Bite-Sized Quesadillas
Hola! I’ve always believed that the best parties start with irresistible, bite-sized food that brings everyone together. These Mini Cheese Quesadillas are exactly that kind of appetizer—cheesy, crispy, and loaded with flavor.
Perfectly portioned and easy to grab, they’re a hit at every gathering, from casual game nights to family fiestas.
I first made these for a backyard get-together on a hot Florida afternoon, and they disappeared faster than I could make them! With melty cheese, green chilies, and buttery tortillas baked to golden perfection, these little wedges are the ultimate party snack that’s easy to make ahead and reheat when the fun begins.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Yield | 48 wedges |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for parties: These mini quesadillas are bite-sized and totally crowd-friendly.
- Cheesy and flavorful: A blend of cheddar, jalapeño jack, and green chilies gives every bite a burst of flavor.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and simply reheat before serving.
- Crispy and buttery: Brushing the tortillas with melted butter gives them that irresistible crunch.
- Easy to customize: Swap in your favorite cheese or add extras like shredded chicken or beans.
Mini Cheese Quesadillas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 48 wedges 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Cheese Quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Made with mini flour tortillas, melty cheddar and jalapeño jack cheese, and a touch of green chilies, they’re a quick and crowd-pleasing Mexican appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 packages “street taco” sized flour tortillas
- 4 cups grated cheese (cheddar and jalapeño jack recommended)
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies, drained
- ½ cup diced onion
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Coarse kosher salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine grated cheese, diced green chilies, and onion. Mix until well combined.
2. Brush a large baking sheet with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.
3. Place 7–8 tortillas on the baking sheet. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of the cheese mixture to each tortilla and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from oven, fold each tortilla in half, and press gently to seal. Repeat until all tortillas are used.
6. To serve later, refrigerate and reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes before slicing into wedges.
7. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
Drain green chilies well to prevent sogginess.
Add diced jalapeños or cooked chicken for variation.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for crispness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wedges
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Ingredients
- 2 packages “street taco” sized flour tortillas
- 4 cups grated cheese (cheddar and jalapeño jack recommended)
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies, drained
- ½ cup diced onion
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Coarse kosher salt
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | Use small “street taco” size for perfect mini wedges. |
| Cheese | Blend cheddar and jalapeño jack for melty, spicy flavor. |
| Green chilies | Drain well to avoid soggy quesadillas. |
| Onion | Finely dice for even flavor distribution. |
| Butter | Brush generously for a crispy, golden crust. |
| Kosher salt | Adds that crave-worthy salty crunch. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the filling: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, mix grated cheese, diced green chilies, and onion until well combined.
- Butter the pan: Brush a large baking sheet with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt for extra flavor.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Place 7–8 tortillas on the baking sheet. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese mixture to each tortilla and spread evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Fold and finish: Remove from the oven, fold each tortilla in half, and press gently to seal. Repeat with remaining tortillas until all are filled and baked.
- Reheat (optional): If serving later, refrigerate and reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes until warm and crisp.
- Serve: Cut into halves or wedges and serve warm for the ultimate cheesy snack.
If you love bold, flavor-packed dishes like these mini quesadillas, you’ve got to try my Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe next. It’s a quick, high-protein dinner with crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies that come together for the perfect balance of heat and crunch.
Helpful Tips
- Slice quesadillas with kitchen scissors for easy, clean cuts.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overfill the tortillas; too much cheese can cause them to burst.
- Bake in batches to ensure even crispiness.
- For a smoky flavor, use a mix of cheddar and chipotle jack cheese.
- Sprinkle extra salt immediately after baking for that perfect crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Mini Chicken Quesadillas: Add cooked shredded chicken to the cheese mixture.
- Bean & Cheese Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans before adding cheese.
- Breakfast Style: Use scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar for a morning treat.
- Vegetarian Twist: Add sautéed peppers or spinach for color and extra nutrition.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Make the quesadillas up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven before serving. To freeze, place cooled quesadillas in a single layer in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes straight from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mini quesadillas with sides of guacamole, pico de gallo, or creamy queso dip. They also pair beautifully with margaritas, sangria, or sparkling lime water for a festive touch. Arrange them on a platter for easy snacking during game day or parties.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with Mexican rice, elote-style corn, or a fresh avocado salad. For drinks, try a cold Mexican beer, a Paloma cocktail, or a chilled agua fresca.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use corn tortillas instead? Yes, but flour tortillas hold their shape better for mini wedges.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? You can, but freshly grated melts smoother.
How do I keep quesadillas from getting soggy? Drain the chilies and avoid overfilling with wet ingredients.
Can I make these in an air fryer? Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until golden.
Can I add protein? Yes, add cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for a hearty variation.
Can I double the recipe? Easily—just bake in batches or use multiple trays.
How long do they stay crispy? Best served within 30 minutes of baking or after a quick 5-minute reheat.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 2 wedges |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These Mini Cheese Quesadillas are the ultimate party appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping for a holiday spread, or just craving something snackable, these golden little bites will disappear as soon as they hit the table. Make them once, and they’ll quickly become your go-to appetizer for any occasion!
