Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a comfort food classic, but baking them in the oven makes the process easier, healthier, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Instead of flipping them one by one in a skillet, baking allows you to prepare several at once while achieving that irresistible crispy texture.
In this recipe, the star ingredients are fresh spinach and sautéed mushrooms. Spinach adds a vibrant green color and a dose of nutrients, while mushrooms bring a savory, meaty flavor that pairs beautifully with melted cheese. A touch of garlic and onion enhances the filling, and baking them ensures even crispness without excess oil.
These quesadillas are:
✔️ Quick and easy for weeknight dinners
✔️ Kid-friendly and customizable
✔️ Freezer-friendly for meal prep
✔️ A healthier twist on the traditional skillet quesadilla
Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a full meal with salsa and guacamole, they’ll always be a hit.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 4 quesadillas / Serves 4–6)
-
8 flour tortillas (8-inch size, whole wheat or white)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
-
1 medium onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
-
4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed & drained)
-
1 teaspoon paprika (optional for flavor)
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella work well)
-
Cooking spray or extra olive oil for brushing
Optional Garnishes: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
-
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).
-
Add garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their juices and turn golden brown (about 5–6 minutes).
-
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
-
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
-
Lay out 4 tortillas on a flat surface.
-
Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of each tortilla.
-
Add a spoonful of the spinach-mushroom mixture over the cheese.
-
Sprinkle more cheese on top, then fold the tortilla in half to create a semicircle.
-
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Bake the Quesadillas
-
Place folded quesadillas on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Brush lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray for crispiness.
-
Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
-
Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
-
Pair with Mexican rice and a side salad for a complete meal.
-
Serve as appetizers at parties with dipping sauces.
-
Add a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy dinner.
🌟 Variations
-
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shredded beef, or black beans.
-
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
-
Cheese Lovers: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack.
-
Breakfast Quesadilla: Add scrambled eggs to the filling.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights (per serving, approx. 2 wedges)
-
Calories: ~280
-
Protein: 12g
-
Carbs: 28g
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Fat: 12g
High in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants from spinach and mushrooms, plus calcium and protein from cheese.
❓ Related Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the quesadillas, wrap them in foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze baked quesadillas?
Absolutely. Let them cool, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q3: What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?
Melty cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese are ideal. A mix of two cheeses enhances flavor.
Q4: Can I make them in the air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Q5: How do I prevent soggy quesadillas?
Drain excess liquid from mushrooms and spinach before assembling. This ensures a crisp texture.
