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