Chorizo And Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way chorizo and caramelized onions meld together, creating a symphony of flavors wrapped snugly in a crisp, cheese-laden tortilla. Making these quesadillas brings an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen, and serving them with a side of sour cream and salsa feels like the perfect weekend indulgence.

I love preparing meals that harmoniously blend intense tastes with a soothing aspect. My quesadilla of chorizo and caramelized onion strikes such a wonderful balance; it unites the smokiness of the chorizo with the creamy combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.

The base of warm flour tortillas makes each bite as satisfying and as savory as they come. And to amp this dish up even further, consider pairing it with a silky dollop of sour cream.

Chorizo And Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Recipe Ingredients

• Flour tortillas: Provide carbohydrates and a soft base for quesadillas.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Offers creamy meltability and mild taste.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor, and lots of protein.
• Chorizo sausage: Spicy, flavorful protein with rich umami notes.
• Onion: Sweet flavor when caramelized; adds texture and aroma.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat for sautéing onions.
• Butter: Enhances richness and aids caramelization.

Chorizo And Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 8 oz chorizo sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sour cream and salsa for serving

How to Make this Chorizo And Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Recipe

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring now and then, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. When the onions are done, season them with salt and pepper; then remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

2. In the same skillet, place the chorizo sausage. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is fully cooked and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Put a clean flour tortilla on a work surface. Thirteen specks from a 1/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese land, more or less, evenly over one half of the tortilla. And if you could tiptoe up to the other side of that half, you would find that the cheese is crammed in there so snugly that it makes a pregnant pause before it puffs out and explodes like popcorn or a fresh brioche in your oven.

4. Spread the cooked chorizo and caramelized onions evenly over the cheese.

5. Tortilla half-folded over filling. Press lightly to flatten. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.

6. Clean the skillet and return it to medium heat. Place a single quesadilla in the skillet and cook it for 2-3 minutes on each side. The tortilla should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted before you remove the quesadilla from the skillet.

7. Move the cooked quesadilla to a chopping block and allow it to sit for a minute before cutting into triangular shapes.

8. Carry on with the remaining quesadillas following the same steps.

9. Serve the warm quesadillas, with sour cream and salsa on the optional side.

10. Savor the delightful chorizo and caramelized onion quesadillas!

Chorizo And Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Oven
8. Baking sheet (optional, for keeping quesadillas warm)
9. Plate or large platter (for holding cooked quesadillas before serving)

FAQ

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?You can replace the corn tortillas, but the texture and taste will differ. Corn tortillas are smaller and less fluffy than flour tortillas.
• What can I use as a substitute for chorizo?Should you be unable to locate chorizo, any spicy sausage will do, and for a vegetarian option, soy chorizo will work.
• How do I caramelize the onions effectively?Slice onions and cook in a mixture of olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally. Cook for 20–30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?The onions can be caramelized and the chorizo cooked in advance, but it is best to put the quesadillas together and cook them just before serving.
• What should I serve with these quesadillas?Sour cream and salsa are great accompaniments. You can also serve them with guacamole or a fresh salad.
• How do I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?Before placing the quesadilla in the pan, ensure the pan is hot. Cook the quesadilla until each side is golden brown and crisp.
• What type of cheese works best?Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese give a nice balance of flavor and melt well. But you can feel free to try other cheeses, too, like queso Oaxaca or mozzarella.

Chorizo And Caramelized Onion Quesadilla Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Corn tortillas: Use for a different texture and flavor. They are less pliable than tortillas made with flour. They also tend to have a slightly more pronounced taste, due to the nixtamalization process that the corn undergoes.
Monterey Jack cheese is a type of cheese that has a very similar melting quality to that of mozzarella or fontina cheese. If you do not have Monterey Jack cheese available, mozzarella or fontina can be substituted.
Cheddar cheese: Replace with Colby cheese or a mixture of sharp and mild cheddar.
Chorizo sausage: Replace with spicy Italian sausage or soy chorizo for a vegetarian alternative.
Onion: Substitute shallots or red onion for a slightly different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Proper Caramelization: Take your time with the onions to properly caramelize them. Low and slow is the key here. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat. A splash of water can help deglaze the pan and ensure even cooking.