Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy avocado quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. They combine creamy, flavorful avocado with gooey, melted cheese all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Plus, making them at home is easy, and you can customize the flavors to your liking. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy fresh ingredients.
How to Make Cheesy Avocado Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- Large Flour Tortillas: 8 (10-inch size is ideal for folding)
- Ripe Avocados: 3 large Hass avocados
- Shredded Cheese: 3 cups of a good melting blend (like Mexican Blend, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca)
- Fresh Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (from about 1 large lime)
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, finely chopped (optional, but recommended)
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon (adjust to your spice preference)
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Fine Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon, plus more for sprinkling
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly cracked
- Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons, for cooking
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Filling
First, let’s create the star of the show. Halve your avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Immediately add the 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. This is crucial—not only does it add a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the avocado and cheese, but the acid also helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly. Using a fork, mash the avocados to your desired consistency. Some prefer it completely smooth and creamy, while others enjoy a few chunks for texture. Once mashed, add the chopped cilantro (if using), ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the avocado mash. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Set the bowl aside.
Step 2: Set Up Your Quesadilla Assembly Station
Efficiency is key for a smooth cooking process. Lay out your tortillas on a clean work surface. Open your bag of shredded cheese and have your bowl of avocado mash and a spoon or spatula ready. This assembly line approach will make building the quesadillas quick.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Take one tortilla and mentally divide it in half. Spread a generous layer of the avocado mixture over one half of the tortilla, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edge to prevent the filling from squeezing out during cooking. Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheese over the avocado mash. We recommend about ⅓ to ½ cup of cheese per quesadilla. Carefully fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled half, pressing down gently. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas until you have a lineup of ready-to-cook quesadillas.
Step 4: Cook to Golden-Brown Perfection
Place a large non-stick skillet, cast-iron pan, or griddle over medium heat. Add about a teaspoon of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and let it melt. Place one or two quesadillas in the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side until golden-brown and crispy. Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s equally golden and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Rest, Cut, and Serve
Remove the cooked quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute, then slice it into wedges. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas
Serve these delicious quesadillas with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. They are perfect for a casual meal or appetizer. You can also add fresh veggies on the side or a light salad to round out the meal.
How to Store Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can easily reheat them in a skillet on low heat until they are warm and crispy again.
Tips to Make Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas
- Choose ripe avocados for the best creamy texture.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; medium heat helps achieve the perfect crispy tortilla.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked chicken, beans, or sautéed peppers for variety.
Variation
You can switch up the fillings by using different types of cheese, adding chicken, or even using different spices to suit your taste. You can also try whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado filling and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Just cook them right before serving for the best taste.
2. What type of cheese works best?
A good melting cheese such as Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca works best. However, feel free to use what you enjoy most!
3. Can I freeze leftover quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked quesadillas. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or skillet when ready to enjoy.