-Baked Quesadillas offers a quick and easy way to enjoy cheesy, crunchy quesadillas without the need for frying. Using your oven for cooking, these quesadillas come out golden brown and perfectly crispy, with customizable fillings such as chicken, beans, or vegetables, making them a versatile and delightful meal or snack in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Quesadilla Base
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Place two of the flour tortillas flat on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly spread the shredded cheese over these tortillas, then add your choice of cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables along with salsa and chopped onions. Sprinkle the chili powder and cumin evenly over the fillings, leaving a small border near the edges to help seal the quesadilla.
- Top With Tortillas: Place the remaining two tortillas on top of the filled ones and gently press down to compact the ingredients and help them stick together during baking.
- Brush With Oil: Lightly brush the top tortillas with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This step is key to achieving a crispy, golden exterior once baked.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the quesadillas in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully flip each quesadilla using a spatula, then bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the oven and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes to firm up slightly, making them easier to cut. Slice into wedges and serve warm with your favorite sides such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa.
Notes
- Customize your fillings as preferred; shredded chicken, black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a combination works well.
- Adjust spices to taste; adding more chili powder or cumin can enhance flavor.
- To make cleanup easier, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet.
- For extra crispiness, ensure tortillas are brushed evenly with oil.
- Allow quesadillas to cool slightly after baking to prevent the cheese from spilling out when cutting.
