Turkey Quesadillas
Savory turkey quesadillas filled with smoky turkey, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with fresh tomatoes and scallions, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat chopped onion in barbecue sauce over low heat until onion is soft.
- Add shaved smoked turkey and cook in sauce for 10 minutes.
- Spread the turkey mixture over a flour tortilla.
- Cover with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and place another tortilla on top.
- Bake on a cookie sheet at 350°F until the tortilla becomes slightly crisp, approximately 10 minutes.
- Serve with chopped tomatoes, chopped scallions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the smoked turkey in the barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick. If you're looking for a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour. This recipe can also be adapted to make Turkey Fajitas by adding bell peppers and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these turkey quesadillas with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for an extra flavor boost. They also pair well with a refreshing Low-Fat Mexican Salad. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of tortilla chips or a layered Mexican dip. Garnish the quesadillas with extra chopped scallions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also use a skillet over medium heat for a quicker option, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Quesadillas contains roughly 455 calories, with 13g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the smoked turkey with shredded chicken, beef, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the quesadilla, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
What can I do if I don't have barbecue sauce?
If you're out of barbecue sauce, you can create a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a bit of Worcestershire sauce, honey, and a dash of hot sauce. This will give you a similar sweet and tangy flavor that works well with the turkey.
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining, allowing you to enjoy them fresh from the oven with minimal last-minute effort.
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).