3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla Recipe (2024)

In this post, we'll guide you through the process of making this 3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla Recipe with easy-to-follow steps. Cheese quesadillas taste great on their own but also go well with your favorite Mexican food, paired with your favorite protein, or served with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as a kid-friendly snack. Try this easy recipe today!

Cheese Quesadillas are a quick and easy Mexican favorite that feature soft tortillas filled with gooey melted cheese. They can be served as a quick snack, a satisfying lunch, or even a party appetizer. These cheese melts originated in Mexico and have evolved over time, making them a well loved favorite worldwide. Quesadillas are the Mexican version of the American grilled cheese.

Why we love this recipe:

• It's quick & easy - Only 3 ingredients, some shredding, and a spatula flip before this simple cheese quesadilla is ready to eat. Go from refrigerator to serving dish in under five minutes!
• It's kid-friendly - Cheese quesadillas make an awesome after-school snack for kids. Double the recipe and their friends will be happy, too!
• It's versatile - Add in leftover veggies, some shredded chicken or beef, or serve them with a variety of dipping sauces.

Looking for more amazing Mexican recipes? Try our Restaurant Style Guacamole or these easy Air Fryer Tostadas.

What Ingredients Will You Need?

• Flour Tortillas - Soft and pliable, these jumbo tortillas form the perfect base for your cheesy creation.
• Quesadilla Cheese - We typically use White Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Colby cheese since it can be easily found in the grocery store. Authentic Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca cheese or Chihuahua would also be perfect for quesadillas because they melt so easily. *See Cheese Guide in post below.
• Olive Oil - To achieve that beautiful golden brown exterior, lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil.

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Instructions

How to Make the 3 Ingredient Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

STEP ONE: Prepare the Cheese

Begin by shredding all the cheese using a cheese grater.

STEP TWO: Prepare the Tortilla

With a pastry brush, lightly coat one side of each flour tortilla with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

STEP THREE: Cook the Quesadillas

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, place one tortilla with the oiled side down, making sure it lies flat and unfolded. Sprinkle a generous amount of the shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.

Carefully fold the other side of the tortilla over the cheese, creating a half-moon shape. Cook the quesadilla for about one minute, gently pressing down with a spatula to help it cook evenly. Once the bottom side turns golden brown, flip the quesadilla to brown the other side as well.

STEP FOUR: Cut and Serve

Once both sides are nicely browned and the cheese is melted, remove the quesadilla from the pan and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the quesadilla into single-serve wedges.

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

• Tortillas - Wheat flour tortillas make a good substitute. You could also try corn tortillas.
• Cheese - Experiment with multiple grated cheese varieties (mozzarella cheese, provolone, etc.) to provide different flavors.
• Olive oil - Olive oil could be replaced with a tablespoon of butter.

How Can You Change This Recipe Up?

• Method - Make air fryer cheese quesadillas by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese is melted, and the tortilla is crispy.
• Protein Add-ins - This recipe is great with just cheese, but you could also add shredded chicken, cooked ground beef or shredded beef, and even grilled shrimp if you want more protein in your diet.
• Vegetable Add-ins - Add bell peppers, grilled onion, corn, black beans, and other veggies for a delicious Meatless Monday or Vegetarian weeknight meal.
• Course - Breakfast tortillas with egg, bacon, and cheese or dessert tortillas with cinnamon and sugar are a popular favorite, too.

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

_{This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.}

• Non-stick frying pan or an electric griddle
• Spatula
• Cheese grater
• Pizza cutter or Knife
• Cutting board

How Should You Store This?

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Wrap wedges individually in aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

This dish is not freezer friendly.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

You can buy pre-shredded cheese to save time if you're in a hurry, but block cheese tends to melt better.

Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before assembling for even melting.

Reheat leftover cheese quesadillas in an air fryer to help retain their crispy texture.

Guide to Best Cheeses for Quesadillas

When making quesadillas, the best cheese to use is one that melts well, is easy to find, and tastes great! Here are some excellent choices:

1. Oaxaca Cheese: This is a traditional Mexican cheese that is stringy when melted, similar to mozzarella, and has a mild flavor. It’s perfect for quesadillas due to its smooth melting qualities.
2. Cheddar Cheese: A sharper option that adds more flavor to your quesadilla. It melts well and gives a nice stretch.
3. Monterey Jack: Known for its mild flavor and good melting properties, this cheese blends well with various ingredients.
4. Asadero: Another traditional Mexican cheese, Asadero is similar to Oaxaca but with a slightly different flavor profile. It melts uniformly and is great for a gooey quesadilla.
5. Mozzarella: While not traditional, it’s a good melting cheese that can be used in quesadillas for a creamy texture.

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Have Leftover Ingredients?

• Leftover cheese can be used on this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad.
• Excess tortillas can be brushed with butter, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, then toasted in the air fryer for a sweet kid-friendly snack.
• Leftover quesadillas go very well with a salad for a light lunch.

In The Mood For a Similar Dish?

• Healthy Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas
• Sheet Pan Nachos

Need Something To Pair This With?

• Cowboy Caviar
• Tomato and Avocado Side Salad
• Chipotle Pinto Beans

More Mexican recipes you will love:

Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Recipe

Important Food Safety Tips

• Create a clean work area.
• Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
• Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
• Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
• Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.