Start your day on a sweet and savory note with these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas! This delightful recipe captures the irresistible flavors of fresh apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the creaminess of cheese, all wrapped in a golden tortilla. Whether you’re preparing a special breakfast for your family or whipping up a quick snack, these quesadillas offer a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. Plus, they come together in just 20 minutes, making them an unbeatable option for busy mornings.
Imagine biting into a warm quesadilla, the soft apple filling bursting with flavor, paired with the slight tang of cream cheese and the satisfying melt of cheddar. Not only are these quesadillas tasty, they’re also vegetarian and can be made healthier with a simple swap of maple syrup for brown sugar. This flexibility allows you to customize your breakfast without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy them straight off the skillet or even packed for lunch; they remain deliciously satisfying at any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh apples and optional maple syrup.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and appealing breakfast option for children.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for a busy morning.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure a smooth cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace before you dive into making these delicious quesadillas. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl for tossing the apples, a large skillet for cooking, and a spatula for flipping the quesadillas. Having everything prepped allows you to focus on creating the dish without any interruptions. Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it melts quickly when heating the skillet.
Before you start cooking, slice the apples thinly for even cooking. Toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar in the mixing bowl and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Meanwhile, you can get your other ingredients ready by softening the cream cheese and shredding the cheddar. Once your workspace is clean and your ingredients are prepped, you’re all set for a fun cooking session!
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (for spreading)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Instructions
Step 1: Toss the Apples
Begin by preparing your apples. Take your thinly sliced apples and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the apples to add a bright flavor and prevent browning. Next, sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar over the apples. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each apple slice is well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes—this allows the apples to absorb the flavors of the lemon, cinnamon, and sugar, resulting in a delicious filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Once your apple mixture has rested, it’s time to assemble the quesadillas. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on one side of each tortilla. On one half of the tortilla, place a portion of the cinnamon apple mixture. For an extra cheesy bite, top the apples with a satisfying handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Carefully fold the tortilla in half over the filling, creating a semicircle. Repeat this process until all tortillas are prepared.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and begun to bubble, carefully place two quesadillas in the skillet (you can also cook one at a time if your skillet is small). Cook each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on one side until the tortilla turns golden brown. Use your spatula to flip them over and cook the opposite side until it, too, is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If needed, add a little extra butter for the second round of cooking. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting them into wedges, then repeat the process with any remaining tortillas and filling.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or sliced bananas for added nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Cooking Notes
- For a crispier texture, increase the cooking time slightly.
- Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream or yogurt for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Tips
- Choose apples that are firm and sweet for the best results.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
FAQs
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
What type of apples are best for quesadillas?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work exceptionally well due to their flavor and crisp texture.
Can I freeze the quesadillas?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked quesadillas for about 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I ensure my quesadillas are crispy?
Cooking them in butter and on medium heat ensures a crispy texture. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more butter if necessary!
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas offer a delightful way to embrace the morning with sweetness and comfort. Their irresistible flavor combination and ease of preparation make them a breakfast staple worth trying out. Whether you prefer a cozy family brunch or a quick meal for on-the-go, these quesadillas are versatile and packed with goodness. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or toppings to make the recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your experiences, variations, and any tips you come up with in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Start your day on a sweet and savory note with these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas!
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (for spreading)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your apples. Take your thinly sliced apples and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the apples to add a bright flavor and prevent browning. Next, sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar over the apples. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that each apple slice is well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes—this allows the apples to absorb the flavors of the lemon, cinnamon, and sugar, resulting in a delicious filling.
- Once your apple mixture has rested, it’s time to assemble the quesadillas. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on one side of each tortilla. On one half of the tortilla, place a portion of the cinnamon apple mixture. For an extra cheesy bite, top the apples with a satisfying handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Carefully fold the tortilla in half over the filling, creating a semicircle. Repeat this process until all tortillas are prepared.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and begun to bubble, carefully place two quesadillas in the skillet (you can also cook one at a time if your skillet is small). Cook each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on one side until the tortilla turns golden brown. Use your spatula to flip them over and cook the opposite side until it, too, is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If needed, add a little extra butter for the second round of cooking. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting them into wedges, then repeat the process with any remaining tortillas and filling.
Notes
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Protein: 10 g