Name: Oven Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Use your favorite blend of cheeses); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 6 large flour tortillas; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 0.5 cup diced cooked chicken (Optional)

Okay, friends, let’s talk about dinner. Specifically, let’s talk about the kind of dinner that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, tastes absolutely incredible, and that even your pickiest eaters will devour. If you’re a fan of quick, customizable meals like tacos, then you’re going to *love* these oven quesadillas. Forget standing over a hot stove flipping individual quesadillas! This method is a total game-changer. I remember my mom making these for us growing up, and it was always such a treat. The smell of warm tortillas and melted cheese wafting through the house… pure comfort food bliss! And the best part? It’s so simple that even I, the queen of kitchen mishaps, can pull it off flawlessly every time. These Oven Quesadillas will be the highlight of your week!

What are oven quesadillas?

Think of Oven Quesadillas as a giant, shareable quesadilla pie! It’s essentially layers of tortillas filled with your favorite quesadilla ingredients, baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. It’s a hands-off way to make a ton of quesadillas at once instead of standing by the stove toasting each one. This is especially perfect for busy families and great for parties. You can think of it as a lazy girl’s quesadilla – all the flavors you love, with minimal effort. I mean, who doesn’t love that? It’s essentially a stacked enchilada, but with a cheesy, crispy tortilla twist!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this oven quesadillas recipe is a total winner. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. The tortillas get perfectly crispy around the edges, while the filling is warm, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. It is seriously delicious!

But what I love most about this recipe is how unbelievably simple it is to make. Seriously, you just layer everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required! This one’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re short on time and energy.

And let’s not forget about the cost-efficiency! What are some of the best ingredients to cook in a grocery store? What are some of the best ways to use up leftover protein? How can I reduce food waste and save money?

What are some of the best recipes for a vegetarian? What are some great side dishes to serve as a main course? What are some good breakfast recipes? My kids ask for this all the time, and I love that I can easily adapt it to their individual needs. Some like spicy, some like plain – it’s all good!

How do I make oven quesadillas?

Quick Overview

Making oven quesadillas is incredibly easy! Simply layer tortillas with cheese and your favorite fillings in a baking dish, then bake until golden and bubbly. It’s a super simple method that requires minimal effort and yields delicious results every time. The oven does most of the work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks. I promise, it’s even easier than ordering takeout!

Ingredients

For the Tortillas:
You’ll need about 8-10 large flour tortillas. I prefer using burrito-sized ones, as they provide a nice, generous base for the filling. Is there a gluten-free version of tortilla?

For the Cheese:
What is the best way to melt cheese? I typically use shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you can also use any combination of them. What are some good spicy pepper jacks? How do you enjoy a cheesy snack?

For the Filling:
Where can I get creative? Some of my favorite fillings include cooked chicken or ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes, and a few other ingredients. What are some of the best leftover roasted veggies? What are the possibilities for filling?

How do I learn to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you prevent tortillas from sticking to your hands?

Step 2: Layer the First Tortilla

Place one tortilla in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. It’s okay if it hangs over the edges a bit – that’s actually a good thing, as it will create a nice, crispy crust.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Filling

Sprinkle about 1/3 of the cheese over the tortilla, followed by 1/3 the filling. Don’t be afraid to load it up! Just make sure to spread everything evenly so that each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Repeat Layers

Top with another tortilla, followed by another layer of cheese and filling. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all of your ingredients, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. How do I stop cheese from oozing out?

5. What to Serve It With

Oven Quesadillas are super versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

For a casual dinner:Serve with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, and sour cream. What is a good salad with lime vinaigrettes?

For a Party Appetizer:Can you cut the quesadillas into smaller squares or triangles and serve with a variety of dipping sauces? What are some examples of salsa, guacamole, queso, and ranch dressing?

For a Quick Lunch:Can you serve a quesadilla on its own? Is tomato soup better than tortilla soup?

My family loves to top theirs with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. What is the best way to add freshness to a dish? Can you go wrong with any of these combinations? What’s your mood? I love to serve this with a cold margarita!

What are some tips for perfecting your oven quesadillas?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure that my oven quesadillas turn out perfectly. What are some of my top tips?

Don’t Overfill:Is it tempting to fill up on quesadillas? Stick to a reasonable amount and spread everything evenly.

What is the best way to use melted cheese?How do I get that gooey, cheesy cheese you want? What are some good cheeses to try: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella?

How do I prepare my oven?How do you make tortillas crispy around the edges?

Let It Cool Slightly: What is it likeAs tempting as it may be to dive in right away, letting the quesadillas cool for a few minutes will keep them from sticking. What is the best way to slice a potato and serve it? Why does cheese oozing out all over the place?

Experiment with Fillings:Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! What are some ways to customize the flavor of a vegetable? What are some of the best quesadillas you’ve ever had?

Use Two Baking Dishes: If you’re making a large batch, consider using two 9×13 inch baking dishes instead of piling everything into one. This will ensure that the quesadillas bake evenly and prevent them from becoming too thick.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Oven quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap individual slices of quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated quesadillas, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may not be as crispy. Frozen quesadillas can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight or reheated directly from frozen, but they may require a longer baking time.

I always recommend adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of salsa before reheating to freshen things up. I also like to reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop for a super crispy tortilla!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and load up on veggies like black beans, corn, peppers, and onions. You can also add some crumbled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, but keep in mind that corn tortillas are more prone to tearing. I recommend using a thicker, more sturdy variety. You may also want to lightly heat them before assembling the quesadillas to make them more pliable.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

How can I make this spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling. You can also use a spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?

You can use any oven-safe dish that’s large enough to accommodate the quesadillas. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller dish may require a longer baking time, while a larger dish may require a shorter baking time.

Final Thoughts

Okay, friends, I hope you’re as excited about this oven quesadillas recipe as I am! It’s truly one of my go-to weeknight dinners, and I know you’re going to love it too. It’s easy, delicious, and totally customizable – what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for other quick and easy dinner ideas, be sure to check out my other recipes for tacos, enchiladas, and pasta dishes. And don’t forget to let me know how your oven quesadillas turn out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your variations and creations. Happy cooking!

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