The crispy golden tortilla of this Ham and Cheese Quesadilla comprises gooey melted cheese and heat slices of savory, deli meat. Every chew is a satisfying mix of basic flavors, making this a straightforward alternative. And, I ought to know! I select quesadillas greater than absolutely anything else in relation to lunchtime.
If there’s one factor I’ve discovered after making tons of of quesadillas, it’s that when you perceive the strategy, you possibly can riff on it just about without end. And, since I really like ham and cheese (ahem, ham and cheese biscuits), it was only a matter of time. I’m joyful to report that this irresistibly crunchy quesadilla completely nails the basic combo that I really like.
Ham and Cheese Quesadilla
I’ll be sincere. Some days, I don’t need stylish flavors. And, once I’m simply within the temper for one thing dependable, ham and cheese is a mix that all the time delivers. It seems like consolation meals, with nearly no effort in any respect.
I additionally love how approachable this quesadilla is. Not everybody has cooked rooster, leftover steak bites, or a batch of caramelized onions ready within the fridge. However, nearly everybody has some model of ham and cheese of their deli drawer. This one proves that even a newbie cook dinner can remodel easy components into a completely mouth-watering lunch or snack. Strive it and see!
Substances and Substitutions
Flour Tortillas – I really like the flavour and texture of flour tortillas. I exploit them completely in quesadillas like this.
Ham – Thinly sliced ham is my choice right here. It warms rapidly, and makes it straightforward to layer evenly with the cheese. However, any absolutely cooked ham will work in a pinch.
Cheese – You’ll discover that any good melting cheese makes for an awesome quesadilla. Freshly shredded Monterey jack and pepper jack, even pre-shredded Mexican cheese blends, all of them work properly on this one.
Butter – A skinny layer of butter permits the tortilla to brown evenly within the pan. You should use a impartial oil, should you desire.
Notes on Gear
- Knife
- Slicing board
- Spatula
- Skillet
How you can Make a Ham and Cheese Quesadilla
Preheating the Pan: Pop your favourite non-stick skillet onto the range over medium warmth.
Buttering the Tortilla: Whereas that heats up, I chop some the deli ham into small items. And, I give one aspect of my tortilla some love with the butter and a knife.
Assembling the Filling: I lay the buttered aspect of the tortilla onto the pan and sprinkle cheese over half of the highest. Layer the ham on prime of the cheese, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
Cooking: Utilizing the sting of a spatula, I fastidiously fold the uncovered half over the fillings. Then, I let it proceed cooking for 1-2 minutes, till browned and crispy.
Flipping and Ending: I fastidiously flip it over within the pan, and let the second aspect cook dinner for 2-3 minutes, till crispy. The cheese needs to be absolutely melted by the point each side end cooking.
Slicing and Serving: Switch the quesadilla to a chopping board, then slice it. You’ll wish to eat this one earlier than the cheese cools and units.
Skilled Tip
You’ll discover that “medium warmth” means one thing completely different on each single range. Fuel ranges are inclined to run hotter and reply rapidly to modifications, whereas electrical coils take longer to warmth and funky. That is why I stress the significance of temperature management. You need it sizzling, so that you just get a crispy brown exterior. However, an excessive amount of warmth will char the surface of the tortilla earlier than the cheese has an opportunity to soften.
Handle the Warmth – Take away the pan from the warmth if the tortilla is getting too darkish, too quick. You may also cowl it with a lid to entice warmth, or add a splash of water on the surface fringe of the pan to create steam. Each will assist the cheese soften quicker.
Dry the Ham – That is normally not a problem with freshly sliced ham. However, some types of prepackaged ham include numerous additional moisture. So, patting the ham dry will assist ensure you don’t find yourself with a soggy inside.
Shred Your Personal – Pre-shredded cheese comprises anti-caking brokers that have an effect on soften high quality. However, freshly shredded cheese melts easily each time. I feel you’ll discover that it’s price the additional effort. That mentioned, should you select to make use of pre-shredded cheese in your quesadilla, including that tiny splash of water to the surface fringe of the pan to create steam will assure a stunning soften, freshly-shredded cheese or not.
Serving Options
After I’m serving ham and cheese quesadillas, I nearly all the time add one thing contemporary and crisp on the aspect, like this brilliant cucumber tomato salad. This type of straightforward distinction makes the meal really feel extra full to me.
If I’m craving one thing barely sweeter, I’ll set out a mandarin broccoli salad or candy kale vegetable salad. Each convey texture, colour, and a pure sweetness that performs so properly with the salty ham and creamy cheese.
Make Forward & Storage
Make Forward: Quesadillas actually aren’t a “make forward” choice. However, you possibly can completely pre-shred the cheese and chop the ham to make use of prematurely.
How you can Retailer: I simply let the cooked quesadilla cool, then place it in an hermetic container. It retains properly within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
How you can Reheat: If I’m in a rush, I simply pop any leftover triangles into the microwave for 15-30 seconds. However, to refresh that crispy texture, a couple of minutes in a skillet or air fryer does the trick.
Extra Quesadilla Recipes
Steadily Requested Questions
Sure, however the texture shall be firmer and extra brittle. And, you’ll discover that corn tortillas don’t fold as simply and may crack.
Sure. So long as the tortilla is absolutely coated with a lightweight protecting, it’ll brown evenly. However, should you miss any spots, they received’t crisp the identical.
I like skinny sliced ham, and I chop it in order that it’s no bigger than 1/2-inch squares. I discover that makes it simpler to evenly distribute it by way of the quesadilla. If you’re utilizing thick-sliced ham, cube it into 1/4-inch cubes for greatest outcomes.
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high warmth. Flippantly butter a single aspect of 1 tortilla with butter and place it within the sizzling pan. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of cheese on half of the tortilla, prime with ham and the remaining cheese.
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Fold the tortilla over on itself and let it cook dinner for 2-3 minutes. When the cheese has begun to soften and the underside tortilla is browning barely, flip the folded quesadilla over to cook dinner the opposite aspect.
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Proceed to cook dinner till all of the cheese has melted and the tortilla is crisp across the edges and deeply golden brown. Utilizing a spatula, switch the quesadilla again to a chopping board and minimize it into wedges whereas sizzling. Serve heat.
Energy: 377 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16 g | Protein: 23 g | Fats: 24 g | Saturated Fats: 12 g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fats: 8 g | Trans Fats: 0.2 g | Ldl cholesterol: 75 mg | Sodium: 1160 mg | Potassium: 229 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 377 IU | Calcium: 238 mg | Iron: 2 mg
Diet data is routinely calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
