Spicy Pepper Jack & Spinach Quesadillas
Indulge in these delicious Spicy Pepper Jack & Spinach Quesadillas, perfect for a hearty lunch or as a scrumptious snack. Bursting with flavor from melted pepper jack cheese, fresh spinach, and creamy avocado, this easy-to-make recipe will have you coming back for seconds. Each quesadilla is lightly toasted to golden perfection, making it an irresistible treat that's simple enough to whip up on a busy day. Enjoy it with your favorite salsa or a dollop of sour cream!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Avocado
1/2 cup (Cut into chunks)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Flour tortillas
4 (8 inch)
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Thawed and squeezed dry)
Fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons
Reduced-fat pepper jack cheese
1/4 lb (Shredded)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice and salt until smooth and well combined.
2
Take one flour tortilla and spread 1/4 of the avocado mixture on one half. Top it with 1/4 of the chopped spinach, 1.5 teaspoons of fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese.
3
Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4
Preheat a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place two quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
5
Remove from the skillet and slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve warm with your choice of salsa or dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Pepper Jack & Spinach Quesadillas?
They are a delicious and hearty meal or snack made with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh spinach, and creamy avocado toasted in flour tortillas.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are avocado, lime juice, salt, flour tortillas, frozen chopped spinach, fresh cilantro, and reduced-fat pepper jack cheese.
How do I prepare the avocado for the filling?
Mash the avocado with 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl until smooth.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of shredded reduced-fat pepper jack cheese to provide a spicy kick.
Do I need to cook the spinach?
The recipe uses frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry, so no additional cooking is needed before assembly.
How many tortillas does this recipe use?
This recipe uses four 8-inch flour tortillas.
How long do I cook the quesadillas?
Cook them in a dry nonstick skillet for about 3 minutes on each side over medium heat.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should sauté and drain it first to ensure the quesadilla doesn't become soggy.
What is the best way to serve these?
Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with your choice of salsa or dipping sauce.
How much spinach is required?
You will need one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
Why is the spinach squeezed dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry prevents the excess moisture from making the tortillas soggy during cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute pepper jack with cheddar or Monterey Jack, though it will change the spice level.
Is there cilantro in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor.
How do I assemble the quesadillas?
Spread the avocado mixture on half a tortilla, then layer with spinach, cilantro, and cheese before folding.
Should I use oil or butter in the pan?
The recipe recommends using a dry nonstick skillet, so no extra oil or butter is required.
Can I make these for a snack?
Absolutely, these are described as being perfect for either a hearty lunch or a scrumptious snack.
What size tortillas should I buy?
The recipe specifies 8-inch flour tortillas.
How much lime juice is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
How do I know when the quesadillas are done?
They are done when the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, you could easily add cooked shredded chicken, black beans, or shrimp if desired.
How do I mash the avocado chunks?
You can use a fork or a potato masher in a bowl until the texture is smooth.
What is the spice level of this dish?
The spice primarily comes from the pepper jack cheese, making it mildly spicy.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Yes, though flour tortillas are more flexible and common for this specific style of quesadilla.
How many quesadillas can I cook at once?
The instructions suggest cooking two quesadillas at a time in the skillet.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple instructions.
Can I skip the cilantro?
Yes, if you do not like cilantro, you can omit it or replace it with fresh parsley.
How much cheese goes into each tortilla?
Each tortilla gets approximately 1/4 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet should be preheated over medium heat.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a mixing bowl, a fork or masher, and a nonstick skillet.