Use up leftover macaroni in a new and exciting way. With mac and cheese quesadillas, you can enjoy a crispy, cheesy, and carb-loaded meal that's sure to hit the spot and fill tummies as well.
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Using just 2 or 3 ingredients you can have some tasty mac n cheese quesadillas ready in minutes. Enjoy a buttery tortilla packed with your favorite macaroni. Watch as the kid's jaws drop as they stare at the wonderful concoction of deliciousness in front of them.
I love making this recipe with boxed mac and cheese or leftover macaroni, depending on what we have on hand. Homemade macaroni has a bit more "real cheese" taste and helps to hold the tortilla closed as it cooks, but either one works!
For more mac and cheese recipes, check out my 3 Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese, 5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese, and Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can use boxed or homemade mac and cheese. Use what you have on hand for this macaroni quesadilla, and you'll be in a carb-lovers cheesy heaven.
- It's great for repurposing leftovers. Leftover mac and cheese takes on a whole new life in this quesadilla recipe. You'll look forward to leftovers knowing this awaits you.
- It's easy to make. Just load up a tortilla and toast on both sides until warm. This recipe is very simple and basic, making it perfect for a quick bite to eat.
🛒 Ingredients
Mac and cheese- You will need some already prepared macaroni and cheese for the filling. It can be fridge cold or warmed before use.
Butter- This is for will give us a nice golden color on the tortillas and help to prevent sticking to the pan.
Flour tortillas- You can use any type of tortilla possible, but flour tortillas will taste best. Make sure to save some tortillas for our Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza, Tortilla French Toast, and Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Customizing Cheese: Feel free to add extra cheese to the recipe for added flavor. Choose a cheese that complements the macaroni's taste.
Experimenting with Ingredients: Consider adding mini pepperoni to the quesadillas for a unique twist. Pairing them with marinara dipping sauce can enhance the flavor combination.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use leftovers. This recipe is perfect for using up extra mac and cheese instead of throwing it away.
Skip extra cheese if needed. The mac and cheese is already creamy, so added cheese is optional.
🥄 Instructions for Mac and Cheese Quesadilla
Step 1: Add your butter to a skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook until the butter has melted.
Step 3: Add a flour tortilla to the pan.
Step 4: Arrange the prepared mac and cheese onto one half of the tortilla, in an even layer (as much as possible). Leave the other half blank. If desired, add some additional cheese over the top.
Step 5: Fold the blank tortilla half over the filled half.
Step 6: Top the skillet with a lid.
Step 7: Allow the tortilla to cook for about 2 minutes so that the insides warm up.
Step 8: Remove the lid and flip the tortilla once the bottom is a nice golden color. Cook until the other side is golden as well.
Step 9: Serve the quesadilla on a plate and slice in half before serving.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Room Temperature Macaroni: For smoother preparation, warm the macaroni to at least room temperature before using. This ensures quicker cooking and assembly of the quesadillas.
- Cooking Technique: If using cold macaroni, cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat to warm the noodles inside. Then, increase the heat to crisp the outside to a golden brown.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: This quesadilla is best eaten fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible.
Make Ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese in advance. Assemble and cook the quesadilla just before serving for best texture.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve with tomato soup, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with apple slices, grapes, or a small bowl of salsa for contrast.
- Iceberg SaladRecipe $5.00 / Serving $0.83
- Roasted Tomato and Garlic SoupRecipe $3.36 / Serving $0.84
- Tomato Jalapeno SalsaRecipe $3.67 / Serving $0.61
- Sour Patch GrapesRecipe $7.85 / Serving $1.31
❓ Recipe FAQs
These quesadillas are best served warm and fresh off the skillet. While you can keep a cooked quesadilla in an airtight container in the fridge for up to about 3 or 4 days, they will be softer and somewhat soggy by the time you get to eat them.
Daiya brand mac and cheese or Annies Vegan mac and cheese would actually work wonderfully inside of a quesadilla, but you'll want to make sure you use dairy-free butter and double-check the tortillas for allergen warnings as well if you're trying to avoid dairy.
You can complement quesadillas with classic Mexican sides like Salsa or Pico de Gallo. Additionally, options like Guacamole, Spanish Rice, and Refried Beans make for tasty accompaniments.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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🐝 If you tried this Mac and Cheese Quesadilla, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Mac and Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - ($0.12)
- 1 (8-inch) flour tortilla - ($0.28)
- ½ cup prepared macaroni and cheese - ($0.00)
Optional
- Sliced cheese
Instructions
- Heat the skillet. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fill the tortilla. Place the tortilla in the skillet and spread the macaroni and cheese over one half. Add sliced cheese if using.
- Fold and heat. Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the filling, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for about 2 minutes to warm the filling.
- Flip and finish. Remove the lid, flip the quesadilla once the bottom is golden brown, and cook the other side until golden.
- Serve. Slide onto a plate and serve warm.
Notes
- Mac temperature. Using room-temperature macaroni helps the quesadilla heat through more quickly.
- Cheese boost. Add extra sliced cheese for more flavor if desired.
- Serving. Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Dairy-free option. Use dairy-free macaroni and cheese and dairy-free butter if needed.
Nutritional Information
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