How to Make a Perfect Quesadilla

You are likely familiar with the cheesy goodness that is a quesadilla. If you've ever tried to make one at home and been disappointed, I'm here to guide you on how to make your quesadillas delicious.

Quesadillas are a staple in New Mexican cuisine. They are basically the Southwestern grilled cheese. Below I explain how to make a basic quesadilla, but they are even better with sauteed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or whatever other yummy veggies you have on hand. And of course, they are best served with guacamole or salsa.

Ingredients:

• 2 tortillas
• 3/4 cup fresh shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter in the pan. The remaining butter should be spread on one side of each tortilla.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet, buttered side up, cooking until the unbuttered side is golden. This takes about 1-2 minutes.
3. Flip the tortilla, spreading most of the cheese evenly over the cooked side. Reserve a tablespoon of cheese for a later step.
   
4. Cook this side until golden as well. Remove from pan.
5. Place the other tortilla, again buttered side up in the skillet and cook until golden. Repeat with the buttered side.
6. Place the freshly cooked tortilla on top of the tortilla with cheese.
7. Sprinkle half the remaining cheese in the skillet. Place the quesadilla in the skillet on top of the cheese. Cook for an additional minute. This step ensures a flaky, crispy crust.
8. Repeat step 7 with remaining cheese and other side of the quesadilla.
9. Remove from heat and serve after cutting into slices.