Cheesy Pizza Quesadilla combines the best of both worlds—crispy tortillas filled with gooey melted cheese, rich pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a snack, lunch, or casual dinner, delivering all the flavors of pizza with the simplicity of a quesadilla.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, ready in just 15 minutes
- Crispy on the outside with a cheesy, melty center
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Great for kids and adults alike
- Requires minimal ingredients and effort
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large flour tortillas
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Prepare the Quesadilla: Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over half of it.
- Add the Fillings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, then add pepperoni slices. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with olive oil or butter.
- Cook Until Golden: Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from heat, slice into wedges, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 quesadillas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, ham, or bacon.
- Veggie Delight: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Cheese Explosion: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce before folding.
- BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds, but it may soften the tortilla.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but they may be smaller and less flexible.
What’s the best cheese for a pizza quesadilla?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a cheese blend works well too.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I keep the quesadilla from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with sauce and cook on medium heat for a crispy exterior.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store in the fridge, then cook when ready.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even buffalo sauce are great options.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and skip the parmesan topping.
How do I get the cheese extra gooey?
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Can I add fresh basil or arugula?
Yes, but add them after cooking to keep them fresh.
Can I freeze cooked quesadillas?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or skillet.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pizza Quesadilla is a delicious and quick meal that brings together the flavors of pizza with the crispiness of a quesadilla. Whether for a snack, lunch, or easy dinner, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Description
A crispy, golden quesadilla stuffed with melty mozzarella and pizza flavors, perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10 pepperoni slices
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, spread pizza sauce over it, and sprinkle half of the cheese.
- Add pepperoni slices and season with oregano and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and place the second tortilla over it.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Substitute whole wheat tortillas for a healthier version.
- Serve with ranch or marinara for dipping.
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