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Appetizer • Mexican

Carnitas Quesadillas Recipe

Let's get the party started with a big platter of cheesy pork carnitas quesadillas! Crispy carnitas are tucked between two toasted flour tortillas and loads of gooey melted cheese to make an appetizer that everyone always gobbles up instantly.

5.0 from 172 votes
20 mins
Total Time
8
slices
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Carnitas Quesadillas

How to Make the Best Carnitas Quesadillas

Party-Ready Cheesy Pork Quesadillas

These carnitas quesadillas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and party appetizer! Tender, crispy carnitas are sandwiched between two golden-brown tortillas and loads of melted cheese, creating that perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, delicious interior.

What Makes These Special

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and speed. With just 20 minutes of prep and cook time, you can have a platter of these quesadillas ready to serve. The cast-iron skillet is key—it creates those beautiful golden-brown spots and ensures the cheese melts perfectly while the exterior gets crispy. The butter on the tortillas takes these quesadillas to the next level, giving them a restaurant-quality finish.

Serving Suggestions

Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh jalapeño slices so your guests can customize each bite. These quesadillas are best served immediately while they’re still warm and the cheese is gooey. If you’re making a big batch, keep them warm in a 200-degree oven on a wire rack so they don’t get soggy.

Carnitas Quesadillas

Carnitas Quesadillas

Let's get the party started with a big platter of cheesy pork carnitas quesadillas! Crispy carnitas are tucked between two toasted flour tortillas and loads of gooey melted cheese to make an appetizer that everyone always gobbles up instantly.

5.0 from 172 votes
CourseAppetizer
CuisineMexican
Keywordcarnitas quesadillas, pork quesadillas, pulled pork quesadillas
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings8 slices
Calories265kcal
AuthorChristina Hill
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Ingredients

Quesadillas

For Serving

Instructions

Prep

  1. Spread butter on one side of the four tortillas. Flip one tortilla over so that the buttered side is no longer on top.
  2. Spread 1 ¼ cups grated cheese over the tortilla. Spoon 1 cup carnitas over the cheese.
  3. Top with another tortilla with the butter side facing up. Repeat with the other tortillas and remaining fillings.

Cook

  1. Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. When the skillet is hot, place one assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook until golden-brown spots form on the bottom and the cheese begins to melt.
  3. Using a large spatula, flip the quesadilla to the other side. Cook until golden-brown spots form. Allow the cheese to fully melt.
  4. Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and repeat with the remaining quesadilla. If desired, place cooked quesadillas on a wire rack in a 200-degree oven to keep warm.

Serve

  1. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut each quesadilla into four slices for a total of eight slices among the two quesadillas.
  2. Serve with your favorite quesadilla toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Nutrition per serving (1 slice): 265 calories, 19g carbs, 17g protein, 14g fat, 10g sugar, 690mg sodium
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