๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ Applebee’s Quesadilla Burgers (Copycat) ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ
What is it?
Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger is a mouthwatering fusion of a classic American burger and a Mexican quesadilla. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring a juicy burger patty, melted cheese, crispy bacon, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy Mexi-ranch sauce, all sandwiched between two tortillas instead of traditional burger buns.
History:
Applebee’s introduced the Quesadilla Burger as part of their menu in the early 2000s. It quickly gained popularity due to its unique blend of flavors, making it a fan favorite.
Components:
To make a Copycat Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger, you’ll need the following components:
- 1 pound ground beef (for the burger patties)
- Salt and pepper to season
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- 8 slices of cooked bacon
- Pico de gallo (tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime juice)
- Mexi-ranch sauce (a mixture of ranch dressing and taco seasoning)
- Lettuce and tomato for garnish (optional)
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish:
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Prepare the Burger Patties:
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
- Divide it into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties.
- Grill or pan-fry the patties until they reach your desired level of doneness (usually around 4-5 minutes per side for medium).
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Assemble the Quesadilla Burgers:
- Lay out the flour tortillas.
- On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a portion of shredded cheese.
- Place a cooked burger patty on top of the cheese.
- Add 2 slices of bacon on each patty.
- Spoon some pico de gallo over the bacon.
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Close the Quesadillas:
- Fold the other half of the tortilla over the burger patty and toppings to form a semi-circle.
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Cook the Quesadilla Burgers:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Carefully transfer the quesadilla burgers to the skillet and cook until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted (about 2-3 minutes per side).
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Serve with Mexi-Ranch Sauce:
- Cut the quesadilla burgers into halves or quarters.
- Serve them with a side of Mexi-ranch sauce for dipping.
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Garnish (Optional):
- You can add some lettuce and tomato on the side for extra freshness.
Time Needed:
Preparing Applebee’s Quesadilla Burgers should take approximately 30-40 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. It’s a relatively quick and satisfying meal that combines the best of both American and Mexican flavors in one delightful package. Enjoy! ๐๐ฎ๐
Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for the Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger (Copycat recipe), but please note that these values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 800-1000 calories per burger.
- Fat: Approximately 50-70 grams of fat per burger.
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 20-30 grams of saturated fat per burger.
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams of protein per burger.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams of carbohydrates per burger.
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams of fiber per burger.
- Sugar: Approximately 2-4 grams of sugar per burger.
- Sodium: Approximately 1200-1500 milligrams of sodium per burger.
Health Information:
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Calorie Content: The Quesadilla Burger is relatively high in calories, which makes it a hearty and indulgent meal. If you are watching your calorie intake, it’s a good idea to enjoy this burger in moderation.
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Fat and Saturated Fat: The burger contains a significant amount of fat, especially saturated fat due to the cheese and bacon. High saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health concerns, so it’s best to consume such burgers occasionally.
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Protein: The burger is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair. However, the high-fat content may offset some of the protein’s health benefits.
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Carbohydrates and Fiber: The carbohydrate content primarily comes from the tortilla and can vary depending on the size and type of tortilla used. There’s minimal fiber in this dish.
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Sodium: The Quesadilla Burger can be high in sodium, which may not be suitable for individuals with hypertension or those watching their salt intake. Reducing the use of salt in the recipe or opting for lower-sodium ingredients can help.
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Balance: As with any indulgent dish, moderation is key. Enjoy the Quesadilla Burger as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet. You can also make healthier substitutions, like using leaner meat, whole-grain tortillas, or reducing cheese and bacon for a lighter version.
Remember that specific nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients and preparation methods used. It’s always a good practice to calculate the exact nutritional content if you have specific dietary requirements or health goals.
