## Quick & Easy Egg and Cheese Breakfast Quesadillas: The Perfect Morning Meal
Tired of the same old breakfast routine? Looking for something quick, easy, and satisfying to start your day? Look no further than these delicious and simple egg and cheese breakfast quesadillas! They’re ready in minutes, customizable to your liking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or even a quick snack. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from ingredient selection to cooking tips, so you can create the perfect breakfast quesadilla every time.
### Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Quesadillas
* **Fast and Easy:** These quesadillas come together in under 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses, veggies, and proteins.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A simple and delicious way to get kids to eat a hearty breakfast.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses inexpensive ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
* **Portable:** Perfect for eating on the go!
### Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Large Flour Tortillas:** (8-10 inch) These are the foundation of our quesadilla. Choose your favorite brand and type – white, whole wheat, or even flavored tortillas will work. Larger tortillas are generally easier to work with.
* **Eggs:** The star of the show! We’ll be using 2-3 eggs per quesadilla, depending on your preference and tortilla size. I prefer large eggs for a richer flavor and texture.
* **Cheese:** A must-have for any quesadilla! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more evenly.
* **Butter or Oil:** For cooking the eggs and melting the cheese. Butter adds a richer flavor, while oil is a good option for those avoiding dairy. Olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil all work well.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the eggs and bring out the flavors.
**Optional Add-ins:**
* **Cooked Meat:** Add cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or chorizo for extra protein and flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, or jalapenos add nutrients and texture.
* **Salsa:** A dollop of salsa adds a zesty kick.
* **Avocado:** Sliced or mashed avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** For a cool and tangy topping.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a little heat.
### Equipment
* **Large Skillet or Griddle:** To cook the eggs and quesadilla.
* **Spatula:** For flipping the eggs and quesadilla.
* **Whisk:** To beat the eggs.
* **Mixing Bowl:** To whisk the eggs in.
* **Cheese Grater (if using block cheese):** To shred the cheese.
* **Cutting Board and Knife (if adding vegetables):** To chop any vegetables.
### Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Eggs:**
* Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl.
* Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
* Whisk the eggs vigorously until they are light and frothy and the yolks and whites are fully combined. This will ensure a smooth and even texture.
**2. Cook the Eggs:**
* Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot but not smoking.
* Pour the whisked eggs into the hot skillet. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for a minute or two until the bottom begins to set.
* Using a spatula, gently push the cooked edges of the eggs towards the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath. This will create a more evenly cooked egg.
* Continue cooking the eggs until they are mostly set but still slightly moist. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will continue to cook inside the quesadilla.
* Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
**3. Assemble the Quesadilla:**
* Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface or cutting board.
* Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese evenly over half of the tortilla. Be sure to leave a small border around the edge so the cheese doesn’t spill out when the quesadilla is folded.
* Top the cheese with the cooked eggs. Spread the eggs evenly over the cheese.
* Add any desired optional ingredients, such as cooked meat, vegetables, salsa, or avocado. Be careful not to overfill the quesadilla, as it will be difficult to fold and cook evenly.
* Sprinkle another layer of cheese over the eggs and fillings. This will help to bind everything together and create a gooey, delicious filling.
**4. Cook the Quesadilla:**
* Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can use the same skillet you used to cook the eggs, but make sure it’s clean.
* Carefully fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently to seal the edges.
* Place the folded quesadilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
* Use a spatula to flip the quesadilla carefully. Press down gently with the spatula to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
* Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
**5. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Let the quesadilla cool for a minute or two before cutting it into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
* Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce.
### Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Quesadilla
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
* **Don’t Overcook the Eggs:** Overcooked eggs will be dry and rubbery. Cook them until they are mostly set but still slightly moist.
* **Don’t Overfill the Quesadilla:** Overfilling the quesadilla will make it difficult to fold and cook evenly. It can also cause the fillings to spill out.
* **Use Medium Heat:** Cooking the quesadilla over medium heat will ensure that the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey without burning the tortilla.
* **Press Down Gently:** Pressing down gently with a spatula while cooking the quesadilla will help to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Letting the quesadilla cool for a minute or two before cutting it will prevent the cheese from oozing out and making a mess.
### Variations and Add-ins
The beauty of these breakfast quesadillas is their versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:
* **Spicy Quesadilla:** Add diced jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Vegetarian Quesadilla:** Load up on vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
* **Meat Lover’s Quesadilla:** Add cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or chorizo.
* **Mediterranean Quesadilla:** Add feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
* **Hawaiian Quesadilla:** Add cooked ham and pineapple.
* **Breakfast Burrito Quesadilla:** Add black beans, corn, and salsa.
* **Sweet Quesadilla:** For a sweeter treat, try adding Nutella and sliced bananas. Cook until the tortilla is golden brown and the Nutella is melted.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
* **Different Tortillas:** Try using whole wheat tortillas, spinach tortillas, or even corn tortillas for a different flavor and texture.
### Serving Suggestions
These breakfast quesadillas are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides and toppings:
* **Salsa:** A classic topping that adds a zesty kick.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds a cool and tangy contrast to the savory quesadilla.
* **Avocado:** Sliced or mashed avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a little heat.
* **Fresh Fruit:** A side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or bananas, provides a refreshing and healthy complement.
* **Breakfast Potatoes:** Crispy breakfast potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish.
* **Coffee or Juice:** A perfect beverage to complete your breakfast.
### Make-Ahead Tips
These breakfast quesadillas are best served fresh, but you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time in the morning:
* **Cook the eggs:** Cook the eggs the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently in the microwave or skillet before assembling the quesadillas.
* **Chop the vegetables:** Chop any vegetables you plan to use the night before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Grate the cheese:** Grate the cheese the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
### Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven until heated through. Reheating in a skillet will help to maintain the crispness of the tortilla. Microwaving may make the tortilla a bit soggy. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
### Nutritional Information (Approximate per quesadilla)
* Calories: 300-400 (depending on fillings)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
### Recipe Card
**Yields:** 1 Quesadilla
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5-10 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 large flour tortilla (8-10 inch)
* 2-3 large eggs
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
* 1 teaspoon butter or oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: cooked meat, vegetables, salsa, avocado, sour cream, hot sauce
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until mostly set but still slightly moist. Remove from skillet.
3. Lay the tortilla flat. Sprinkle cheese over half of the tortilla.
4. Top with cooked eggs and any desired add-ins. Sprinkle with more cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half.
6. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly. Cut into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your quick and easy egg and cheese breakfast quesadilla! This recipe is a fantastic way to kickstart your morning with a delicious and satisfying meal. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own personalized version. Happy cooking! We hope you’ll love this as much as we do. Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming, and these quesadillas are proof of that!