Best Bites: Quesadillas

By Donna Erickson

Make Quesadillas for a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Cinco de Mayo -- May 5 -- is just around the corner, and in many communities in the United States, families will be enjoying parades and outdoor fiestas to celebrate Mexican heritage. As with any holiday, food takes center stage, so this is the perfect time to inspire your family to make Mexican quesadillas together.

PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson

Quesadillas are like a sandwich filled with meat, cheese, herbs, and hot chili peppers (if you dare)! Customize your own quesadilla to suit your palate and enjoy it with a side dish of your favorite salsa or guacamole.

For a family who's on the go, it's an ideal meal for dinner or a simple, healthy energy boost in the afternoon when the kids get home from school. We like to prepare a large quesadilla and slice it in triangles for an impromptu appetizer/treat when the kids' friends unexpectedly stop by.

Assemble, bake in the oven, or cook on a skillet or griddle. In just minutes, it's ready to serve. I like this new bean-dip version for hearty and fresh-tasting quesadillas.

BEAN DIP QUESADILLAS

This bean dip is enough for about 6 quesadillas, and it can be made by blending the following ingredients in a blender or food processor:

• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained

• 1/4 cup cream cheese

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 2 teaspoons prepared roasted garlic, or 1 teaspoon powdered garlic

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional)

• 6 flour tortillas

Spread some of the bean dip mixture on half of a large flour tortilla. Top with the following ingredients according to taste: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped green onions that have been diced and drained, canned green chile peppers, and chopped and seeded fresh tomato.

Carefully fold the tortilla in half. Cook on a large skillet or griddle over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Cut quesadillas in half or in thirds. Serve with guacamole and salsa if you wish.

Cook's Tip: For the oven method, preheat oven to 325 F. Prepare 2-3 quesadillas on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Remove, slice and serve.

Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.

(c) 2026 Donna Erickson

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