These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas bring a tasty twist to your morning! With warm apples, cinnamon, and gooey cheese, they’re a cozy start to the day.
I love making these for brunch with friends. They smell so good; I can hardly wait to dig in. Pair them with a drizzle of syrup, and you’ve got a plate full of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For this recipe, I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you want to switch it up, any firm apple will work, like Fuji or Braeburn.
Butter: Butter gives a nice flavor when cooking the apples, but feel free to use coconut oil or margarine if you need a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness. If you don’t have it, white sugar is a fine substitute, or try maple sugar for extra flavor.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its strong taste, but you can use Monterey Jack or cream cheese, which gives a creamy texture. Experiment with what you like!
How Do I Properly Caramelize Apples?
Caramelizing apples enhances their natural sweetness, creating a rich filling. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning the butter.
- Add chopped apples and let them sit for the first minute before stirring. This lets them get a head start on cooking.
- Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then keep cooking. You want the apples soft but not mushy, so aim for about 6-8 minutes.
This basic technique elevates your quesadillas, making them a delightful treat!
Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quesadillas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For The Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch, you’ll have warm, melted quesadillas ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Apples:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they’re cooked, take them off the heat.
2. Heating the Skillet:
Now, heat another non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. This will be used to cook the quesadillas.
3. Assembling the Quesadilla:
Take one flour tortilla and lay it on a clean surface. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cooked apple mixture evenly over one half of the tortilla. Then sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top of the apples.
4. Folding and Cooking:
Carefully fold the tortilla in half to cover the apple and cheese filling. Transfer the folded quesadilla to the heated skillet. Cook it until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip it over and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, pressing lightly with a spatula.
5. Finishing Up:
Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas with the rest of the apple filling and cheese. Once all quesadillas are cooked, place them on a serving plate.
6. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle maple syrup or caramel sauce over the cooked quesadillas. If you want to get fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm.
Enjoy these scrumptious apple cinnamon breakfast quesadillas as a sweet and satisfying morning treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apple. Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady also work wonderfully, depending on your sweetness preference.
Can I Make These Quesadillas Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apple filling ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the quesadillas and cook them fresh!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Flour Tortillas?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with corn tortillas. They add a nice flavor, although they might be slightly more delicate when handling. You can also try whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist!