Description
Turn your favorite mac 'n' cheese into a crispy, golden quesadilla! This Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a crunchy tortilla for the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved classics!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or plant-based)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking, then cook until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and spoon half of the mac 'n' cheese mixture on top. Add shredded mozzarella and top with the second tortilla. Press gently.
- Cook the Quesadilla: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side.
- Serve: Remove from heat, let cool for a minute, and cut into wedges. Serve with salsa or hot sauce, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to mix in cooked chicken, veggies, or other protein to make the quesadilla more filling.
- For a crispier texture, try adding a light layer of panko breadcrumbs to the outside of the tortilla before frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg