Appetizers/Snacks

January 15, 2024

Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas with Apple Salsa

Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas with Apple Salsa are a celebration of apple season and early fall! Apples and cheddar are a classic combo, and these quesadillas give them a fun new twist. 

I could eat quesadillas any time of day, and these Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas with Apple Salsa are no exception. In college, a quesadilla and an apple was a go-to breakfast for me. It was something I picked up while I was a reporter for my college magazine. I visited the on-campus preschool for a story I was writing, and while I was there, the preschoolers were served quesadillas and apple slices for their morning snack. I had never before thought of quesadillas as breakfast food, but if these kiddos got to eat quesadillas for breakfast, then I could, too!

I really like to use whole-wheat or whole-grain tortillas for these quesadillas, because I like the added texture and nutty flavor from the whole grains. Whole-grain tortillas also add fiber and help make these quesadillas more filling, whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! You could use any cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!), but smoked cheddar adds depth of flavor and pairs with the Apple Salsa deliciously. A smoked gouda cheese would also be great!

Ingredients assembled for Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas with Apple Salsa
Assemble your ingredients.

One quesadilla frying on a griddle, with Apple Salsa and grated cheddar cheese in the background
Mix up the salsa, and let it sit for the flavors to come together while you make the quesadillas.

A dish of apple salsa with a spoon, and a quesadilla cut into four wedges behind it
Serve the quesadillas cut into wedges, with Apple Salsa on the side for dipping/topping.

A quesadilla cut into four wedges and topped with a mound of apple salsa
Or just go straight for it and put the apple salsa right on top of your quesadilla!

Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas with Apple Salsa

Smoked Cheddar Quesadillas with Apple Salsa are a celebration of apple season and early fall! Apples and cheddar are a classic combo, and these quesadillas give them a fun new twist.

Author:

Kira Freed - The Joyful Plateful

Prep:

10

min

cook:

10

min

total:

20

min

Ingredients

For the salsa: 

2 medium apples, cored, finely diced (any variety)

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, minced

Juice of 1 lime

1 Tbsp. agave (or honey)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon


For quesadillas: 

8 oz. smoked cheddar cheese, grated

8 whole-grain tortillas

1-2 Tbsp. ghee or avocado oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the Apple Salsa. Combine all the salsa ingredients in a medium bowl, and stir to combine. Set aside so the flavors can develop while you make the quesadillas. 
  2. Make the quesadillas. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tsp. of oil or ghee to the pan. Place one tortilla in the pan, and gently turn it in the pan to coat the pan and the tortilla with the oil. Evenly distribute one quarter of the grated cheddar cheese on the tortilla. Top with a second tortilla. Fry until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes. Repeat until you’ve made all the quesadillas. 
  3. Serve the quesadillas cut into wedges, topped with Apple Salsa, and additional Apple Salsa on the side for dipping. 
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