Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas Recipe - Authentic Mexican Flavors

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 24 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

History

Quesadillas have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The combination of cheese and tortillas has been a staple in Mexican cooking since the time of the Aztecs. The addition of ham and raisins to the traditional quesadilla recipe adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

8 tortillas (7 to 8 inches)
4 cups grated monterey jack cheese (about 1 lb or 454 g)
8 thin slices of ham (about 6.5 oz or 184 g)
0.25 cup raisins
2 green onions, chopped (including green tops)
6 tsp butter

How to prepare

Arrange 4 tortillas on a work surface.
Sprinkle 0.5 cup of cheese over each tortilla.
Top with ham, leaving a 0.25 inch border.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of raisins over each tortilla.
Divide the remaining cheese and sprinkle it over the tortillas.
Top with onions and the remaining tortillas. (This can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Melt 1.5 tsp of butter in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
Place 1 quesadilla in the skillet. Cook until brown, about 3 minutes per side.
Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining butter and quesadillas.
Cut into wedges and serve.

Variations

Add cooked vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling.
Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor.
Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality cheese that melts easily, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.

- Be sure to cook the quesadillas on medium heat to ensure that the cheese melts evenly and the tortillas crisp up nicely.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as cooked chicken, vegetables, or different types of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham and Cheese Quesadillas with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Cook the quesadillas in a skillet on the stovetop for the best results. Make sure to cook them on medium heat to ensure that the cheese melts evenly and the tortillas crisp up nicely.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. You can substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon. You can also use different types of cheese or add in cooked vegetables for extra flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the quesadillas up to 6 hours ahead of time. Simply assemble the quesadillas, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the quesadillas into wedges and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas pair well with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice and beans. They also go well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Quesadillas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Quesadillas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Quesadillas contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Quesadillas contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas contain dairy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in calories and fat, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. These quesadillas are filled with gooey cheese, savory ham, and sweet raisins, all sandwiched between two crispy tortillas. Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this tasty dish with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly as I rummaged through an old recipe box that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals for her family and friends. Mrs. Jenkins had passed away a few years prior, and her family had given me her recipe box as a keepsake.

As I flipped through the weathered index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, I stumbled upon a recipe for Ham and Cheese Quesadillas. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of ham and cheese melted between crispy tortillas sounded absolutely divine. I knew I had to give it a try.

I remembered Mrs. Jenkins telling me about how she learned the recipe from her Mexican neighbor, Senora Rodriguez. Senora Rodriguez had taught her the art of making authentic Mexican dishes, and Mrs. Jenkins had mastered them with ease. I could still picture Mrs. Jenkins standing in her kitchen, a smile on her face as she flipped the quesadillas in a sizzling skillet, the enticing aroma filling the room.

Excited to try my hand at making Ham and Cheese Quesadillas, I gathered the ingredients and got to work. I diced up some leftover ham from Sunday's dinner, shredded some sharp cheddar cheese, and sliced up a ripe avocado for garnish. I heated up a skillet and placed a tortilla in it, sprinkling ham and cheese on one half before folding it over. As the cheese melted and the tortilla turned golden brown, I knew I had a winner on my hands.

The first bite of the Ham and Cheese Quesadilla was pure bliss. The gooey cheese, savory ham, and crispy tortilla melded together perfectly, creating a flavor explosion in my mouth. I couldn't believe how simple yet delicious this dish was. I made a mental note to thank Mrs. Jenkins for passing down such a wonderful recipe.

Over the years, I made Ham and Cheese Quesadillas countless times, each batch better than the last. I added my own twist to the recipe, sometimes throwing in some diced green chilies for a bit of heat or swapping out the ham for cooked chicken. No matter how I tweaked it, the basic recipe remained the same, a testament to Mrs. Jenkins' culinary expertise.

One day, I invited my grandchildren over for lunch and decided to make Ham and Cheese Quesadillas for them. They had never tried this dish before, and I was eager to introduce them to its deliciousness. As I cooked up a big batch of quesadillas, my grandchildren hovered around the stove, their mouths watering in anticipation.

When the quesadillas were ready, I plated them up and served them to my eager grandchildren. They took their first bite, their eyes widening in delight. "These are amazing, Grandma!" they exclaimed, their mouths full of cheesy goodness. I smiled, knowing that I had successfully passed down Mrs. Jenkins' recipe to the next generation.

As my grandchildren grew older, they began to experiment with the recipe themselves, adding their own unique touches to it. They would call me up excitedly, telling me about the new variations they had come up with. It warmed my heart to see them carry on the tradition of making Ham and Cheese Quesadillas, just like I had learned from Mrs. Jenkins.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple yet profound joy that a recipe can bring. The Ham and Cheese Quesadilla recipe may have started with Mrs. Jenkins and Senora Rodriguez, but it has become a part of my culinary repertoire, a cherished memory that I will pass down to future generations.

And so, as I take another bite of a perfectly cooked Ham and Cheese Quesadilla, I am reminded of the power of a good recipe. It has the ability to connect us to the past, bring joy to the present, and create memories for the future. And for that, I am eternally grateful.