Chile Quesadillas(Makes 18 Pieces)
Crispy, cheesy quesadillas filled with spicy green chiles and melted Monterey Jack, perfect for sharing as a flavorful snack or main dish with a side of sour cream and salsa.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grate the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cut the green chiles into thin slices.
- Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Place 1/6 of the cheese on half of a tortilla.
- Top with chile slices.
- Beat the egg.
- Brush around the edges of the tortilla with the beaten egg.
- Fold the tortilla over the filling and press the edges to seal.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cover the finished quesadillas with a towel while preparing the rest.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of lard or oil in a large frying pan.
- Fry the quesadillas, turning once, until golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Cut each quesadilla into 3 wedges and serve hot with sour cream and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using roasted green chiles instead of fresh. If Monterey Jack isn't available, Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. For a healthier option, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven instead of frying. Serve with a side of sour cream or your favorite salsa for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Chile Quesadillas make a perfect appetizer or snack, especially when paired with a refreshing Strawberry Margarita Fizzes. Serve them alongside sour cream and salsa for dipping. For a complete meal, consider complementing them with a side of Mexican Corn Bread Sticks or a fresh garden salad. They are also great for game day gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them briefly, but this may make the tortillas less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Quesadillas(Makes 18 Pieces) contains roughly 1172 calories, with 24g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used to make these quesadillas. However, they may be more fragile than flour tortillas, so handle them carefully when filling and frying to prevent tearing.
How can I make these quesadillas spicier?
To add more heat, consider using serrano peppers instead of jalapeños, or include some diced fresh jalapeños in the filling. You can also serve the quesadillas with a spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Can I prepare these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out. When ready to serve, fry them straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).