Super Bowl Baked Veggie Quesadilla Squares
Highlighted under: Festive Food
When it comes to game day, I love serving up a crowd-pleaser, and these Super Bowl Baked Veggie Quesadilla Squares are it! They are not only packed with vibrant vegetables, but they’re also super easy to make in large batches. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. I enjoy customizing the fillings depending on what I have on hand, making every batch unique. If you’re looking for a score-winning appetizer, this recipe is going to be your new go-to!
As I experimented with different appetizer ideas, I stumbled upon the concept of baking quesadillas instead of pan-frying them. This method not only makes it easier to prepare multiple servings at once but also gives them a delightful crispiness that everyone loves. The secret? Using a blend of cheese to ensure they melt beautifully!
A fun tip I discovered is to use flour tortillas rather than corn. They hold together wonderfully and allow me to pack in more fillings without tearing. Trust me, once you try these out, your guests will be begging for the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant vegetables add a fresh crunch to each bite
- Perfectly cheesy with a satisfying crispiness
- Easily customizable to suit any taste preference
Customizing Your Veggie Quesadillas
The beauty of these Baked Veggie Quesadilla Squares lies in their versatility. While this recipe calls for bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and corn, feel free to swap in any vegetables you have available. Zucchini, broccoli, or even shredded carrots can provide a delightful crunch and nutritional boost. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of the vegetables you choose, so keep an eye on the filling as it cooks, aiming for a tender yet vibrant texture.
If you're looking to enhance the flavor profile further, consider adding herbs such as fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of chili powder for a bit of heat. You can even incorporate beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for extra protein. Just be mindful not to overload the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to seal and cook evenly.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crisp
Achieving that ideal crispy texture is essential for a great quesadilla. After assembling your quesadillas, brushing the tops with olive oil is key to encouraging browning and crunch. I recommend using a pastry brush for an even layer. If you enjoy an extra golden finish, consider broiling them for the last minute of baking; just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Another tip is to ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the quesadillas inside. This guarantees that they'll start cooking immediately, creating a lovely crispy exterior. If your baking sheet is crowded, it may trap moisture, resulting in a soggier quesadilla. When in doubt, bake in batches to maintain optimal air circulation and crispness.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you begin:
Vegetable Filling
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Quesadilla Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
Make sure to prepare all your ingredients beforehand for an organized cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your quesadilla squares:
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn, stirring frequently until soft. Stir in the spinach, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Quesadillas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, lay out four tortillas and evenly distribute the vegetable mixture and cheese over each. Top with the remaining tortillas to create sandwiches.
Bake
Brush the tops of the tortillas with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the quesadillas are golden brown and crispy.
Cut and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut each quesadilla into squares and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
These baked quesadilla squares are perfect for sharing and will be a hit at any gathering!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add cooked chicken or beans for a heartier filling.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Presentation can elevate your Super Bowl Baked Veggie Quesadilla Squares to MVP status at your game day spread. Consider arranging them on a large wooden board or a colorful platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a pop of color. You can also use small bowls for dips such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream to encourage guests to customize each bite.
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some lime juice over the finished quesadillas before serving. The acidity will brighten up the dish and complement the richness of the cheese beautifully. Pair them with a refreshing beverage or a tangy salad to round out your game day menu.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, these quesadilla squares store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them fresh, stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. For reheating, you can use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain their crispiness better than a microwave.
If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can assemble the quesadillas and freeze them before baking. Just layer them with parchment in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these quesadilla squares ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them before serving.
→ What can I substitute for cheese if I want a dairy-free version?
You can use vegan cheese or leave it out altogether and add more veggies for flavor.
→ How can I make them spicier?
Add jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of chili powder to the vegetable filling for some heat.
→ Can I freeze the cooked quesadilla squares?
Yes! Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Super Bowl Baked Veggie Quesadilla Squares
When it comes to game day, I love serving up a crowd-pleaser, and these Super Bowl Baked Veggie Quesadilla Squares are it! They are not only packed with vibrant vegetables, but they’re also super easy to make in large batches. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. I enjoy customizing the fillings depending on what I have on hand, making every batch unique. If you’re looking for a score-winning appetizer, this recipe is going to be your new go-to!
Created by: Zadie Whitmore
Recipe Type: Festive Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Vegetable Filling
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Quesadilla Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn, stirring frequently until soft. Stir in the spinach, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, lay out four tortillas and evenly distribute the vegetable mixture and cheese over each. Top with the remaining tortillas to create sandwiches.
Brush the tops of the tortillas with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the quesadillas are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut each quesadilla into squares and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add cooked chicken or beans for a heartier filling.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g