Southwest Veggie Quesadilla Recipe

You can make them over the grill, on a griddle or in a heavy-bottomed skillet. You can eat them mild or add spicy additions like salsa fresca or jalapeño slices.

What Are Quesadillas?

While most people are familiar with quesadillas these days, let's pause for just a moment in case you aren't quite sure.

A popular Mexican dish, quesadillas are made of a large tortilla that is then filled with a bunch of goodies. Cheese is generally the de facto filling the quesadilla it's name, which translates to cheese-dude.

Traditionally quesadillas were made with homemade corn tortillas, but it is very common these days to find them made with flour tortillas as shown here.

In addition to the cheese, quesadillas are often filled with meats like beef or chicken, beans and veggies.

Southwest Veggie Quesadillas Ingredients

The best part of these simple vegetarian quesdillas is how simple it is to switch out the ingredients. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand or subsitute for things your family may not like.

• Tortillas - I generally use flour tortillas, but corn torillas are traditional. Try them both ways!
• Bell peppers - For these Southwest veggie quesadillas I use a mix of red, orange and yellow bell peppers cut into thing slices.
• Onions - Thinly sliced onions are sauteed until soft and slightly caramelized.
• Cheese - Lots of finely shredded cheddar (or Mexican blend) cheese is perfect for ooey, gooey quesadillas.
• Beans - Black beans are my favorite, but pinto beans also make a delicious addition to veggie quesadillas.
• Corn - Crisp, sweet corn adds brightness and flavor.
• Olive oil - You'll use olive oil to cook all of the veggies before assembling your quesadillas.

Toppings for Quesadillas

One of my favorite parts about a good veggie quesadilla? The toppings! You can top quesadillas with just about anything, but here are a few favorites:

• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese
• Jalapeño slices
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Fresh cilantro
• Queso (or vegan queso)

How to Make Veggie Quesadillas

Step 1. Begin by slicing the bell peppers into strips, being sure to first core and remove all of the seeds.

Step 2. Remove the onion skin and slice into thin rings.

Step 3. Warm oil in a skillet, then add peppers and onions. Cook until the veggies are tender and cooked through.

Step 4. In the meantime, evenly divide cheese and sprikle it over each tortilla.

Step 5. Add cooked veggies, black beans and corn.

Step 6. Fold the tortillas in half, then transfer to a griddle or griill.

Step 7. Cook on each side for about two minutes, or until the tortillas are slightly crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite quesadilla toppings.

Favorite Quesadilla Recipes

Beyond these Southwest veggie quesadillas, we love a good quesadilla any which way! Here are a few of our favorites:

• Pizza quesadillas are loaded with mozzarella and salty pepperoni and sausage. Pizza lovers will go crazy for them!
• BBQ chicken quesadillas are packed with (you guessed it), sweet and savory barbecue chicken.
• Spicy tofu quesadillas are notably spicy and full of protein-rich tofu.
• Veggie avocado quesadillas are smothered in a cilantro crema that will have you going back for seconds.
• Pumpkin black bean quesadillas give this classic fare an unexpectedly delicious twist.

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