Waffle Maker Quesadilla Recipe

This cheesy Waffle Maker Quesadilla Recipe is a game-changing way to make a quick lunch, using flour tortillas, shredded cheese, and your favorite fillings like chicken or black beans. The result is a perfectly golden-brown and crispy quesadilla with gooey, melted cheese in every bite, sealed into perfect pockets by the waffle iron. It’s the ultimate quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight or a fun afternoon snack, and this recipe makes one delicious quesadilla in minutes.

Waffle Maker Quesadilla Recipe Ingredients

• 1 large (8-10 inch) flour tortilla
• ½ cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack work well)
• ¼ cup optional fillings (e.g., cooked shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers)
• Butter or cooking spray, for the waffle iron
• For Serving (optional): Salsa, guacamole, sour cream

How To Make a Waffle Maker Quesadilla

1. Preheat the waffle iron: Turn on your electric waffle iron to a medium-high heat setting and allow it to preheat completely.
2. Assemble the quesadilla: Lay the flour tortilla flat on a plate. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and any optional fillings evenly over one half of the tortilla, leaving a small ½-inch border around the edge to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
3. Fold and grease: Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the half with the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Lightly grease both the top and bottom plates of the hot waffle iron with butter or cooking spray.
4. Cook the quesadilla: Carefully place the folded quesadilla onto the hot waffle iron. Close the lid, pressing down gently but firmly, and cook for 2-4 minutes. The quesadilla is ready when the tortilla is golden-brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Cut and serve: Using a silicone spatula, carefully remove the hot quesadilla from the waffle iron and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for just a minute before cutting it into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite dips.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overstuff the Quesadilla: While it’s tempting to pack your quesadilla with fillings, a thin, even layer works best. Overstuffing can prevent the waffle iron from closing properly and can cause hot cheese to ooze out and burn.
• Use Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are the best choice for this recipe. They are pliable and fold easily without cracking, and they crisp up beautifully in the waffle iron.
• Grease the Iron: Even if your waffle iron is non-stick, a light coating of butter or cooking spray is recommended. It helps the tortilla achieve a perfectly golden, crispy texture and ensures that any melted cheese that escapes won’t stick.
• Press Gently But Firmly: When you first close the lid, press down gently to help seal the edges of the quesadilla and create those iconic waffle pocket indentations.

What To Serve Waffle Maker Quesadillas

These crispy waffle maker quesadillas are perfect for dipping! Serve them hot with small bowls of your favorite accompaniments like chunky salsa, fresh guacamole, and a dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette can also turn this easy snack into a more complete and balanced meal.

How To Store Waffle Maker Quesadilla Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can place them back in the waffle maker for a minute or two, or use a toaster oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
• Freeze: Freezing is not the ideal method as the tortilla can become a bit soft, but it is possible. Freeze leftover wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer.

Waffle Maker Quesadilla Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1 quesadilla (cheese only)
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 19g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use two whole tortillas instead of folding one in half? Yes, especially if you have a larger, round waffle maker. Simply place one tortilla on the iron, add your fillings, top with the second tortilla, and cook. This creates one large “waffle” that you can then cut into wedges.
• What other fillings are good in a waffle maker quesadilla? Get creative! You can use almost any of your favorite quesadilla fillings. Some great ideas include leftover pulled pork or taco meat, refried beans, sautéed mushrooms, or make a “pizza-dilla” with mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, and a little marinara for dipping.
• Can I use a Belgian-style waffle maker? Absolutely. Any type of electric waffle maker will work for this recipe. A Belgian-style maker will create a quesadilla with deeper pockets, which are perfect for holding extra salsa or guacamole!