Ham and Cheese Quesadilla

The crispy golden tortilla of this Ham and Cheese Quesadilla accommodates gooey melted cheese and heat slices of savory, deli meat. Every chunk is a satisfying mix of basic flavors, making this a simple selection. And, I ought to know! I select quesadillas greater than absolutely anything else on the subject of lunchtime.

If there’s one factor I’ve discovered after making lots of of quesadillas, it’s that after you perceive the tactic, you’ll be able to riff on it just about ceaselessly. 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.

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 at all times delivers. It looks like consolation meals, with nearly no effort in any respect.

I additionally love how approachable this quesadilla is. Not everybody has cooked hen, 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 rework easy components into a fully mouth-watering lunch or snack. Attempt it and see!

The ham has been layered on top of the cheese in this process shot.

Substances 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 desire 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 amazing 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 utilize a impartial oil, should you desire.

Notes on Gear

Knife
Reducing board
Spatula
Skillet

The final layer of cheese has been added on top of the chopped ham in this process shot.

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 high 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 cook 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 slicing board, then slice it. You’ll wish to eat this one earlier than the cheese cools and units.

The tortilla has been folded over in this process shot of a quesadilla in the black non-stick pan.

Professional Tip

You’ll discover that “medium warmth” means one thing completely different on each single range. Fuel ranges are likely to run hotter and reply shortly to modifications, whereas electrical coils take longer to warmth and funky. That is why 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 often not a problem with freshly sliced ham. However, some sorts of prepackaged ham comprise a variety of additional moisture. So, patting the ham dry will assist be sure you don’t find yourself with a soggy inside.

Shred Your Personal – Pre-shredded cheese accommodates 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 value 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 skin fringe of the pan to create steam will assure a stunning soften, freshly-shredded cheese or not.

The quesadilla has been flipped in this process shot, showing the golden, crispy brown side and the cheese melting around the edge.

Serving Options

Once I’m serving ham and cheese quesadillas, I nearly at all times add one thing recent and crisp on the facet, like this vivid cucumber tomato salad. This sort 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 sweet kale vegetable salad. Each deliver texture, colour, and a pure sweetness that performs so nicely with the salty ham and creamy cheese.

Make Forward & Storage

Make Forward: Quesadillas actually aren’t a “make forward” possibility. However, you’ll be able to completely pre-shred the cheese and chop the ham to make use of prematurely.

Retailer: I simply let the cooked quesadilla cool, then place it in an hermetic container. It retains nicely within the fridge for as much as 3 days.

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.

A vertically aligned image of a ham and cheese quesadilla that has been sliced and is ready to eat, served on a wooden board with a side of dip!

Extra Quesadilla Recipes

Often Requested Questions

Can I take advantage of corn tortillas as a substitute of flour?

Sure, however the texture might be firmer and extra brittle. And, you’ll discover that corn tortillas don’t fold as simply and might crack.

Can’t I simply butter the pan?

Sure. So long as the tortilla is absolutely coated with a lightweight overlaying, it is going to brown evenly. However, should you miss any spots, they received’t crisp the identical.

How small ought to I slice and chop the ham?

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. In case you are utilizing thick-sliced ham, cube it into 1/4-inch cubes for greatest outcomes.

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, high with ham and the remaining cheese.
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 facet.
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 slicing board and lower it into wedges whereas scorching. Serve heat.