Copycat Applebee’s Quesadillas Recipe
If you’re a fan of Applebee’s quesadillas, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe replicates the deliciousness of their famous quesadillas in just 10 minutes. The crispiness of the buttery tortilla, the melty cheese, and the fresh pico de gallo come together to create a quick and flavorful lunch or snack. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe is designed for one serving, but you can easily multiply it to serve more.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 8-inch flour tortillas | 1 |
| Butter (softened) | 2 tbsp |
| Pico de gallo | To taste |
| Colby-Monterey Jack cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Bacon bits | Optional |
| Sour cream | As desired |
| Salsa | As desired |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 423.9 |
| Fat | 15.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 25.1 mg |
| Sodium | 619.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 54.7 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugar | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 15.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare all ingredients: Make sure you have everything ready because once you start cooking, things move quickly.
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Butter the tortilla: Take one of the flour tortillas and lightly spread butter on one side. The butter will help crisp up the tortilla as it cooks, giving it that golden-brown exterior we all love.
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Cook the first side: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered side of the tortilla down onto the skillet.
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Add the fillings: Immediately after placing the tortilla in the pan, sprinkle the bacon bits evenly over the surface (if using), followed by the Colby-Monterey Jack cheese. Spoon on some pico de gallo—how much depends on your taste preference.
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Butter the second tortilla: While the first tortilla is cooking, lightly spread butter on one side of the second tortilla.
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Top the quesadilla: Place the second tortilla (buttered side up) on top of the fillings in the skillet.
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Check for browning: After a couple of minutes, gently lift the bottom tortilla to check if it has reached your desired level of browning.
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Flip the quesadilla: If the first tortilla is browned to your liking, carefully flip the entire quesadilla using a large spatula to cook the second side.
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Cook the second side: Let the second side brown for another minute or two, making sure the cheese has fully melted inside.
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Remove and serve: Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove the quesadilla from the skillet.
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Serve immediately: Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or any dipping condiments of your choice.
Customizing Your Quesadilla
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are a few tips and options for customizing your quesadilla:
- Add Protein: Feel free to add chicken, beef, or shrimp to the filling for a more substantial meal.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Cheese Swap: While the Colby-Monterey Jack cheese gives the perfect blend of meltiness and flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Spicy Option: Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Double the Serving: If you’re cooking for more people, simply double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches.
Tips for the Best Quesadilla
- Even Heating: Make sure to keep the heat at medium. Too high, and the tortilla will burn before the cheese melts. Too low, and the tortilla won’t get as crispy.
- Press It Down: While cooking the quesadilla, press it lightly with a spatula. This helps meld the ingredients together and ensures even cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your quesadilla with a fresh salad, some guacamole, or chips and salsa on the side for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?
Quesadillas are best when served immediately after cooking, as they are crisp and melty. However, if you need to make them ahead of time, you can assemble them and cook them later. Just be sure to reheat them in a skillet to maintain the crispiness.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas?
Absolutely! You can swap out the regular flour tortillas for whole wheat or gluten-free versions depending on your dietary preferences. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of tortilla you use.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas?
The best way to reheat quesadillas is in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the tortillas soggy. Heat each side for a couple of minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
How can I make these quesadillas healthier?
To make these quesadillas lighter, you can reduce the amount of cheese, use low-fat cheese, or opt for a plant-based cheese substitute. Using a cooking spray instead of butter and choosing whole wheat tortillas can also cut down on fat and calories.
Conclusion
This Copycat Applebee’s Quesadilla recipe is simple, satisfying, and can be customized to your liking. With only 10 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or even a light dinner. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with friends, these quesadillas are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Don’t forget to experiment with the fillings and adjust the recipe to suit your cravings. Whether you like them cheesy, spicy, or loaded with extras, this quesadilla recipe is the perfect base for creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Keywords: Cheese, 10-minute meal, lunch snack, quesadilla, easy lunch recipes, homemade quesadilla, Applebee’s copycat
