Welcome to a super easy and incredibly delicious breakfast recipe that will quickly become a favorite! This quick quesadilla is perfect for busy mornings or as a speedy snack any time of day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time.
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook time: 5-7 minutes per quesadilla
- Total time: Approximately 10-17 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 fresh eggs
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 20g green onions, chopped
- 1 tortilla (23 cm / 9 inches)
- Unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Spinach
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- Cheese slices (e.g., cheddar, American)
Optional additions for variations:
- 30g crumbled bacon
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
- Prepare the Eggs: In a bowl, crack the 2 eggs. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk the eggs well until thoroughly combined.
- Chop Green Onions: Finely chop 20g of green onions. Add the chopped green onions to the beaten eggs and mix.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of unsalted butter. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook until scrambled or set, as desired. Remove the cooked eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Tortilla: Place one 23 cm (9-inch) tortilla in the same pan. Twist the tortilla gently to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Assemble the First Layer: Once the tortilla is slightly warmed, flip it over. Sprinkle Mozzarella cheese generously over one half of the tortilla.
- Add Fillings (Type 1): On top of the Mozzarella, add a layer of fresh spinach. Then, place a few thin slices of tomato over the spinach. Top with some of the cooked egg mixture and a cheese slice.
- Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half, creating a crescent shape. Press down gently. Add a small bit of unsalted butter to the pan if needed, then continue to cook the quesadilla on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Repeat for Variations (Optional): You can create different types of quesadillas by repeating the same steps but varying the fillings.
- For a Bacon Quesadilla (Type 2): On the tortilla, place a cheese slice, 30g of crumbled bacon, some spinach, and Mozzarella cheese. Fold and cook as before.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of this quesadilla can vary significantly based on the exact amounts of ingredients used, especially the type and quantity of cheese, butter, and any added ingredients like bacon.
- Estimated per serving (basic egg, cheese, spinach, tomato):
- Calories: 300-450 kcal
- Fat: 18-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
- Protein: 15-25g
Please note: These are rough estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe is a take on the classic quesadilla, a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, a quesadilla consists of a tortilla filled primarily with cheese (queso in Spanish, hence “quesadilla”), then folded and cooked on a comal (griddle) until the cheese melts. Over time, variations have emerged, incorporating various fillings like meats, vegetables, and, as seen here, breakfast staples like eggs and green onions.
The popularity of breakfast quesadillas stems from their versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious flavor. They offer a complete meal in a convenient, handheld form, making them ideal for quick breakfasts at home or on the go. Their adaptability allows for endless customization, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Super Easy: The instructions are straightforward, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have a hot, delicious breakfast in minutes.
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
- Delicious & Satisfying: The combination of warm tortilla, melted cheese, and savory eggs is incredibly comforting and filling.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters might enjoy building their own quesadilla with preferred fillings.
Health Benefits
When prepared with mindful choices, this breakfast quesadilla can offer several health benefits:
- Eggs: An excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins (like B12, D, and riboflavin), and minerals (like selenium). Protein helps with satiety and muscle repair.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as folate and iron. It’s a great source of dietary fiber.
- Tomatoes: Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits.
- Green Onions: Provide vitamins K and C, and contribute a mild, fresh flavor.
- Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein. Choose lower-fat cheese options to reduce saturated fat intake if desired.
To maximize health benefits, consider using whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and reducing the amount of cheese or butter.
Serving Suggestions
This breakfast quesadilla is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with:
- A side of salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Guacamole or sliced avocado for healthy fats.
- Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
- A glass of orange juice or coffee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Tortilla: Too much filling will make it difficult to fold and cook the quesadilla evenly, leading to a messy outcome.
- High Heat: Cooking on too high heat can burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to melt properly. Stick to medium heat.
- Not Greasing the Pan: While the video mentions twisting the tortilla to prevent sticking, adding a small amount of butter or oil is crucial to ensure the tortilla cooks evenly and gets a nice golden crust without sticking.
- Uneven Cheese Distribution: Spread the cheese evenly so that it melts consistently and binds the fillings together.
Pairing Recommendations
- Beverages: Coffee, orange juice, or a smoothie.
- Sides: Black beans, rice, or a simple green salad.
- Condiments: Salsa verde, chipotle mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Cooking Tips
- Prep Everything First: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This makes the assembly process much smoother and faster.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Cook the eggs just until set so they remain tender and moist within the quesadilla.
- Adjust Fillings to Taste: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients you enjoy, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, or different types of cheese.
- Crispy Tortilla: For an extra crispy tortilla, you can lightly brush the outside of the folded quesadilla with a little butter before cooking on both sides.
- Batch Cooking: If making for a crowd, you can cook the eggs in a larger batch and keep them warm while you assemble and cook multiple quesadillas.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this breakfast quesadilla, you might also like:
- Breakfast Burritos: Similar fillings wrapped tightly in a larger tortilla.
- Egg & Cheese Sandwiches: Another quick and classic breakfast option.
- Huevos Rancheros: A more traditional Mexican breakfast with fried eggs served on tortillas with salsa.
- Breakfast Tacos: Smaller tortillas filled with eggs, cheese, and various breakfast meats or veggies.
Variations to Try
The beauty of quesadillas lies in their endless customization! Here are a few ideas:
- Meat Lover’s: Add cooked sausage, ham, or more bacon.
- Vegetarian Delight: Include sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or black beans.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sweet & Savory: While less common for breakfast quesadillas, some people enjoy a touch of sweetness like a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tortillas
The tortilla is the foundation of the quesadilla. Most commonly, flour tortillas are used for their flexibility and soft texture, which allows them to fold easily and become crispy when cooked. You can choose different sizes, but the 23 cm (9-inch) tortilla mentioned in the recipe is a good standard size for a hearty single serving.
While flour tortillas are traditional for this style of quesadilla, you can also experiment with whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Corn tortillas are also an option, though they are less pliable and tend to break if not warmed sufficiently, making them better suited for smaller, open-faced quesadillas or tostadas. Always warm your tortillas slightly before adding fillings to make them more flexible and less likely to crack.
Conclusion
This easy breakfast quesadilla recipe truly delivers on its promise of a delicious and simple meal. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weekday morning or enjoying a relaxed weekend brunch, its versatility and satisfying flavors make it a winning choice. The combination of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables all tucked inside a warm, golden tortilla is hard to beat. Give this recipe a try, get creative with your fillings, and enjoy a fantastic start to your day!