Try This Tasty Mac n Cheese Quesadilla Recipe Tonight

My favorite mac ‘n’ cheese quesadilla blends two comfort food classics into one irresistible meal.

Melted cheese and pasta create a mouthwatering fusion that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

crispy tortillas wrap around creamy macaroni, promising a texture adventure in every bite.

Childhood memories of mac and cheese merge seamlessly with Mexican-inspired cooking techniques.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this dish a total game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food.

Hungry?

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Mac n Cheese Quesadilla with Crisp Cheesy Layers

• Transforms classic mac n cheese into a crispy, handheld meal that's perfect for busy families and picky eaters.
• Swap cheeses, add proteins like bacon or chicken, or include extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated steps.
• Combines two beloved comfort foods – mac n cheese and quesadillas – creating an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Uses simple pantry staples and requires basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

What Goes into Mac n Cheese Quesadilla

Main Ingredients:

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape perfect for capturing creamy cheese sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and rich flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a delightful stretchy and melty texture to the quesadilla.

• Tortillas: Crispy flour tortillas that create a golden, crunchy exterior for the mac n cheese.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base for the cheese sauce and helps with cooking.
• Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and provides a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Provides a creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the mac n cheese quesadilla.

• Salsa, Hot Sauce: Adds an extra layer of flavor and spice to the dish.

How to Make Mac n Cheese Quesadilla

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook elbow macaroni in generously salted water until tender.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for one minute.

Slowly pour milk while stirring, creating a smooth base.

Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.

Step 3: Infuse Cheesy Goodness

Reduce heat and fold in cheddar cheese until it melts completely.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Blend Pasta and Sauce

Combine the cooked pasta with the luscious cheese sauce.

Stir until every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Build Quesadilla Foundation

Warm a skillet with butter over medium heat.

Place one tortilla in the pan.

Spread half of the mac n cheese mixture across the tortilla.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Additional cheese (optional)

Top with a second tortilla and press gently.

Step 6: Achieve Golden Crispiness

Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.

Carefully flip and cook the other side until crispy and beautiful.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let cool briefly.

Slice into wedges.

Serve with salsa, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping companion.

Tips for Crispy Mac n Cheese Quesadillas

• Use room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting without clumping or burning.
• Pat mac n cheese slightly dry before adding to tortilla to maintain crispy exterior and prevent sogginess.
• Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for complex, rich flavor profile and better melting texture.
• Use medium-low heat when cooking quesadillas to ensure golden-brown exterior without burning the tortilla or overcooking the cheese.
• Spread mac n cheese evenly and leave small border around edges to prevent cheese leakage during cooking and create neat, sealed quesadilla.

Storing Mac n Cheese Quesadillas for Later

• Store leftover mac n cheese quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy texture.
• Reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent soggy edges. Add a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and help maintain crispness.

Sides That Match Mac n Cheese Quesadillas

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tangy lime margaritas that cut through the rich, creamy cheese, creating a refreshing contrast that elevates the quesadilla's indulgent flavor profile.
• Complement with Crisp Slaw: Prepare a light, crunchy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to balance the quesadilla's heaviness, adding bright, acidic notes that cleanse the palate.
• Match with Spicy Salsa Verde: Craft a homemade salsa verde featuring roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro to provide a zesty, herbal kick that enhances the cheesy, buttery quesadilla.
• Serve with Mexican Lager: Select a cold, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the richness and provide a clean, refreshing accompaniment to the cheesy dish.

Creative Filling Ideas for Quesadillas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all cheese is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Vegan Cheese Quesadilla: Swap dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Use vegan butter or olive oil and dairy-free milk alternatives for creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower wraps. Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add diced grilled chicken, ground turkey, or black beans to the mac n cheese mixture. Include protein-rich quinoa instead of traditional pasta for increased nutritional value.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes! While cheddar and mozzarella work great, you can experiment with monterey jack, pepper jack, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love mac n cheese and the quesadilla format makes it fun and easy to eat. You can adjust spice levels to suit their taste.

• What are some protein options I can add to make this more filling?

Crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or ground beef work wonderfully. These additions can transform the quesadilla into a more substantial meal.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply skip the meat additions or replace them with black beans, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, or meat substitutes like plant-based protein crumbles.

Mac and Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy mac and cheese quesadillas blend Mexican and American comfort food into a crispy, melty delight. Melted cheddar, creamy pasta, and golden tortillas create a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Seasoning and Frying:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Prepare elbow macaroni in salted water until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly and reserve.
2. Create cheese sauce by melting butter in the same pot over medium heat. Incorporate flour and cook for 60 seconds, stirring continuously.
3. Gradually whisk milk into the roux, cooking until sauce thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and blend cheddar cheese into sauce until completely melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring even coating. Allow mixture to rest momentarily.
6. Warm skillet with butter over medium heat. Position first tortilla in pan, spreading mac n cheese mixture evenly across surface.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over mac n cheese layer. Cover with second tortilla, pressing gently to secure.
8. Cook quesadilla for 2-3 minutes until bottom tortilla turns golden and crisp. Carefully flip and repeat on opposite side.
9. Remove from heat, let rest for one minute. Slice into wedges and serve immediately with optional salsa or hot sauce.

Notes

• Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring perfectly separated macaroni for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting, helping create an ultra-creamy sauce without lumps or separation.
• Select tortillas with minimal moisture to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy edges during cooking.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or sharp cheddar to customize flavor profiles and add exciting taste dimensions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg