Easy Breakfast Quesadilla

I discovered breakfast quesadillas during the pandemic.  I was cooking non-stop and always looking for new things to make for breakfast and lunch.  My whole family loves a traditional quesadilla- I mean who can resist a crisp tortilla filled with melty cheese? So adding eggs seemed like a no-brainer and for a while, they were constantly requested.  There are many variations to consider when filling the tortilla.  Since we are talking about breakfast you must start with fluffy scrambled eggs.  I have a whole blog post about them.  Click here if you want the recipe.  

This recipe is basic, with eggs, cheese and tortilla.  But you could add breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, bell peppers, or green chiles.  In terms of cheese, I love cheddar cheese, but Monterey jack, or pepper jack would be so good.  I do limit the stuff inside because it is a quesadilla and not a breakfast burrito.  Typically you want melted cheese and maybe something else with it.  In this case fluffy egg.  So don’t put everything inside, if you want a good quesadilla.  Stick to a couple of your favorite things and then opt for stuff on the side, like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.  

Here’s what you need for an easy breakfast quesadilla:

Eggs– 2 large eggs, preferably organic if you can afford it.  The cost of eggs right now is insane!

Cheese– 1/2 cup or more of cheddar cheese.  Any cheese will work, try Monterey jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little spice.

Tortillas– 2 large (burrito) size flour tortillas.  

Favorite toppings– Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, avocado, pico de Gallo

Non-stick pan– I think this is the best pan to make the scrambled eggs in, however best pan for quesadilla would be cast iron.  That being said I would not pull out 2 different pans for such a simple recipe.  So non-stick if I have to choose!

Here’s how to make the easy breakfast quesadilla recipe:

1. Make the eggs

Start with preparing the scrambled eggs.  Add 2 eggs to a small bowl plus milk or cream and gently whisk with a fork.  I like to season my eggs with a pinch of salt and a little bit of pepper too.  

Then warm a large skillet over medium heat.  Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt.  Once melted, pour egg mixture into the pan and reduce the fire to medium-low heat.  Let the eggs sit for a minute and then with a rubber spatula start to slowly push the egg mixture from the edge to the center of the pan.  The eggs will continue to set up and become more cooked.  Low and slow is the best method for getting fluffy scrambled eggs.  Avoid cooking on high heat as this will dry out the eggs and often they will get brown and overcooked. Once cooked to your liking be sure to turn off the heat and remove the pan from the burner because the residual heat in the pan will continue to cook the eggs. 

2. Assemble the quesadilla

Now it’s time to assemble the quesadilla.  Grate the cheese.  The recipe calls for 1/2 cup, but I always end up using more.  It is a quesadilla!  Next, lay one flour tortilla on a flat surface, like a cutting board or countertop.  Add half of the cheese to the tortilla spreading it out evenly.  Next, add the eggs on top of the cheese. Now, add the remaining cheese to the top of the eggs and top it with the second tortilla.  Press down slightly to mash it together.  The cheese will act as glue once it starts to melt and keep the eggs from falling out.

3. Cook the quesadilla

Using a paper towel, wipe out the pan you used to make the eggs.  Heat the pan over medium-high heat.  Next, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and swirl it around once it melts so that it evenly coats the pan.  Add the assembled quesadilla to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes.  Using a spatula lift up the side of the tortilla to see if it is browning.  If it is it’s time to flip it.  Carefully slide the spatula under and flip it over.  The tortilla should be golden brown.  Continue cooking until the cheese inside is melted and the bottom tortilla is golden brown.  

4. Cut the quesadilla

After that, remove from the pan and let it cool slightly before cutting it.  I like to use a pizza cutter to slice it, but a sharp knife will also do the trick.  Cut into triangles, like you would a pie or pizza.  Put the pieces onto a plate and serve with your favorite salsa or guacamole on the side.  Hash browns or breakfast potatoes would be a bonus.  

I can’t wait for you to try this delicious breakfast recipe.  Adding eggs to regular quesadillas makes them feel more substantial and less like a snack or “kid’s food”.  I hope that these easy breakfast quesadillas become one of your new favorite meals.   

MORE RECIPES TO TRY!

Breakfast Tacos

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Homemade Guacamole

Quick Homemade Salsa

Banana Stuffed French Toast