Name: Mac ’n’ Cheese Quesadillas with a Cheesy Twist
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (homemade or boxed); 4 large flour tortillas; 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack); 2 tablespoons butter; Optional add-ins: cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, chopped scallions

A comfort food mash-up that’s as fun to make as it is to eat — these Mac ’n’ Cheese Quesadillas combine the creamy, nostalgic goodness of macaroni and cheese with the crispy, melty magic of a classic quesadilla. I love this recipe for its simplicity and bold flavor, perfect for snack time, party platters, or even a quirky lunch or dinner. Whether I’m using homemade mac or a boxed favorite, this cheesy creation never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese (homemade or boxed)

4 large flour tortillas

1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

2 tablespoons butter

Optional add-ins: cooked bacon bits, diced jalapeños, chopped scallions

Directions

I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small pat of butter to coat the pan.

I place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about ¼–⅓ cup shredded cheese evenly over half of the tortilla.

Then I spoon about ½ cup of warm macaroni and cheese over the cheese layer, topping it with another ¼ cup of cheese to help it stick together.

I fold the tortilla in half over the filling and press gently with a spatula.

I cook the quesadilla for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted.

Once done, I remove it to a cutting board and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges.

I repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more butter as needed.

I like to serve them warm with salsa, sour cream, or a dipping sauce I enjoy.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 4 quesadilla sandwiches

Estimated Calories: ~480 kcal per quesadilla

Variations

I switch things up depending on my mood or who I’m feeding. Sometimes I add crispy bacon bits for a savory punch, or a few diced jalapeños when I want some heat. Scallions add freshness, while a blend of cheeses gives extra depth of flavor. For a more grown-up twist, I’ve even added pulled pork or sautéed onions.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to bring back the crispiness, or I use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the tortilla won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

What kind of mac and cheese works best in this recipe?

I’ve found that both homemade and boxed mac and cheese work great. I just make sure it’s creamy and not too dry so it melts well inside the quesadilla.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes assemble them ahead and store them in the fridge. Then I cook them fresh when I’m ready to serve. That way, they’re still crispy and gooey.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Flour tortillas hold up better for this kind of filling, but if I prefer corn tortillas, I make sure to warm and soften them first so they don’t break when folding.

What sauces go well with these quesadillas?

I love dipping them in salsa, sour cream, ranch, or even a spicy cheese sauce. It really depends on the vibe I’m going for — comfort or kick.

Can I freeze them?

I don’t recommend freezing fully cooked quesadillas because they lose texture. But I can freeze the mac and cheese separately and then assemble fresh when needed.

Conclusion

Mac ’n’ Cheese Quesadillas are a fun, cheesy, satisfying dish that I keep coming back to. Whether I’m looking for a quick lunch, a snackable party item, or just something cozy, this recipe always hits the spot. It’s simple, customizable, and oh-so delicious — comfort food at its finest.

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