Imagine combining two of your all-time favorites—cheeseburgers and quesadillas—and ending up with the most epic mashup ever: Cheeseburger Quesadillas! These are packed with flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, and tons of melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or really any time you’re craving a hearty, cheesy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy and Satisfying: With sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, every bite is packed with melty goodness.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these quesadillas with bacon, veggies, or even tofu for a meatless option.
- Easy to Make: Ready in just over 30 minutes, this recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make them ahead, freeze, and reheat for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Sausage
- Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spiced flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder—these seasonings take the sausage to the next level.
Eggs
- Eggs: Scrambled to fluffy perfection and seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mild green chiles: Adds a little heat and a lot of flavor to the eggs.
- Half and half or cream: Whisked into the eggs for extra fluffiness.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who like a bit of a spicy kick.
Quesadillas
- Flour tortillas: Soft taco-sized tortillas that crisp up beautifully in the skillet.
- Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses: The perfect cheese combo for flavor and meltiness.
- Cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herby finish.
Variations
- Bacon & Hash Browns: Add crispy bacon and hash browns for a loaded breakfast quesadilla.
- Veggie Delight: Throw in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Kick: Swap the sausage for spicy chorizo or add extra hot sauce for a fiery version.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Cook the Sausage
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, along with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook, breaking up the sausage into crumbles, until it’s fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate but don’t wipe out the skillet—you’ll use it for the eggs next!
2. Scramble the Eggs
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, green chiles, half and half, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Heat the same skillet over medium heat, add the eggs, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let them set slightly before gently scrambling with a spatula. Cook until the eggs are softly set, then remove them from the skillet. Remember, they’ll continue cooking inside the quesadilla, so don’t overdo it!
3. Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay your tortillas out on a clean counter. On one half of each tortilla, layer the ingredients in this order: Monterey Jack cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, cilantro (if using), and sharp cheddar cheese. Fold the tortillas over to form half-moons, pressing them gently to keep everything inside.
4. Toast the Quesadillas
Wipe out the skillet and heat it over medium heat (no oil needed). Add 1-2 quesadillas at a time, pressing down with a spatula. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then use a spatula to carefully flip them over and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
5. Serve
Once cooked, cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and/or hot sauce for dipping. These quesadillas are delicious on their own but are even better with all the toppings!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts faster and more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which has anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Remove the eggs from the skillet when they’re still a bit soft—they’ll finish cooking in the quesadilla.
- Avoid Using Oil for Toasting: Skipping oil helps the tortillas get crispy without burning. If you must use oil, keep it to a minimum.
- Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when toasting the quesadillas, so they cook evenly and stay crispy.
How to Serve
These quesadillas are best served hot, with a side of salsa, guacamole, or even hot sauce for a little extra kick. They make a great brunch or lunch, and they’re perfect for game day snacking, too!
Make Ahead
- To Refrigerate: If you’re planning to make these ahead, let the quesadillas cool completely before storing them. Stack them with parchment paper in between each layer, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: You can also freeze the quesadillas! Let them cool, slice them into wedges, and flash freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer for best results.
How to Reheat
- Air Fryer: My favorite method—air fry the quesadillas at 400°F for about 6 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
- Microwave: Quick but not crispy. Microwave for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the quesadilla is hot.
- Skillet: Heat a pan over medium-low heat and cook the quesadilla until crispy and the filling is warmed through.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the quesadilla is warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses to your liking—pepper jack, gouda, or even Swiss would be great alternatives.
2. Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage and add sautéed veggies like peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You can also use tofu or plant-based sausage for a meatless version.
3. What’s the best way to reheat quesadillas?
The air fryer is my top choice—it crisps up the quesadillas perfectly! But you can also reheat them in a skillet or oven for a great result.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can store the cooked quesadillas in the fridge or freezer and simply reheat them when ready to eat.
Conclusion
These Cheeseburger Quesadillas are the ultimate mashup of two beloved classics—cheesy, savory, and perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re making them for a quick breakfast, an easy lunch, or game day snacks, these quesadillas will hit the spot every time. With perfectly seasoned sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, you can’t go wrong!
