Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

Prepare cheese blend

In a bowl combine shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to distribute seasoning.

Heat skillet

Place a 10-12 inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil if using and swirl to coat. Allow pan to warm for about 1 minute; oil should shimmer but not smoke.

Butter tortillas

While the skillet heats, spread about 1/2 tablespoon (half of the butter for each side use) of softened butter evenly on one side of a tortilla. Repeat for as many tortillas as you'll cook at once (pan size will determine if you cook 1 or 2 at a time).

Assemble quesadilla in pan

Place a buttered-side-down tortilla in the hot skillet. Immediately sprinkle about 3/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a 1/4 inch border. Top with a second tortilla, buttered-side-up.

Cook first side

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, watching for the edge to turn golden and the cheese to begin melting. Use a spatula to lift the edge occasionally. Adjust heat to medium-low if browning too quickly.

Flip and finish

Carefully flip the quesadilla using a wide spatula (or transfer to a plate and invert back into the skillet). Cook the second side 1.5 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Press lightly with spatula for even contact.

Transfer and rest

Transfer quesadilla to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute to set so the cheese doesn't run out when cut.

Slice and serve

Cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately with optional sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Repeat

Repeat the assembly and cooking steps with remaining ingredients until all tortillas and cheese are used, adding remaining butter to skillet as needed (about 1/2 tablespoon per tortilla cooked).

Place sour cream, salsa and guacamole in small bowls for dipping. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the quesadilla wedges and serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over as desired.