Easy Quesadilla (in Waffle Maker)

Charlotte Singh
by Charlotte Singh
2 servings
16 min

This Quesadilla in a Waffle Maker is incredibly easy to make by adding your preferred quesadilla fillings and cooking in a Belgian waffle maker. The outcome is a crispy-edged quesadilla with a delectable, melted cheesy filling!

If you love fun, Mexican-inspired recipes you'll also enjoy my Taco Bell Cheese and Nacho Fries copycat recipes!

A cooked quesadilla in a waffle maker on a plate.

This recipe is fun for a brunch party where you can offer your guests a sweet and savory waffle bar. Set up a couple of waffle makers and guests can make traditional waffle batter or a Quesadilla in a Waffle Maker! Just be sure to prep a larger batch of quesadilla fillings.

I also let my older boys make this easy recipe on their own as they are a quick snack and the best part is it doesn't require using the stove! These waffle quesadillas would also make a great college dorm room meal.


Why You'll Love This Recipe


  • These Quesadillas are so quick and easy to make! Just add your ingredients to the tortillas and the waffle maker does the rest!
  • The recipe can be customized to everyone's individual tastes by choosing individual toppings.
  • Great way to use up leftover ingredients! Cooked chicken, beef, or leftover beans are perfect in these quesadillas!
Waffled quesadilla on a plate with toppings.
Ingredient Notes
Ingredients for waffle quesadillas.
  • Flour Tortillas: You can use any type of flour tortilla that you prefer. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can also use whole wheat or corn tortillas.
  • Shredded Cheese: We recommend using a combination of cheddar and Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese for maximum flavor.
  • Cooked Chicken Breast: You can use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. You can also substitute with cooked ground beef or turkey.
  • Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper that you prefer, or omit them altogether if you're not a fan.
  • Chilis: If you like a little bit of heat, you can add a teaspoon of chilis to your quesadilla. I like these.
  • Tomatoes or Salsa: You can use chopped fresh tomatoes or your favorite salsa to add a little bit of freshness to your quesadilla.
  • Corn: If you want to add a little bit of texture and a hint of sweetness to your quesadilla, you can add a tablespoon of corn.
  • Refried Beans: You can add a layer of refried beans to your quesadilla for extra protein and flavor. You can also use it as a vegetarian substitute if you prefer.


How to Make a Quesadilla in a Waffle Maker
Preparing the waffle iron to make quesadillas.
  • Heat waffle iron and spray it with cooking spray.
  • Place 1 tortilla on the waffle iron.
  • Add a layer of cheese on top of the tortilla.
Adding quesadilla fillings before cooking.
  • Add additional fillings of your choice.
  • Sprinkle on another layer of cheese.
  • Top with another tortilla.
Cooked quesadilla in waffle iron.
  • Cook until the edges are golden and cheese is melted for perfect quesadillas.


Frequently Asked Questions


Can you make a quesadilla in a waffle maker?

Yes, you can make a quesadilla in a waffle maker. Simply load your favorite quesadilla fillings onto a tortilla, place it in a preheated waffle maker, and cook until the tortilla is crispy and golden and the cheese is melted.

Can you cook other things in a waffle maker?

Yes, a waffle maker is a versatile kitchen appliance, you can cook many other things in a waffle maker like; hash browns, brownies, omelets, grilled cheese sandwiches, falafel, and even pizza. Not all foods work well in a waffle maker always follow a tested recipe or expert advice when cooking with a waffle make

How to make a quesadilla without a quesadilla maker?

Yes! The simplest way is to heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.


Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.


Add your favorite ingredients, such as cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, or black beans, on top of the cheese.


Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Quesadilla in waffle maker.
Expert Tips


  • Make sure to spray the waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray before adding the tortilla to prevent it from sticking.
  • Avoid overstuffing the quesadilla, especially with wet ingredients like tomatoes that can leak out of the waffle maker and create a mess.
  • Overstuffing cheese can also result in the release of excess oil. To enhance the flavor and prevent excessive liquid release, saute the peppers beforehand.
  • Keep an eye out for the golden waffle marks on the tortilla, as waiting for an overall brown color can lead to overcooking.
  • Using nonstick cooking spray and a silicone spatula to remove quesadilla makes for easy cleaning of the waffle maker. This recipe can be easily multiplied for larger families and cooked quesadillas can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven until everyone is ready to eat.
Quesadilla slice in hand with melted cheese dripping out.
Recipe Variations:


  • For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Or simply make a delectable cheese quesadilla.
  • You can also add different types of cheese, such as feta or queso fresco, for a unique flavor. Use a pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend to save time!
  • Experiment with different toppings, such as black beans, avocado, or jalapenos, to customize your quesadilla to your liking.
  • You can even make breakfast quesadillas with a scrambled egg, cheese, and bacon - a breakfast waffledilla!
  • Spice up your quesadillas with a sprinkle of taco seasoning or garlic powder if you like!


Recipe Substitutions:


  • If you don't have flour tortillas, you can also use corn tortillas.
  • If you don't have cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, you can substitute with any type of melting cheese that you have on hand.
  • If you don't have cooked chicken, you can substitute with cooked ground beef or turkey.


Storage Tips:


  • These waffle iron quesadillas are best served immediately after they are made. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place the quesadilla in a toaster oven or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.


Recipe
Easy Quesadilla (in Waffle Maker)
Recipe details
  • 2  servings
  • Prep time: 10 minutes Minutes Cook time: 6 minutes Minutes Total time: 16 min
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Ingredients

  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cooked chicken breast shredded or cut in cubes divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped bell peppers of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon chilis *optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes or salsa
  • 1 tablespoon corn *optional
  • refried beans *optional or vegetarian substitute
  • Non-stick or olive oil spray for cooking
  • guacamole salsa, sour cream, jalapenos, and cilantro for serving.
Instructions

Preheat the waffle maker. While it's heating up, prepare your fillings by shredding cheese, chopping vegetables, etc.
Once the waffle maker is heated, spray the surface with non-stick cooking spray.
Place one tortilla onto the waffle maker and add ¼ cup of Monterrey Jack cheese.
Next, add your preferred toppings, and finish with ¼ cup of cheddar cheese.
Place another tortilla on top to cover the fillings and cook for approximately 3 minutes or until golden and heated through.
Use a silicone spatula to carefully remove the quesadilla from the waffle iron and transfer it to a 200-degree oven or toaster oven while you prepare the second tortilla.
Once both quesadillas are ready, transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into pie-shaped pieces.
Serve with your favorite condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, or hot sauce, and enjoy!
Tips
  • Make sure to spray the waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray before adding the tortilla to prevent it from sticking.
  • Avoid overstuffing the quesadilla, especially with wet ingredients like tomatoes that can leak out of the waffle maker and create a mess.
  • Overstuffing cheese can also result in the release of excess oil. To enhance the flavor and prevent excessive liquid release, saute the peppers beforehand.
  • Keep an eye out for the golden waffle marks on the tortilla, as waiting for an overall brown color can lead to overcooking.
  • Use nonstick spray and a silicone spatula for easy cleaning of the waffle maker. This recipe can be easily multiplied for larger families and cooked quesadillas can be kept warm in a 200-degree oven until everyone is ready to eat.
Charlotte Singh
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Comments
  • Mary Mary on Aug 11, 2023

    Oh gosh yes, and using corn tortillas I can make them gluten free. It looks extremely delicious!

  • Shirley4 Shirley4 on Aug 11, 2023

    LOVE quesadillas... and LOVE this idea, but I need to get me a waffle maker. But first I need to know...

    What size waffle maker and tortillas are you showing here???


    Hubby said they would be called waffle-dillas... 🙂

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