If there’s a breakfast that never fails to thrill everyone at my table, it’s Breakfast Quesadillas. Crispy, gooey, packed with fresh greens and just a hint of heat, these quesadillas deliver everything you could crave in a savory morning meal—no fork or knife required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: The tortillas get beautifully golden while the cheddar melts into the perfect cheesy pull.
- Loaded with Veggies: Chopped spinach and scallions brighten every bite and help you sneak in a serving of greens first thing in the morning.
- Fast & Family-Friendly: Breakfast Quesadillas come together in under 30 minutes and kids (and adults!) love customizing their own.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Whether you crave a little heat or want to switch up the cheese, these are ideal for any taste or dietary need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to make these Breakfast Quesadillas with just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Every component—eggs, cheese, greens, and a pop of spice—brings its own magic to these handheld beauties, creating incredible contrast in every bite.
- Large eggs: The heart of the filling, fluffy scrambled eggs make the quesadillas rich and satisfying.
- Sea salt & freshly ground pepper: A must for seasoning your eggs and letting all the flavors pop.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds flavor while helping sauté the scallions and spinach quickly.
- Scallions: Their mild onion flavor adds a savory, herby boost.
- Fresh spinach: Bright green, lightly wilted spinach sneaks in veggies and adds color.
- Flour or whole wheat tortillas: These crisp up beautifully and hold all your fillings together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts to oozy perfection—sharp cheddar offers plenty of flavor, but feel free to mix it up!
- Jalapeño pepper: Brings a touch of heat that makes each bite exciting; use as much or as little as you like.
Variations
The beauty of Breakfast Quesadillas is how customizable they are. Don’t be shy about making them your own—there are endless ways to mix things up, whether you’re catering to picky eaters or cleaning out your fridge!
- Add protein: Slip in cooked bacon, sausage, or black beans for an extra boost of hearty flavor and staying power.
- Try different cheeses: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or feta will all melt beautifully and create a new flavor profile.
- Go veggie-crazy: Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes offer another burst of color and texture.
- Make them dairy-free: Choose a plant-based cheese and cook the eggs in your favorite non-dairy milk.
How to Make Breakfast Quesadillas
Step 1: Whisk & Season the Eggs
Begin by beating the eggs in a medium bowl with sea salt and several generous grinds of black pepper. Well-seasoned eggs make all the difference—don’t skip this step! You want the eggs to be seamless and fluffy when they cook.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies & Scramble
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet on medium. Add chopped scallions and spinach, cooking for about a minute until the spinach softens and shrinks dramatically. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble just until they’re set—think creamy and tender, not tough. Remove from heat right away so they don’t overcook.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out your tortillas on a clean countertop. Scatter half the cheddar cheese over just one half of each tortilla—this creates a melty glue that holds everything together. Top with your spinach-egg mixture, add jalapeño slices for heat, then finish with the remaining cheese. Fold the tortillas to create those classic half-moons.
Step 4: Toast to Perfection
Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium-low and carefully add your assembled quesadillas. Toast for 1–2 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden, crisp, and oozing cheese. Keep an eye on the heat so the cheese melts before the tortillas brown too deeply—patience pays off!
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Remove the quesadillas from the pan, let them rest briefly, then slice into wedges. Pile them high and serve with an array of toppings—think salsa, hot sauce, avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime for the dreamiest Breakfast Quesadillas experience.
Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Quesadillas
- Gentle Heat is Key: Use medium-low heat for the skillet to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
- Cheese on Both Sides: Layering cheese below and above your eggs acts like an edible seal, helping the quesadilla hold together beautifully when you slice and serve.
- Customize Your Spice: For those who like things mild, remove the jalapeño seeds—or dial up the heat for spice lovers by leaving them in or adding a dash of hot sauce inside before folding.
- Work in Batches: If your skillet isn’t big enough for all four quesadillas at once, cook in batches and keep finished ones loosely covered with foil to stay warm and crisp.
How to Serve Breakfast Quesadillas
Garnishes
Pile your Breakfast Quesadillas high with all the good stuff: bright salsa, creamy avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and extra jalapeño for those who dare. Don’t forget a wedge of lime to squeeze over the top—the zing brings it all together!
Side Dishes
These quesadillas are perfect solo, but they shine with simple sides. Try roasted breakfast potatoes, a crisp green salad, or a pile of fresh fruit. For a brunch spread, serve with black beans or a big bowl of pico de gallo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, cut Breakfast Quesadillas into finger-friendly wedges and arrange them on a platter with colorful dipping bowls. Or go bold and stack them tower-style, garnished with jalapeño wheels and lime for a photo-worthy centerpiece at your next brunch or breakfast-for-dinner spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got a few extra Breakfast Quesadillas, don’t worry—they keep well! Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste fantastic warmed up later.
Freezing
Make a big batch and freeze individual quesadillas wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then stash in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—perfect for busy mornings when you need breakfast on the double.
Reheating
To revive their crispiness, reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is gooey again and the tortillas are golden. Alternatively, you can pop them in a toaster oven or warm them gently in the microwave (just note they’ll be softer this way).
FAQs
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Can I make Breakfast Quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully cook and assemble them, let them cool, and store in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crisp and melty cheese.
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What’s the best way to keep quesadillas warm for a crowd?
Keep finished Breakfast Quesadillas in a low oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet until ready to serve—they’ll stay crisp and ready for everyone to dive in.
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Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can, but corn tortillas are a bit more delicate—try warming them to prevent cracking, and expect a slightly different texture (but still delicious flavor!).
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How can I make these Breakfast Quesadillas gluten-free?
Choose certified gluten-free tortillas and double-check your other ingredients. The method and timing stay exactly the same!
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with these Breakfast Quesadillas—easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to make mornings brighter. I hope they become your new go-to for busy weekdays and relaxed weekend brunches alike. Let me know your favorite variations, and happy cooking!
PrintBreakfast Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 to 4 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Breakfast Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying way to start your day. Filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheddar cheese, they are perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Filling:
- 2 scallions, chopped
- Heaping 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 to 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
Serving Options:
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay tortillas flat, sprinkle half the cheese on one half of each tortilla. Add egg mixture and jalapeño slices, top with remaining cheese. Fold tortillas in half.
- Serve: Slice and serve with salsa, hot sauce, avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add scallions and spinach, cook until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Add eggs, scramble until just set, about 1 minute. Remove from pan and set aside.
Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Cook quesadillas until cheese is melted and browned on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining quesadillas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 235mg