Quesadillas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that are quick and easy to make. They consist of a tortilla that is filled with cheese, sometimes meat, and other fillings, then folded over and grilled until the cheese is melted. When making quesadillas at home, one question that often comes up is whether you need to use oil or not when cooking them.
Should You Use Oil for Quesadillas?
Using a small amount of oil when cooking quesadillas can help them get crispy and golden brown on the outside. However, it is not strictly necessary. Quesadillas can be made successfully even without any added oil.
Here are the pros and cons of using oil for quesadillas:
Pros of Using Oil
- Helps quesadillas get crispy and browned – The oil helps the tortilla get crispy and golden as it cooks. This adds texture and helps the quesadilla from getting soggy.
- Prevents sticking – Brushing or spraying oil on the pan can prevent the quesadillas from sticking as they cook. The oil creates a barrier between the pan and the tortilla.
- Enhances flavor – Some people feel that using oil when cooking quesadillas gives them a richer, more savory taste.
- Allows quesadillas to cook faster – The oil helps conduct heat faster to the tortillas, reducing overall cook time.
Cons of Using Oil
- Adds extra calories – Oil contains fat and calories, so using it adds more of both to an already calorie-dense food.
- Can make quesadillas greasy – Using too much oil may cause the quesadillas to be overly greasy.
- Risks burning the oil – If the pan gets too hot, the oil can burn, creating an acrid taste.
- Not necessary – Quesadillas can be made well even without any added oil.
Overall, while oil is not required for quesadillas, using a small amount can provide some benefits in terms of texture, taste, and ease of cooking. The amount needed is quite modest – usually just a light brushing or spritz will do. It’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. Avoid using too much oil, as that can make the quesadillas greasy.
How to Cook Quesadillas With and Without Oil
You can cook quesadillas either with oil or without – both methods work well. Here is a step-by-step guide to making quesadillas with and without oil:
Making Quesadillas Without Oil
- Place a tortilla on a skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle cheese and other fillings over half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal in the fillings.
- Cook 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
- Remove quesadilla from pan and repeat process with remaining tortillas and fillings.
Making Quesadillas With Oil
- Brush or spray a skillet lightly with oil and place over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet.
- Sprinkle cheese and other fillings over half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal in the fillings.
- Cook 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown on the bottom.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook another 1-2 minutes until both sides are browned.
- Transfer quesadilla to a plate and repeat process with remaining ingredients.
As you can see, the process is largely the same either way. The main difference when using oil is lightly greasing the pan first. This helps the quesadillas brown and prevents sticking. Other than that minor change, the cooking method remains the same.
How Much Oil Should You Use for Quesadillas?
When cooking quesadillas with oil, you only need a very small amount. Using too much can make the quesadillas overly greasy. Here are some guidelines for how much oil to use:
- For a 10-inch skillet, use about 1 teaspoon of oil.
- Brush or spray the oil evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- 1-2 sprays of cooking spray can also work instead of brushing oil.
- Reapply another thin layer of oil before cooking each quesadilla.
- Too much oil will pool in the pan and soak into the tortilla.
The type of oil you use also makes a difference. Opt for oils with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. Avoid extra virgin olive oil, as it can burn quickly on a hot pan. Spray oils are a convenient option as they distribute oil evenly with just a spritz.
Tips for Making the Best Quesadillas
Use these tips for making melt-in-your-mouth quesadillas, whether you use oil or not:
- Use good quality tortillas that are slightly thicker. Thin tortillas tear more easily.
- Choose cheeses that melt well, like Monterey jack, cheddar, Asadero, or Oaxaca.
- Grate or shred cheese for even melting. Thick slices may not melt fully.
- Add shredded chicken, beef, or refried beans for extra protein.
- Chop ingredients finely so they distribute evenly in each bite.
- Brush tortillas lightly with water if not using oil. This prevents drying out.
- Cook over medium heat. Quesadillas can burn at higher temperatures.
- Use a hot pad to press quesadillas flat as they cook.
- Allow quesadillas to cool slightly before cutting to prevent fillings oozing out.
Quesadilla Filling Ideas
While cheese is the classic quesadilla filling, you can get creative with different ingredients. Try out these delicious quesadilla fillings:
| Filling | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Shredded roast chicken, salsa, pepper jack cheese |
| Steak | Thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, cheddar |
| Shrimp | Cooked shrimp, pineapple salsa, red pepper flakes |
| Black bean | Black beans, corn, cilantro, cotija cheese |
| Carne asada | Thinly sliced carne asada, guacamole, pepper jack |
| Greek | Spinach, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, red onion |
| Caprese | Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic reduction |
| Apple and brie | Sliced apples, brie cheese, arugula |
Get creative with quesadilla fillings by using leftover roasted vegetables, meats, chili, or any ingredients you have on hand. Almost anything can be turned into a quesadilla filling!
Quesadilla Cooking Equipment
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make delicious quesadillas at home. Here are some basic pans and tools that can help:
Skillet or Griddle
- Nonstick or cast iron skillets work well for quesadillas.
- Electric griddles with large flat surfaces are also handy for cooking several quesadillas at once.
- A 10 to 12-inch skillet or griddle surface is ideal for standard size quesadillas.
Spatulas and Turners
- A thin metal spatula helps lift and flip the quesadillas.
- Plastic spatulas are useful if using nonstick pans.
- Wide, angled spatulas make it easy to slide under quesadillas.
Pizza Cutter
- A rolling pizza cutter easily slices through cooked quesadillas.
- Creates clean cuts without smashing the quesadilla.
Additional Tools
- Brush for spreading oil or water on the pan.
- Cooking spray to distribute oil evenly.
- Parchment paper can be used to prevent sticking.
- Hot pads protect hands when pressing quesadillas down.
Investing in a few basic pieces of equipment helps make quesadilla-making easy. With just a skillet and a couple utensils, you’ll be ready to cook up quick weeknight quesadillas in your own kitchen.
Common Quesadilla FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making quesadillas:
Should I use butter or mayo instead of oil?
Butter and mayonnaise are not the best choices for cooking quesadillas. Butter has a low smoke point so it can burn quickly, while mayo can turn rancid from high heat. Stick with a small amount of vegetable or canola oil.
Does the type of cheese matter?
Yes, the type of cheese impacts melting. Opt for cheeses that melt smoothly like cheddar, Monterey jack, queso fresco, or Oaxaca. Avoid cheese that can become rubbery like mozzarella.
Should I toast the quesadilla after cooking?
No, there’s no need to toast a quesadilla after cooking it in a skillet. The pan-frying makes the tortilla crispy and browned already.
Can I make quesadillas in the oven?
Yes, quesadillas can be baked in the oven. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts, flipping once halfway through.
Is it better to use corn or flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are more common, but corn tortillas work well too. Choose whichever you prefer – just make sure they are fresh and not dried out.
Can I prepare quesadillas ahead of time?
You can assemble quesadillas with fillings up to a day ahead. Stack them between parchment paper and refrigerate. Cook them just before serving.
Nutrition Facts for a Quesadilla
The nutrition facts for a quesadilla can vary significantly based on the fillings used. Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a basic cheese quesadilla made with a flour tortilla:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 560mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 16g |
Quesadillas are high in calories, fat, and sodium primarily from the cheese and tortilla. Filling them with veggies and proteins can help increase nutritional value. Overall, quesadillas are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Quesadillas make for a quick and delicious meal or snack any time. While oil is not strictly necessary, using a small amount can lend appealing texture and flavor. Fill your quesadillas with cheese and any other favorite ingredients. Cook them up in a hot skillet for just a few minutes per side until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown. Whether you use oil or not, homemade quesadillas beat out fast food versions any day of the week!