Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas
Jalapeno popper dip is a classic for a reason, but sometimes you crave something a little more substantial. This recipe takes all of that creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness and packs it into a warm, crispy tortilla.
It’s the perfect appetizer for game day or an incredibly easy and satisfying lunch. You get the familiar flavor you love in a format that’s simple to make and even easier to eat.
What You’ll Need
- Large flour tortillas, burrito size
- Strips of bacon
- Fresh jalapeno peppers
- Cream cheese, at room temperature
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Pro Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned that make this recipe turn out perfectly every time.
- Control the Heat: The spiciness of a jalapeno is in its seeds and the white membrane inside. For a milder flavor, make sure to remove all of them. If you like a bigger kick, leave a few of the membranes intact.
- Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This is the secret to getting a smooth, lump-free filling that mixes easily with the other ingredients.
- The Perfect Crisp: Cook the quesadillas over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the tortilla will burn before the cheese has a chance to get perfectly melted and gooey. Patience gives you that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Tools Required
You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea |
|---|---|
| Bacon | Use cooked, crumbled sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken. |
| Jalapenos | Use canned diced green chiles or pickled jalapenos for a different flavor. |
| Cheeses | Try a sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or a pepper jack blend. |
| Tortillas | Whole wheat or low-carb tortillas work just as well. |
Make-Ahead Tips
To save time, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance.
Just mix all the filling ingredients together, including the cooked bacon and jalapenos. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply spread the filling on the tortillas and cook as directed.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas
Step 1: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until they are almost crispy.
Step 2: While the bacon cooks, combine the room temperature cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set it aside for later.
Step 3: During the last 2-3 minutes of the bacon cooking, add the diced jalapenos to the skillet. This will soften them slightly and infuse them with the bacon flavor.
Step 4: Remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Add the cooked jalapenos directly from the skillet into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Once the bacon has cooled enough to handle, chop it into small pieces. Add the chopped bacon to the cream cheese mixture and stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Place the same skillet back over medium heat. You don’t need to wipe it out; the leftover bacon drippings will add flavor. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
Step 7: Spread about half of the cream cheese filling onto one half of the tortilla. Fold the other half over to cover the filling.
Step 8: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Repeat the process with the second tortilla and the remaining filling.
Step 9: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet, cut them into wedges, and serve immediately.
Nutrition, Diets, and Pairings
Here is some information to help you fit this recipe into your lifestyle.
| Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per quesadilla) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 586 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
- Diet Swaps: For a lower-carb or keto-friendly version, use low-carb tortillas and be mindful of the onion powder. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite certified gluten-free tortillas.
- Meal Pairing Suggestions: These quesadillas are a great appetizer on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple tomato soup, a fresh garden salad, or a side of black beans and rice.
- Time-Saving Tips: The key to efficiency is “mise en place,” which means getting all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. Chop your jalapenos, shred your cheese, and have your spices measured out. This makes the assembly process fast and smooth.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, they are easy to store.
Allow the quesadillas to cool completely. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best results when reheating, place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh ones?
Ans: Yes, you can. Pat them dry before chopping and adding them to the filling. They will give the quesadillas a tangier flavor.
Q2. How do I make sure the jalapenos aren’t too spicy?
Ans: The heat is concentrated in the seeds and the white ribs inside the pepper. For a mild flavor, carefully scrape out all seeds and ribs before dicing the pepper.
Q3. What is the best way to reheat the quesadillas?
Ans: The best way is in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer. This helps the tortilla get crispy again. Reheating in the microwave will work, but the tortilla will be soft.
Q4. Can I make a large batch for a party?
Ans: Absolutely. You can assemble the quesadillas and keep them on a baking sheet. When ready to serve, you can cook them in a skillet, on a griddle, or even bake them in the oven at 400°F until golden and heated through.
Wrapping Up
This Jalapeno Popper Quesadilla recipe is a go-to when you need something quick, delicious, and full of flavor. It’s a simple way to turn a favorite appetizer into a satisfying meal.
I hope you give this recipe a try. When you do, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing about your creations
