Start your day with these warm and tasty apple cinnamon breakfast quesadillas! They are filled with sweet apples, gooey cheese, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Yum!
I love how quick they are to make—just cook, fold, and enjoy! Perfect for busy mornings, or when I just want something fun and delicious. 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using sweet apples like Gala or Fuji for their delicious flavor. If you prefer a tarter taste, Granny Smith apples can work well. You can also use canned apples or apple pie filling in a pinch—just adjust the sugar as needed.
Butter: While butter adds great flavor for cooking, you can replace it with coconut oil or a non-dairy butter substitute for a dairy-free version. Avocado oil is another good choice for cooking at higher temperatures.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) or simply use maple syrup for a different twist.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for that stretchy quality, but feel free to try mild cheddar or even cream cheese for a creamy filling. Vegan cheese options are also available if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives.
Caramel Sauce: For a healthier choice, you can drizzle honey or agave syrup instead. If you want to skip the sweetness, a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch!
How Do I Make Perfectly Crispy Quesadillas?
The key to achieving that perfect crispy quesadilla lies in cooking method and heat control. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat on your skillet or griddle; too high will burn the tortilla before the cheese melts.
- Make sure to grease the skillet lightly—this prevents sticking and adds crispiness. You can use cooking spray or a little butter.
- Press down gently on the quesadilla while cooking for even browning, and flip it carefully to avoid spillovers.
Let it cool for just a minute before slicing—it helps keep all that delicious filling intact!
Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Cooking spray or additional butter for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll quickly whip up the apple mixture and get the quesadillas crispy and delicious before you know it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir it all together and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they get tender and caramelized, which makes them super yummy! Once done, take it off the heat and set aside.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Next, grab a clean large skillet or griddle and heat it over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking and to help the quesadillas get crispy.
3. Assemble the Quesadilla:
Place one tortilla on the heated skillet. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese. Then, spoon the warm apple mixture over the cheese. For extra melty goodness, add a bit more cheese on top of the apples.
4. Fold and Cook:
Carefully fold the tortilla over to cover the filling, pressing down gently with a spatula. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Gently flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn!
5. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, take the quesadilla out of the skillet and let it cool for a moment. Then, slice it into wedges and arrange them on a serving plate. Drizzle with caramel sauce and, if you like, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
6. Add Toppings:
Finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream on top, and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy these warm, sweet, and slightly crispy breakfast quesadillas packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and melted cheese — a perfect cozy morning treat! 🥞🍏
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or any variety you enjoy. Just remember that the sweeter the apple, the sweeter your quesadillas will be!
Can I Make These Quesadillas Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the quesadillas, simply reheat the filling before assembling.
How Do I Store Leftover Quesadillas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or pop them in the microwave. A skillet will help keep them crispy!
What Can I Substitute for Tortillas?
If you want to make these quesadillas gluten-free, you can use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas. For a low-carb option, try using lettuce leaves or cauliflower wraps for a fresh twist!
