Simple Pizza Quesadillas Recipe

Equipment Needed

• Large Skillet or Non-Stick Pan: for cooking the quesadillas
• Spatula: for flipping the quesadillas
• Cheese Grater: for shredding the cheese
• Small Bowl and Spoon: for spreading the sauce
• Chopping Board and Knife: for preparing toppings

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Grate the Cheese: Start by grating 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a blend of cheeses, you can mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even gouda for a unique flavor twist.
2. Slice and Prepare the Toppings: Thinly slice your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. If using sausage, make sure it’s cooked and crumbled beforehand. Set these ingredients aside for easy assembly.
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and allow it to warm up while you prepare the quesadillas.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay Out the Tortillas: Lay 4 tortillas flat on your counter or work surface. These will be the base of your pizza quesadillas.
2. Spread the Pizza Sauce: Spread 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each tortilla. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling out during cooking.
3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce. The cheese will act as the glue that holds the quesadilla together, so don’t be afraid to add plenty.
4. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Now it’s time to add your favorite pizza toppings. Place pepperoni slices, crumbled sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any other toppings you like on top of the cheese. Be careful not to overload the tortillas, as it may be harder to flip them later.
5. Top with Parmesan and Seasoning: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top, followed by a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for that classic pizza flavor.
6. Top with Another Tortilla: Place another tortilla on top of each assembled pizza quesadilla to form a “sandwich.” Press down gently to help the ingredients stick together.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Oil the Skillet: Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the hot skillet. Swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Cook the Quesadilla: Carefully place one assembled quesadilla into the skillet. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to press down on the quesadilla gently to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
3. Flip the Quesadilla: Once the first side is golden brown, carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula. Cook the second side for an additional 2-3 minutes, until crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
4. Repeat for Remaining Quesadillas: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil or butter to the skillet as needed.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Slice the Quesadillas: Once the quesadillas have cooled slightly, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into quarters or smaller wedges, depending on your preference.
2. Garnish with Fresh Basil: For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish your quesadilla slices with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
3. Serve with  Dipping Sauce: Serve the pizza quesadillas hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. You can also offer ranch dressing, garlic butter, or marinara sauce for dipping options.