This delightful cheese and rice quesadilla recipe is a quick and easy meal that combines the comforting flavors of melted cheese and fluffy rice. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual lunch, these quesadillas are sure to satisfy your cravings. Serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to ensure you have large tortillas and shredded cheese on hand. These items are typically found in the bread and dairy sections of your local supermarket. The optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole can be found in the condiments or refrigerated sections.

Ingredients For Cheese n Rice Quesadillas
Cooked rice: Pre-cooked rice that adds a hearty texture to the quesadilla.
Shredded cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, delicious filling.
Large tortillas: The base for your quesadilla, providing structure and flavor.
Butter: Used to cook the tortillas to a golden brown.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the quesadilla.
Salsa: An optional topping that adds a spicy kick.
Sour cream: An optional topping that adds a creamy, tangy element.
Guacamole: An optional topping that adds a rich, avocado flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing tortillas for quesadillas, ensure the pan is preheated to medium heat to achieve a crispy texture. Use a spatula to press down gently on the folded tortilla to help the cheese melt evenly and bind the rice and tortilla together.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great source of protein and fiber.
cooked rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice mimics the texture of rice while being lower in calories.
shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative that melts similarly to regular cheese.
shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good source of B vitamins.
large tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas add more fiber and nutrients compared to regular tortillas.
large tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can be used to hold the filling.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a different flavor profile.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a unique flavor and is a good alternative for those avoiding dairy.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and flavor compared to regular table salt.
salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh, chunky alternative to salsa with similar flavors.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option with more protein and a similar tangy flavor.
guacamole - Substitute with mashed avocado: Mashed avocado provides a similar creamy texture and flavor without additional ingredients.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the quesadillas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you use the quesadillas within a reasonable time frame, typically up to 2 months for best quality.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- For a quicker option, microwave the quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to enhance the flavors.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. This method ensures even heating and maintains the crispiness.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. This method is quick and keeps the quesadillas from becoming soggy.
Microwave Method: Place the quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. This method is the fastest but may result in a softer texture.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas directly on the rack or on a toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. This method is great for small batches and maintains the texture well.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. This method provides a quick and crispy result.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pan: A flat-bottomed cooking vessel used to heat and cook the tortillas evenly.
Spatula: A broad, flat tool used for flipping the quesadillas to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the precise amount of cooked rice and shredded cheese.
Knife: A sharp tool used to cut and serve the quesadillas if needed.
Cutting board: A flat surface used to place the tortillas for filling and folding.
Butter knife: Used to spread the butter evenly on the pan before cooking the tortillas.
Serving plates: Plates used to serve the finished quesadillas along with optional toppings.
Small bowls: Used to hold optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the filling: Cook the rice in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the quesadillas when you're ready to cook.
Pre-shred the cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese or shred it yourself and store it in an airtight container. This saves time during assembly.
Use a large pan: Cooking multiple tortillas at once in a large pan can speed up the process.
Organize your toppings: Have your salsa, sour cream, and guacamole ready to go before you start cooking. This makes serving quicker and more efficient.

Cheese n Rice Quesadillas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 large tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- to taste Salt
- optional Salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle half of it with cheese and rice.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese melts, flipping once.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Serve with optional toppings.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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