What's the best cheese for quesadillas??

[laughsandlaughs]

My husband invited his co-worker in his 6 year old son over to dinner tomorrow night for quesadillas after hearing that the little boy recently discovered the "mexican grilled cheese" and LOVES them. I do make quesadillas, but never just plain cheese ones, which is what he likes, and always gets in restaurants. I usually use goat cheese, blue cheese, whatever, with lots of other fillings.

So my question is what cheese/blend is best to imitate those in restaurants??

[Jewel]

There seem to be two different 'styles' of quesadillas out there I've found. Some go the more fancy route and use the non-traditional cheeses you mentioned, carmelized red onions, etc. I, however, prefer the more traditional Mexican fare. Most quesadillas that I have in restaurants (when I want to be naughty http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif ) use a combination of Cheddar and Monterey Jack, green onions, tomatoes, chicken or beef, and usually serve a scoop of guacamole and sour cream on the side along with salsa. I'm one of those weirdos that ask that they leave those gross tomatoes out, so I have the kiddie meal of meat and cheese! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[kwormann]

chuwawa (sp) cheese would be a good melty Mexican cheese to use!

[BlueMoose]

Pepper Jack is my favorite in quesadillas. But it may be too spicy, depends on the 6 year old.

[This message has been edited by BlueMoose (edited 06-06-2001).]

[lorilei]

Whenever I make plain cheese or cheese & onion quesadillas, I use Mexican Chihuahua cheese (which melts beautifully and has a mild flavor) or Monterey Jack.

Of course, you really have your choice of cheeses. If you prefer an orange cheese, colby might be a good, mild choice for a 6-year-old.

[Leanne]

Monterey Jack & mozarella & cheddar make a good blend. You can also buy pre-shredded "Mexican mixes" of cheese at the grocer. For a kid - I would go mild & plain. Keep it simple.

[rinsav]

I agree with Leanne...buy the prepackaged "Mexican blend" from the grocery store. I even found a "light" version and it's yummy!

[chefbec]

I make these all the time for my kids, and I use a blend of Cheddar and Jack cheeses. I buy it in a chunk as it's cheaper (since they eat these a lot) and I usually sprinkle a little Cajun seasoning on the cheese. When I make them for myself and my DH, we add sauteed onions, peppers, and chicken (or shrimp or beef) and I serve it with guacamole, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. It makes a great quick meal! If I'm really thinking ahead, I make some Spanish rice to go alongside.

[cookingmonkey]

I usually use the colby/jack mix when I make basic quesadillas. Here's a trick that a friend gave to me that makes just plain cheese ones great...spread just a very thin layer of japapeno jelly on the tortilla before adding the cheese. It makes it a little sweet, not hot as you would expect. It is really good, I think a kid would like it as well. Just a thought.

[chefbec]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cookingmonkey:
Here's a trick that a friend gave to me that makes just plain cheese ones great...spread just a very thin layer of japapeno jelly on the tortilla before adding the cheese.

I love this idea!! Thanks!

[laughsandlaughs]

I've had the jalapeno jelly on quesadillas before too and OH is it worth it!! They simply "make" all kinds of quesadillas. I used a habanero pepper jelly tonight as my "secret ingredient" and everyone raved. Buy some!! Use the leftovers on turkey and cheese sandwiches, particularly if you can grill them. YUM!!

[mb]

when we make quesadillas, we don't usually do anything fancy - a little chopped tomato and green onion (plus some sour cream) with lots of cheese (i usually also buy the mexican pre-packaged kind, but we also might use cheddar, monterey jack, or colby - or all 3!). sometimes we will also put in some chopped cooked chicken or beans to add more protein.

[Beth]

My 7 yr old loves quesadillas. Most of the time I make them with the preshredded Mexican blend (it has Monterrey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero cheeses). Kroger has their own brand and Sargento has both a regular and light version. Kraft has one, but it has only 2 or 3 cheeses.

My son likes refried beans on his quesadillas.

Thanks for the pepper jelly tip. I haven't tried that, but it could be dinner tonight.

[HedyL]

the Sargento shredded light Mexican blend is currently my favorite for my quesadillas,enchiladas, etc.

[Beth]

chefbec, I did make quesadillas tonight, but got so carried away with deciding what I'd put in them (sauteed peppers, shrimp and that famous 4-cheese blend wth a fresh salsa) that I forgot all about the pepper jelly until we were finished. I still have half a case of the stuff, so I think I;ll get another chance. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif