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 traditional flavors, making this a straightforward alternative. And, I ought to know! I select quesadillas greater than absolutely anything else in terms of lunchtime.

If there’s one factor I’ve discovered after making a whole bunch of quesadillas, it’s that after you perceive the strategy, you possibly can riff on it just about without end. And, since I like ham and cheese (ahem, ham and cheese biscuits), it was only a matter of time. I’m blissful to report that this irresistibly crunchy quesadilla completely nails the traditional combo that I like.

I’ll be sincere. Some days, I don’t need stylish flavors. And, once I’m simply within the temper for one thing dependable, ham and cheese is a mixture that all the time delivers. It appears like consolation meals, with nearly no effort in any respect.

I additionally love how approachable this quesadilla is. Not everybody has cooked rooster, 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.

Elements and Substitutions

Flour Tortillas – I like the flavour and texture of flour tortillas. I take advantage of them completely in quesadillas like this.

Ham – Thinly sliced ham is my desire right here. It warms rapidly, and makes it simple to layer evenly with the cheese. However, any totally cooked ham will work in a pinch.

Cheese – You’ll discover that any good melting cheese makes for a terrific 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, in the event 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.

How you can 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 aspect of my tortilla some love with the butter and a knife.

Assembling the Filling: I lay the buttered aspect 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 aspect cook dinner for 2-3 minutes, till crispy. The cheese needs to be totally melted by the point each side end cooking.

Slicing and Serving: Switch the quesadilla to a reducing 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 rapidly to adjustments, whereas electrical coils take longer to warmth and funky. This is the reason I stress the significance of temperature management. You need it sizzling, so that you simply get a crispy brown exterior. However, an excessive amount of warmth will char the surface 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. It’s also possible to cowl it with a lid to entice warmth, or add a splash of water on the surface fringe of the pan to create steam. Each will assist the cheese soften sooner.

Dry the Ham – That is often not a problem with freshly sliced ham. However, some types of prepackaged ham comprise loads of additional moisture. So, patting the ham dry will assist ensure 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 believe you’ll discover that it’s price the additional effort. That mentioned, in the event you select to make use of pre-shredded cheese in your quesadilla, including that tiny splash of water to the surface fringe of the pan to create steam will assure a beautiful 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

After I’m serving ham and cheese quesadillas, I nearly all the time add one thing contemporary and crisp on the aspect, 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” choice. However, you possibly can completely pre-shred the cheese and chop the ham to make use of prematurely.

How you can 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.

How you can 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

Steadily Requested Questions

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

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

Can’t I simply butter the pan?

Sure. So long as the tortilla is totally coated with a lightweight masking, it can brown evenly. However, in the event 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 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 aspect of 1 tortilla with butter and place it within the sizzling 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 aspect.
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 reducing board and reduce it into wedges whereas sizzling. Serve heat.