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Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas

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Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas bring the bold flavors of classic jalapeño poppers into a crispy, melty quesadilla! Packed with cream cheese, cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon (or your favorite substitute), this beginner-friendly recipe is the perfect mix of heat and cheesy goodness! 🌶️🧀🔥

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
  • 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup cooked and diced chicken or beef

 

  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken or Beef
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil and cook the chicken or beef until fully cooked. If using chicken, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If using beef, cook until browned and no longer pink.
    • Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before dicing into small pieces.
  • Prepare the Cheese Filling
    • In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  • Cook the Jalapenos
    • In the same skillet over medium heat, add the diced jalapenos and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooking the jalapenos helps mellow their spice and enhances their flavor.
    • Once softened, remove from heat and mix them into the cheese filling.
  • Assemble the Quesadillas
    • Place a tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread half of the cheese mixture onto one side of the tortilla. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the filling.
    • Sprinkle half of the diced chicken or beef over the cheese mixture.
    • Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to help it stick. Repeat with the second tortilla.
  • Cook the Quesadillas
    • Heat the same skillet over medium heat. If needed, lightly grease the pan with oil or butter.
    • Place one folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla.
    • Repeat with the second quesadilla.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    • Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and let them cool slightly before slicing into triangles.
    • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • How to Tell if the Quesadilla is Done
    A good quesadilla should be golden brown with a slightly crisp texture. The cheese should be fully melted, and the filling should be evenly distributed. If it is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce the heat slightly.
  • How to Adjust the Spice Level
    If you want a spicier quesadilla, leave some of the jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. For a milder option, use sautéed bell peppers instead.
  • Avoid Overstuffing
    While it might be tempting to add extra filling, overstuffing can make it difficult to flip the quesadilla without the cheese spilling out. Stick to a moderate amount of filling to keep it manageable.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    You can prepare the cheese mixture and cook the chicken or beef in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days, then assemble and cook the quesadillas when ready to eat.
  • Using a Different Cooking Method
    If you do not have a skillet, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or air-fry them at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Find it online: https://inarecipes.com/jalapeno-popper-quesadillas/