The crispy golden tortilla of this Ham and Cheese Quesadilla incorporates gooey melted cheese and heat slices of savory, deli meat. Every chunk is a satisfying mix of traditional flavors, making this a simple 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 realized after making tons of of quesadillas, it’s that after you perceive the strategy, you’ll be able to riff on it just about eternally. And, since I really like ham and cheese (ahem, ham and cheese biscuits), it was only a matter of time. I’m blissful to report that this irresistibly crunchy quesadilla completely nails the traditional combo that I really like.
Ham and Cheese Quesadilla
I’ll be sincere. Some days, I don’t need fashionable flavors. And, once I’m simply within the temper for one thing dependable, ham and cheese is a mixture that all the time delivers. It appears 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 prepare dinner can remodel easy components into a completely mouth-watering lunch or snack. Attempt it and see!
Components and Substitutions
Flour Tortillas – I really like the flavour and texture of flour tortillas. I take advantage of them solely in quesadillas like this.
Ham – Thinly sliced ham is my choice right here. It warms shortly, and makes it simple 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 ideal 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, when you favor.
Notes on Tools
- Knife
- Slicing board
- Spatula
- Skillet
How one 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 facet of my tortilla some love with the butter and a knife.
Assembling the Filling: I lay the buttered facet 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 rigorously 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 rigorously flip it over within the pan, and let the second facet prepare dinner for 2-3 minutes, till crispy. The cheese ought to be absolutely melted by the point either side end cooking.
Slicing and Serving: Switch the quesadilla to a reducing board, then slice it. You’ll need to eat this one earlier than the cheese cools and units.
Knowledgeable Tip
You’ll discover that “medium warmth” means one thing totally different on each single range. Gasoline ranges are likely to run hotter and reply shortly to modifications, whereas electrical coils take longer to warmth and funky. For this reason I stress the significance of temperature management. You need it scorching, so that you just get a crispy brown exterior. However, an excessive amount of warmth will char the skin 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 as well cowl it with a lid to entice warmth, or add a splash of water on the skin 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 sorts of prepackaged ham comprise plenty of additional moisture. So, patting the ham dry will assist be sure to don’t find yourself with a soggy inside.
Shred Your Personal – Pre-shredded cheese incorporates 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 stated, when you select to make use of pre-shredded cheese in your quesadilla, including that tiny splash of water to the skin fringe of the pan to create steam will assure a beautiful soften, freshly-shredded cheese or not.
Serving Strategies
Once I’m serving ham and cheese quesadillas, I nearly all the time add one thing contemporary and crisp on the facet, like this shiny cucumber tomato salad. This type of simple 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 deliver texture, coloration, and a pure sweetness that performs so effectively with the salty ham and creamy cheese.
Make Forward & Storage
Make Forward: Quesadillas actually aren’t a “make forward” choice. However, you’ll be able to completely pre-shred the cheese and chop the ham to make use of upfront.
How one can Retailer: I simply let the cooked quesadilla cool, then place it in an hermetic container. It retains effectively within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
How one 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
Continuously Requested Questions
Sure, however the texture can be firmer and extra brittle. And, you’ll discover that corn tortillas don’t fold as simply and might crack.
Sure. So long as the tortilla is absolutely coated with a light-weight masking, it can brown evenly. However, when 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 means of the quesadilla. If you’re utilizing thick-sliced ham, cube it into 1/4-inch cubes for finest outcomes.
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high warmth. Evenly butter a single facet of 1 tortilla with butter and place it within the scorching 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 prepare 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 prepare dinner the opposite facet.
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Proceed to prepare 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 reducing board and lower it into wedges whereas scorching. 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 info is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
