Ingredients
Scale
- 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Sour cream for serving
- Guacamole for serving
- Salsa for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Use small sharp knife to cut jack-o’-lantern faces into 4 tortillas – triangle eyes, nose, and jagged smile.
- If using chicken, beans, or vegetables, mix with cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Place uncarved tortilla on surface and sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese.
- Add thin layer of filling mixture if using, then top with more cheese.
- Place carved tortilla face-side up over filling and press gently.
- Heat skillet over medium heat with 1/2 tablespoon butter.
- Cook quesadilla carved side up for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip carefully and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Remove, let rest 1 minute, then cut into 4 wedges.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces.
Notes
- Make face cuts large enough to see but small enough to maintain structure
- Create different face expressions for variety – happy, scary, silly
- Keep filling 1/2 inch from edges to prevent spillage
- Use medium heat to prevent burning before cheese melts
- Flip carefully with wide spatula to support entire quesadilla
- Serve immediately for best crispy texture and stretchy cheese
- Reheat in skillet, not microwave, to maintain crispiness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wedges (1/2 quesadilla)
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45mg