Super Cheesy Cheese Quesadilla

Name: Super Cheesy Cheese Quesadilla
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 Flour tortillas; 3 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded); 3 cups Oaxaca cheese (shredded (or mozzarella cheese)); 2 tablespoons butter; Guacamole; Sour Cream; Salsa; Pico de gallo

by Tamara J. on Jun 2, 2023 (updated Apr 15, 2026)

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This cheese quesadilla is gooey melty cheese sandwiched between two buttery, cheese-crusted flour tortillas. It is a three-ingredient, easy cheese quesadilla recipe that is perfect for a quick, filling meal or snack.

For more delicious quesadilla recipes try my Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas and Bacon Cheeseburger Quesadillas next!

Served fresh out of the pan, the cheese quesadilla is one of the most simple and yummy recipes imaginable! If I am ever stumped on what to prepare for a quick lunch or dinner, this is one of the easiest recipes to make.

My family loves it because it tastes even better than what you would order at your favorite sit-down Mexican restaurant or in the drive-thru at Taco Bell. Prepare to devour the best cheese quesadilla ever!

Why We Love This Cheese Quesadilla Recipe:

Quick & Easy! I can not imagine a more satisfying meal that is ready in just 15 minutes with 3 ingredients.

Crowd Pleaser! When I make these, no one in the house objects! It is crispy, ultra cheesy, and downright delicious so even the picky eaters approve.

Customizable! The cheese quesadilla is far from basic but you can always enhance it by adding protein or veggies. Switch up the kind of cheese, make it spicy, serve it with sauce… the possibilities are truly endless!

cheese quesadilla cut to reveal gooey center

RELATED: Cheesy Beef Quesadilla

What is a Cheese Quesadilla?

A quesadilla is a toasted tortilla with cheese in the center. Traditional Mexican quesadillas are made with corn tortillas on a griddle but many Tex-Mex recipes (like this one) use flour tortillas. They sometimes include fillings like steak, ground beef, or peppers.

Cheese quesadillas are often served with sides like pickled jalapenos, queso dip, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

The Best Cheese for Quesadillas:

Use a melty cheese for the ultimate cheese pull. Here are my suggestions:

Cheddar Cheese: This sharp cheese is the most common cheese used in American versions of this recipe.
Oaxaca Cheese: This is the top choice for traditional Mexican cheese quesadillas.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This has a light, sweet flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: This Italian cheese has a mild, milky flavor.
Asadero: Most Mexican restaurants use this creamy cheese.
Chihuahua: Use this for a buttery taste.

Cheese Quesadilla Ingredients:

Flour tortillas: You can use corn tortillas but flour tortillas tend to be sturdier.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded.
Oaxaca cheese: This white Mexican cheese is similar to mozzarella cheese so use that if you have trouble finding it.
Butter: Add this to the pan for extra crispy quesadillas with a golden brown crust.

Cheese Quesadilla Topping Ideas:

Guacamole: This contains creamy avocados, lime, cilantro, and a hint of spice from the jalapeno.
Sour Cream: If you have not dipped a quesadilla in cool, creamy, tangy sour cream, have you really lived?
Salsa: Pair these with a flavorful salsa like my Taqueria Style Creamy Jalapeno Salsa, Super Simple Chipotle Salsa, or this Mango Salsa recipe.
Pico de gallo: This easy recipe is a fresh mix of seasoned tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and cilantro, with a citrusy burst of lime.

How to Make the best Cheese Quesadillas:

Add butter to a preheated skillet over medium heat on the stove. Mix shredded cheddar and oaxaca cheese in a large bowl. Then add about ¼ cup of shredded cheese directly to the skillet.

Immediately place one flour tortilla directly over the cheese mixture. Then place another handful of cheese on the tortilla. Add a second tortilla on top of the Mexican cheese blend. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

two flour tortillas with cheese in the middle cooking on a skillet

Lift the quesadilla up with a spatula, and add another ¼ cup of the cheese mixture into the skillet. Then flip the tortilla over so it’s directly over the cheese.

Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until that side is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat these steps until all of the cheese quesadillas are done.

Enjoy them with your favorite toppings!

Alternatives and Variations:

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add shredded chicken, ham, black beans, or egg.
Other Add-Ins: Try adding jalapenos, diced tomatoes, spinach, or spices (i.e., chili powder, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper).
Folded Cheese Quesadilla: For this recipe, I use two tortillas for one quesadilla. Alternatively, use one tortilla. Fill half with cheese, fold, and place it in the pan.

Pro-Tips:

No matter what cheese you use, ensure it is high quality. This recipe is simple with very few ingredients so use the best.
Pre-shredded cheese is fine, but I suggest grating blocks of cheese instead. Pre-shredded cheese often has a waxy coating that prevents it from clumping and makes it grainy once melted.
Use at least two types of cheese for depth of flavor.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover cheese quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, add them to a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or add to an air fryer set to 350 F. Avoid the microwave because they will get soggy.

a cooked cheese quesadilla on a cutting board

FAQ:

What to add to a cheese quesadilla?

Add whatever you would like. I suggest corn, black olives, black beans, caramelized onions, jalapenos, or meat.

What is the most popular cheese for quesadillas?

For American-style quesadillas, cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese are the most popular cheese options.

Is a quesadilla folded or two tortillas?

You can prepare your quesadilla with two stacked tortillas or use one tortilla and just fold it.

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