Name: Ultimate Pizza Quesadillas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Snack or Main Dish
Ingredients: 12 flour tortillas (fajita size).; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.; 1 cup pepperoni slices.; 3 cups pizza sauce (divided).; Optional: parsley for serving.

The Ultimate Pizza Quesadillas bring together the best flavors of pizza in a fun, easy-to-make quesadilla format. Perfectly crispy tortillas are filled with melted mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a generous layer of tangy pizza sauce. These quesadillas are not only quick to prepare but also versatile—you can easily customize them with your favorite pizza toppings, such as olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a tasty lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Pizza Quesadillas are guaranteed to satisfy. Serve them hot, with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Pizza Quesadillas combine the best of both worlds, bringing together the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla with the savory flavors of a classic pizza. These easy-to-make quesadillas are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce, all wrapped in perfectly toasted tortillas. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, these Pizza Quesadillas are sure to hit the spot. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.

INGREDIENTS

Flour Tortillas: 12 fajita-sized. The base of the quesadilla, providing a crispy and golden exterior when toasted.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups. The main cheese component, offering a stretchy, gooey texture that’s perfect for quesadillas.
Pepperoni Slices: 1 cup. Adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
Pizza Sauce: 3 cups (divided). Provides a tangy, rich tomato flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Optional Parsley: For garnish. Adds a fresh, herbal note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Skillet: Begin by preheating a skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. This ensures that the tortillas will toast evenly, becoming crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas: Spray the cooking surface with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place one tortilla on the heated surface, making sure it lays flat and begins to warm up.
Step 3: Add Cheese: Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tortilla. Allow the cheese to melt, creating a gooey base that will hold the other ingredients in place.
Step 4: Add Pepperoni and Sauce: Once the cheese has melted, layer the tortilla with sliced pepperoni. Spoon ¼ cup of pizza sauce over the pepperoni, spreading it evenly. This adds the classic pizza flavors to the quesadilla.
Step 5: Top with a Second Tortilla: Sprinkle another layer of cheese over the pepperoni and sauce, then place a second tortilla on top. Press down gently to ensure everything sticks together. Once the bottom tortilla is crispy and golden, flip the quesadilla carefully using a spatula.
Step 6: Cook the Other Side: Cook the opposite side of the quesadilla until it is also golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be fully melted, and the tortillas should hold together nicely.
Step 7: Serve: Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Use a pizza slicer or knife to cut it into slices. Serve the quesadilla with the remaining pizza sauce for dipping, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

Pizza Quesadillas are best served hot and fresh, right off the skillet. The cheese is gooey, and the tortillas are perfectly crispy, making them an irresistible snack or meal.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the quesadilla slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or use a toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
These quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer. You can also customize them by adding your favorite pizza toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat tortillas and turkey pepperoni. You can also add a handful of spinach or other greens for an extra boost of nutrition.

Helpful Notes

To ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from spilling out, press down gently on the quesadilla with a spatula while it’s cooking. This helps everything stick together.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes instead of using a skillet. Just be sure to flip them halfway through baking.
For a spicier version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the pepperoni before adding the top layer of cheese.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Bobby Flay recommends using a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Chef Rachael Ray suggests using a panini press instead of a skillet for an extra crispy and evenly cooked quesadilla.
Chef Guy Fieri advises brushing the tortillas with a bit of olive oil before cooking to enhance their flavor and achieve a golden-brown finish.