11 Tasty Quesadilla Ideas, Whether You Want to Go Classic or Creative

chicken-cheese quesadillas with green chiles
Photo: Andy Lyons

When it comes to making quick and delicious comfort food, it's hard to beat a quesadilla. They've got it all—melty cheese, crisp tortillas, and any filling you want! Here you'll find quite a few quesadilla recipes involving those classic ingredients at your local takeout spot (chicken, steak, veggies, and tons of cheese). We also share some of our more innovative quesadilla recipes including sweet takes and mash-ups with other favorite comfort foods.

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Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Cucumber Relish

Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Cucumber Relish
Blaine Moats

For a protein-packed vegetarian quesadilla recipe, this one's for you! A blend of navy beans and sweet potatoes make the hearty filling here. Top these spicy-sweet quesadillas with our crunchy cucumber relish. Or you could just eat the relish with a spoon.

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Pork and Black Bean Quesadillas

Pork and Black Bean Quesadillas
Blaine Moats

Switch up your quesadilla game with a delicious combination of pork and black beans. The Cuban pulled pork recipe is so good, you'll want to make it for other meals (sandwiches would be delicious!). To really achieve that nice crusty exterior, be sure to wait until the oil is super hot in the pan before adding the assembled quesadilla.

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Fajita-Style Quesadillas

Fajita-Style Quesadilla
Blaine Moats

This quesadilla recipe contains everything you love about fajitas but with lots and lots of melty cheese. (And who can say no to that?!) With more than 600 positive ratings so far, it ranks as one of our best quesadilla recipes to date. We use corn tortillas here, making it a perfect meal option for gluten-free eaters as well.

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Barbecue Chicken and Cheddar Quesadillas

Barbecue Chicken and Cheddar Quesadillas
Scott Little

One thing we've learned about making quesadillas: It's always OK to add more cheese! A bit of barbecue sauce doesn't hurt either. Make a batch of the shredded chicken base to keep on hand for quick and easy meals like this one throughout the week.

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Chorizo Quesadillas

Chorizo Quesadillas
Scott Little

This baked quesadilla recipe is perfect for a weeknight family dinner. The spicy chorizo and cheese-filled quesadillas get nice and melty in the oven without having to stand over the stove flipping your tortillas. Serve with sour cream to help tame the heat.

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Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Avocado Salsa

Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Avocado Salsa
Jason Donnelly

Want to show off at dinner tonight? These easy yet sophisticated smoked salmon quesadillas totally fit the bill. The salmon is accompanied by a fresh blend of bell peppers, spinach, and onions. Cream cheese holds the whole-grain quesadilla together and pairs perfectly with our avocado salsa.

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Pizza Quesadilla

Pizza Quesadillas
Matthew Clark

Can't decide between pizza or a quesadilla? Cure both of those comfort food cravings by combining them into this incredible food mash-up. It can serve as a quick after-school snack for the kids or become a delicious meal when paired with a salad.

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Cheesy Chicken-Chile Quesadillas

chicken-cheese quesadillas with green chiles
Andy Lyons

For an upgrade to the classic chicken quesadilla, add chiles! Don't worry, the green chiles have a very mild flavor so the spice level isn't bad. If you don't want to fire up the grill to make your homemade quesadilla, use a grill pan to still achieve those beautiful char marks!

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Breakfast Quesadillas

Breakfast Quesadillas on blue plate with silverware
Jason Donnelly

Add this quesadilla recipe to your next brunch menu. Corn tortillas serve as the vehicle for a simple blend of scrambled eggs and Chihuahua cheese (or use a Mexican-style blend). Top with Pico de Gallo for a fresh, spicy finish. To up the protein count and Mexican inspiration, try spreading a layer of refried beans into the quesadilla.

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Roast Beef Quesadillas

Roast Beef Quesadillas on plate
Andy Lyons

Don't feel like cooking tonight? This 5-ingredient recipe is so easy, it practically makes itself. Purchased roast beef, salsa, peppers, and plenty of cheese are all you need for this all-in-one meal. Use nonstick cooking spray to easily coat your quesadilla and get a nice golden-brown finish.

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Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Kritsada Panichgul

Buffalo chicken in a quesadilla? Absolutely! Low-fat mozzarella and whole wheat tortillas help keep this chicken quesadilla recipe on the lighter side. Serve with plenty of carrots, celery, and ranch dressing.

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