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Fried Quesadillas (Quesadillas Fritas)

These amazing fried quesadillas (quesadillas fritas) are a delicious and easy snack that the whole family will enjoy. Serve them with your favorite salsa.

how to make cheese quesadillas

Ingredients needed

These cheese quesadillas are very simple requiring few ingredients. They include :

  • corn masa flour
  • salt
  • water
  • cheese
  • oil

What is the best cheese for quesadillas?

For this recipe I’m using shredded mozzarella.

You could also use shredded monterrey jack, pepper jack or cheddar jack cheese.

My husband prefers for me to use crumbled queso fresco in his for a more traditional quesadilla.

How to make fried quesadillas

The brand of instant corn masa flour I use is Maseca.

It’s my absolute favorite and I use it for my pupusas, tamales, empanadas, atole literally everything.

In order to make the quesadillas I follow the instructions on the back of the bag of Maseca that tells you how to make tortillas.

It says to mix 2 cups of maseca with 1 1/2 cups of water.

I also add about 1/2 a teaspoon of salt for added flavor.

After it’s mixed divide it into about 10 equal sized balls.

The instructions on the bag say 19 balls but I prefer to make mine bigger.

balls of masa

One at a time take one of the masa balls and place it between two plastic squares or circles inside of a tortilla press.

My husband always just uses grocery bags I’ve also used ziploc bags before.

ball of masa on a tortilla press

Flatten the ball as if you were making empanadas.

Then sprinkle half of it with cheese.

I’m using Mozzarella but you can use the cheese of your choice.

Make sure not to add too much cheese or you won’t be able to close the quesadilla.

cheese quesadilla in tortilla press

Very carefully use the bottom circle of plastic to help close the quesadilla.

Just use the plastic to fold in half and seal the quesadilla with your fingers.

closed quesadilla

Go ahead and heat a skillet over medium heat.

Pour in enough oil to fry the quesadillas.

While you’re waiting for the oil to get hot go ahead and finish making the rest of the quesadillas.

Once hot fry two at a time.

Fry on each side for 1-2 minutes or until it gets nice and crispy and becomes a beautiful golden color.

Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

Fry the rest of the quesadillas.

two cheese quesadillas frying in a cast iron skillet

You can serve them whole or cut in half.

fried cheese quesadillas

What kind of oil do you use to fry quesadillas?

I used vegetable oil but you can also use canola or corn oil.

I don’t recommend you use olive oil. The flavor is too strong.

What to serve with quesadillas

These fried quesadillas are fantastic served with some rice and beans on the side.

It makes for a really yummy and inexpensive meal.

Some other sides you can serve with these quesadillas include Mexican spaghetti, green spaghetti and fideo seco.

cheese quesadillas cut in half

Easy fried quesadillas

These delicious and simple cheese quesadillas are an easy snack that the whole family will love.

I hope you’ll give them a try and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting.

Be back soon!

these cheese quesadillas make an excellent mexican snack.
cheese quesadillas cut in half
4 from 6 votes
Print

Fried Quesadillas

These fried quesadillas are a delicious and inexpensive snack that adults and kids like. You can turn it into a meal by serving with rice and some salsa.

Course Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword cheese quesadillas, fried quesadillas, quesadillas fritas
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 5 people
Calories 300 kcal
Author Carissa

Ingredients

  • 2 cups maseca
  • 1/3 tsp salt optional
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
  • vegetable oil enough for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl mix maseca, salt and water together until there are no dry clumps. It should be smooth and moist.

  2. Form ten equal sized balls with the masa.

  3. With a tortilla press flatten the masa ball as if making empanadas. Fill half of the tortilla with cheese. Carefully close the quesadilla. Make sure to use two squares or circles of plastic to prevent the masa from sticking to the tortilla press.

  4. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Pour in enough oil to fry the quesadillas. While the oil is heating go ahead and finish making the rest of the quesadillas.

  5. Once oil is hot fry two quesadillas at a time for 1-2 minutes on each side until the quesadillas are golden and crispy.

  6. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

  7. Serve.

Nutrition Facts
Fried Quesadillas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 441mg19%
Potassium 153mg4%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 305IU6%
Calcium 291mg29%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Recipe Rating




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