Bacon Quesadilla

These bacon quesadillas come together in minutes and deliver everything you want from a skillet: warm tortillas, melted cheese and just enough bacon to give them a salty, savory edge. The salsa tucked inside adds a bit of brightness, while a quick sear in butter gives the edges a little crunch. Once you make these, they tend to show up again—this recipe is an easy go-to when you want something quick and full of flavor.

Like a fresh tortilla, this recipe is flexible. Swap in shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a little heat, or use chopped ham or chicken instead of bacon. Add sliced scallions, sauteed peppers or a handful of beans to stretch the filling. You can also skip the salsa inside and serve it all on the side if you like to dip.

Bacon Quesadilla Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour tortillas
• Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• Bacon strips
• Salsa
• Optional: Sour cream, guacamole and additional salsa

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the quesadilla

Butter one side of one tortilla, then place it in a small skillet, buttered side down. Top it with the cheese, bacon and salsa. Butter the remaining tortilla, then place it on top, buttered side up.

Step 2: Cook the quesadilla

Cook over low heat for one to two minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted. Cut the quesadilla into wedges, then serve it with sour cream, guacamole and additional salsa, if desired.

How to Store a Bacon Quesadilla

Store any leftover quesadilla wedges in a food storage container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese is melty and the tortillas are crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture on point.

Bacon Quesadilla Tips

Can you use a different cheese in bacon quesadillas?

Yes, you can swap in shredded cheddar, pepper jack or mozzarella for the Colby-Monterey Jack cheese in these bacon quesadillas. Just choose a type of cheese that melts easily for the best texture.

What’s the best way to keep a bacon and cheese quesadilla crisp after cooking?

To keep bacon quesadillas crisp after cooking, place them on a wire rack instead of a plate so steam doesn’t soften the tortillas.

How can you add more veggies to bacon quesadillas?

To add more veggies to bacon quesadillas, swap in chopped sauteed peppers or onions for some of the cheese or bacon. Drain them well to avoid soggy tortillas.

What other dishes pair well with a bacon quesadilla?

Bacon quesadillas pair well with a side of Instant Pot black beans, a simple green salad or a scoop of Spanish rice.