If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than Sheet Pan Quesadillas! This recipe takes the classic Tex-Mex favorite and transforms it into a convenient sheet pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or casual dinners with friends. With minimal prep and cleanup required, you’ll have delicious, cheesy quesadillas ready to enjoy in no time. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this versatile dish.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas (quantity depends on the number of quesadillas desired)
- Shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Cooked protein of your choice (shredded chicken, cooked ground beef or turkey, beans, etc.)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Lay out half of the tortillas on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add your desired cooked protein on top of the cheese layer.
- If using any optional toppings, sprinkle them over the protein layer.
3. Top with More Cheese and Tortillas:
- Place another tortilla on top of each assembled quesadilla to create a sandwich.
- Press down lightly to flatten the quesadillas and ensure the layers stick together.
- Sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top of each quesadilla.
4. Bake the Quesadillas:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
5. Slice and Serve:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the quesadillas cool slightly.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice each quesadilla into wedges or squares.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cooked Protein Options: Experiment with different cooked proteins such as shredded chicken, cooked ground beef or turkey, black beans, or refried beans to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian Quesadillas: Omit the meat altogether and load up your quesadillas with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Customized Toppings: Get creative with your toppings by adding diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any other toppings you love.
Keto Versions and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Low-Carb Tortillas: Use low-carb tortillas or wraps made from almond flour, coconut flour, or flaxseed meal to reduce the carb content of the quesadillas.
- High-Fat Proteins: Choose high-fat proteins such as shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon, or grilled shrimp to keep the fat content high and the carb count low.
Low-Carb Version:
- Cheese Crust: Forgo the tortillas altogether and create a cheese crust by spreading shredded cheese in a thin layer on the baking sheet. Bake until melted and bubbly, then add your toppings and bake until heated through.
- Portobello Mushrooms: Use large portobello mushroom caps as a low-carb alternative to tortillas. Fill them with cheese, protein, and toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Feel free to use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas tend to be smaller and thinner than flour tortillas, so you may need to adjust the quantity and cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
While quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can certainly prepare them ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. Simply assemble the quesadillas as instructed, then cover and refrigerate until needed. When ready to eat, bake in the oven until heated through and cheese is melted.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or place them on a baking sheet in the oven and bake until warmed to your liking.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas are a convenient and delicious meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, these cheesy, flavorful quesadillas are sure to satisfy. With endless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, you can customize them to create your perfect meal. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of Sheet Pan Quesadillas tonight!
