Description
A quick and easy late-night snack that combines the gooey cheese pull of pizza with the buttery crunch of a quesadilla. Perfect for busy weeknights or midnight cravings.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas (10 inches)
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (1 to 1.5 cups per quesadilla)
- Thin-sliced pepperoni
- Marinara sauce (2 tablespoons per quesadilla)
- Unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, or thyme)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your station by shredding cheese, slicing pepperoni, measuring sauce, and melting butter.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Brush the outside of one tortilla with melted butter.
- Place the tortilla butter-side down in the hot pan and sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over it, leaving a border.
- Layer pepperoni slices over the cheese, drizzle with marinara sauce, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Add a light layer of remaining cheese on top.
- Fold the tortilla in half and press gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Flip the quesadilla, brush the new side with butter, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 1 minute, and slice into wedges.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting. Ensure cheese is at room temperature. Pat leftover pepperoni dry to prevent greasiness. Do not over-sauce to avoid soggy tortillas. For extra crispiness, add a thin layer of cornmeal to the pan.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large quesadilla (
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 27
Keywords: quesadilla, pizza, pepperoni, mozzarella, quick dinner, late night snack, easy recipe, comfort food