Description
Crunchy, gooey, and bursting with autumn vibes, these Cheesy Jack o Lantern Quesadillas are a festive Halloween snack that’s quick, customizable, and perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Kids and adults alike will love the playful jack o lantern faces and melty cheese filling.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas (8-inch, soft and fresh for easy carving)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack)
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and melt)
- Butter (or cooking spray, for crisping the tortillas)
- Green onions (optional, thinly sliced)
- Taco seasoning (optional)
- Black olives (optional, sliced for garnish)
- Bell peppers (optional, diced)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese with 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional) and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Add green onions or other chosen fillings if desired.
- Place half the tortillas on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth to create jack o lantern faces. Remove the cut pieces and set aside.
- Lay the remaining whole tortillas flat. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each (about 1/3 cup per tortilla), leaving a small border around the edge. Place the carved tortillas on top, pressing gently to seal the edges.
- Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or spray to coat the surface.
- Using a spatula, gently place assembled quesadillas into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt and bubble through the jack o lantern cut-outs.
- Carefully flip each quesadilla using your spatula. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. If the cheese isn’t fully melted, lower the heat and cover for an additional minute.
- Transfer cooked quesadillas to a plate. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes before cutting.
- Cut quesadillas into wedges or halves. Arrange on a platter with extra festive garnishes like black olives or salsa.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best melt. Carve faces before assembling for easier cutting. Don’t overload with filling to prevent leaks. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute tortillas and cheese as needed. Keep finished quesadillas warm in a low oven if making a batch. Let quesadillas cool on a wire rack for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Halloween, quesadilla, cheesy snack, jack o lantern, party food, kid-friendly, autumn, easy recipe