The Jalapeño Popper Quesadilla is a fun twist on two classic favorites: the traditional Mexican quesadilla and the Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper. It’s a culinary mash-up that is perfect for those who crave that extra kick of heat paired with melted cheese and we are here for it! These cheesy, crispy snackable quesadillas are so easy to make and they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve them in halves for a light lunch with a side salad, or in small slices as a party appetizer for a movie night or on Game Day! Try some of my other favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, like my Chorizo Con Papas, Pork Carnitas, Huevos Ranchreos, Mexican Street Corn Dip, and this Skillet Tamale Pie!
Why We Love This Recipe
Make this dish as spicy or mild as you like it, using your favorite kinds of cheeses or other add-ins for more flavor and texture. You only need six simple ingredients for these quesadillas, proving that sometimes less is more! Quick and easy to make, these quesadillas are ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for last-minute party prep or as part of a yummy, busy weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Cream Cheese – For the base of the creamy filling, providing a smooth texture and slight tang that complements the heat of the jalapeños. Garlic Powder – To add a savory depth of flavor to the cream cheese sauce. Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese adds a punch of flavor and helps to create that irresistible, stringy, melted cheese pull. Bacon – Make some crisp bacon bits to introduce a smoky, savory element that balances the spice and adds to the overall taste. You can buy bacon bits from the store in a pinch. Jalapeños – Be sure to wash them, remove the stem and seeds, and chop them, providing that signature heat. Tortillas – We definitely prefer soft flour tortillas over corn tortillas for a classic quesadilla texture. Try my Homemade Flour Tortillas recipe for an even fresher flavor.
How to Make Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas
Tips for Success
Slice the quesadillas easily into even portions with a pizza cutter, or use a sharp knife. Use a block of cheese that you can grate yourself for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese tends to be coated with a floury substance, and the flavors aren’t as good as if it’s fresh.
Substitutions and Variations
Experiment with other kinds of cheeses. The best cheese for quesadillas is one that melts well and has a good flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Mexican Cheese Blend, and Mozzarella are all good choices because they melt really well. Sharp cheddar has good flavor but can be too greasy on its own. Typically, I’ll combine a flavorful cheese like Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar cheese with a milder cheese like mozzarella for a fuller flavor and texture. If jalapeños are too spicy for your liking, try using milder poblano peppers or ancho peppers. If you want to take the heat out completely but still have a great taste, green bell peppers are a good choice. Bump up the spice by adding in some red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, leaving in some of the jalapeño seeds, or by using hotter peppers or just not discarding the jalapeño seeds. Get even more flavor into these quesadillas by adding a pinch of onion powder, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a dash of lime juice to the cream cheese mixture for extra zing. Try adding some meat to the quesadillas to make them more filling. Try my Shredded Beef, Pulled Pork, or some shredded chicken.
More Appetizer Recipes
Grape Jelly Meatballs Cheesy Meatball Sliders Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas Homemade Mozzarella Sticks Grilled Garlic Bread
Try them alongside some Chicken Fluatas, my 7-Layer Dip, some Crispy Onion Rings, and even my Jalapeno Pigs in a Blanket! If you’re making these jalapeño popper quesadillas into a meal, serve them with some Mexican Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, or some Refried Beans into the tortillas. For a full Mexican dining experience, make this Horchata Mexican Drink Recipe for your guests and add some Mexican desserts to your menu!
Jalapeño Popper Dip
Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
