Quesadillas are a popular Tex-Mex dish made with tortillas filled with cheese, meat, beans, veggies, and other ingredients. They’re quick and easy to make, but what’s the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas? Here are several methods for reheating quesadillas to restore their melted, gooey, crispy goodness.
Reheating Quesadillas in the Microwave
Reheating quesadillas in the microwave is the quickest and easiest method.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on thickness and filling. This helps soften the tortilla.
- Flip the quesadilla over and microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. This ensures even heating.
- Check that the cheese is fully melted. If not, continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, flipping occasionally, until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted.
- Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting and serving. This lets the heat distribute evenly.
Microwave Reheating Tips
- Use a lower microwave power setting (50-70%) for more even heating.
- Cover the quesadilla with a paper towel to prevent splatter.
- Make sure not to overheat or the tortilla will become rubbery.
- Add a damp paper towel under the plate to create steam and soften the tortilla.
Reheating Quesadillas in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat multiple quesadillas at once. The dry heat crisps up the tortillas nicely.
Oven Reheating Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place quesadilla(s) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 4-6 minutes until hot and lightly browned.
- For extra crispy tortillas, spritz or brush the tops with oil before baking.
- Optional: Put the baking sheet under the broiler for 1 minute at the end.
Oven Reheating Tips
- Stack quesadillas on the baking sheet with parchment between layers.
- Cut quesadillas into wedges before baking for quicker, more even heating.
- Flip halfway through for more even browning if desired.
- Add shredded cheese on top before broiling for extra melted cheese.
Reheating Quesadillas in the Air Fryer
Air fryers use super hot circulating air to quickly reheat and crisp up quesadillas.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Place quesadilla in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crispy.
- Optional: Spray or brush oil on the tortillas before air frying for extra crispness.
Air Fryer Tips
- Cut quesadillas into wedges for faster, crispier reheating.
- Don’t overfill the air fryer basket or the quesadillas won’t crisp properly.
- Check frequently as air fryers heat very quickly.
- Add a shot of cooking spray or oil before air frying for extra browned tortillas.
Reheating Quesadillas on the Stovetop
You can quickly reheat quesadillas on the stovetop in just a couple minutes.
Stovetop Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil or butter.
- Place quesadilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through.
- Optional: Top with shredded cheese just before removing from skillet for an extra melty layer.
Stovetop Tips
- Use a cast iron or nonstick skillet for the best browning.
- Press down gently with a spatula when reheating to promote contact with the pan.
- Add salsa, guacamole, or other toppings after reheating for fresh flavors.
Common Quesadilla Reheating Questions
How do you reheat a frozen quesadilla?
Frozen quesadillas can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For the oven, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. For the microwave, heat for 2-3 minutes on 50% power, flipping halfway. Check for doneness.
How long do reheated quesadillas last?
Properly reheated quesadillas stored in an airtight container in the fridge should last 3-4 days. Reheated quesadillas are best eaten freshly reheated.
**What’s the best cheese for quesadillas? **
Good melting cheeses like Monterey jack, cheddar, Oaxaca, and pepper jack work well. Play around with cheese blends too.
Can you reheat quesadillas on a panini press?
Yes, a panini press reheats quesadillas nicely, crisping up the tortillas. Just be sure to spray or grease the plates first. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2-4 minutes.
What are good quesadilla fillings?
Classic fillings include cheese, shredded chicken, ground beef, refried beans, sautéed veggies, and grilled peppers and onions. Get creative with fillings!
Recipes
Classic Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle half the cheese evenly over half the tortilla.
- Sprinkle cilantro over cheese if desired.
- Fold the empty tortilla half over the cheese half to make a half moon shape.
- Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the quesadilla and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.
Chicken Club Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2-3 tomato slices
- Lettuce
- Ranch dressing
Instructions:
- Layer half the cheese over one tortilla. Top with chicken, bacon crumbles, tomato, lettuce.
- Spread ranch dressing over the other tortilla. Place ranch side down over the fillings.
- Cook quesadilla in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and cheese melts.
- Slice into wedges and serve.
Mexican-Style Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tbsp salsa
- Guacamole, sour cream for serving
Instructions:
- Layer half the beans, corn, cheese and salsa on one tortilla.
- Top with other tortilla and press gently to spread out the filling.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.
- Slice into wedges and top with guacamole and sour cream.
Here are some specific model recommendations for each appliance category that could be mentioned in the article:
Microwave:
- Panasonic NN-SN966S – 1200W, 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1100W, 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
- GE JES1656SRSS – 950W, 1.6 cu. ft. capacity
- LG LMC1575BD – 1000W, 1.5 cu. ft. capacity
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1200W, 1.1 cu. ft. capacity
Oven:
- GE JB655SKSS – 5.3 cu. ft. capacity, convection oven
- Bosch HGI8056UC – 5 cu. ft. capacity, convection oven
- LG LDE4415ST – 6.3 cu. ft. capacity, double oven
- Frigidaire FGF378ACE – 5.3 cu. ft. capacity, self-cleaning
- Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS – 4.3 cu. ft. capacity, convection bake
Air Fryer:
- Cosori CO130-AO – 5.8 qt capacity, 11 presets
- Ninja AF101 – 4 qt capacity, 4 quart cook & crisp basket
- Instant Vortex Plus – 6 qt capacity, customizable programs
- Philips TurboStar HD9641/96 – 5.5 qt capacity, digital interface
- Chefman 6.3 qt Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie – 10 presets
Stovetop Skillet:
- Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet – 12 inch diameter
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet – 12 inch diameter
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet – 12 inch diameter
- Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Skillet – 12 inch diameter
- Tramontina Professional Aluminum Restaurant Fry Pan – 12 inch diameter
With a little time and the right technique, you can reheat quesadillas to be just as delicious as when they were first made. A crispy, gooey quesadilla is one of life’s simple pleasures. Enjoy!