Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

Prepare cheese blend

In a medium bowl combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; toss gently to distribute. This ensures even seasoning inside each quesadilla.

Heat pan

Place a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon neutral oil and swirl to coat the pan. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning when it’s added later.

Butter the tortilla

Lightly butter one side of a tortilla with about 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter. The buttered side will be the outside that contacts the skillet to create a golden, crisp exterior.

Assemble in pan

Place the tortilla butter-side-down in the heated skillet. Quickly sprinkle about 3/4 cup of the cheese blend evenly over the tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with a second tortilla buttered on the outside if you prefer a double-layer, or leave single and fold (see note).

Cook first side

Cook for 1.5–2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Reduce heat to medium-low if the tortilla browns too quickly before the cheese melts.

Flip and finish

Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula. If you assembled with two tortillas, press gently with the spatula to help the cheeses meld. Cook the second side 1.5–2 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted. If using a single tortilla folded in half, press and cook similarly, checking that the cheese is melted.

Rest and slice

Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute to allow the cheese to set slightly (this prevents excessive oozing). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice into 4 wedges per quesadilla.

Repeat

Repeat steps for the remaining tortillas and cheese, adding more butter (about 1/2 tablespoon per tortilla) to the skillet as needed.

Arrange sour cream, salsa and guacamole in small bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve lime wedges on the side. Offer wedges alongside the sliced quesadillas for squeezing over just before eating.