Savory Mac and Cheese Quesadillas Recipe
Savory Mac and Cheese Quesadillas combine creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy, golden tortillas for a quick and delicious meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings like scallions or bacon bits.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta (around 200g)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Quesadillas
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional add-ins: chopped scallions or cooked bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, whole milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or oil. Allow the butter to melt and coat the skillet evenly.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Spread a generous amount of the mac and cheese mixture evenly over one half of the tortilla.
- Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half, covering the mac and cheese filling completely. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until it is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once cooked, cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped scallions or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover macaroni and cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Customize with added spices or different cheese blends to suit your taste.
- Serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added zest.
- To prevent sogginess, cook quesadillas over medium heat to ensure a crispy tortilla exterior.
