If you’re a fan of comfort food, then this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla is a dream come true. Combining two beloved dishes—macaroni and cheese and quesadillas—this recipe offers a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. The creamy, cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese is made even more indulgent with the addition of crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy tortilla. This dish is perfect for those days when you want something hearty and satisfying, yet easy to make. It’s a fun twist on traditional quesadillas and an excellent way to use leftover mac ‘n’ cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, lunch, or dinner, this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add your favorite cheeses, spices, or even a hint of hot sauce for extra kick. Get ready to indulge in a gooey, savory treat that combines the best of two worlds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: hot sauce, for extra spice
- Optional: chopped chives, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Spread 1 cup of cooked mac ‘n’ cheese over the cheese layer. Top with crumbled bacon.
- Sprinkle another ½ cup of shredded cheese on top of the mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon.
- Place a second tortilla on top of the fillings and press down gently.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese starts to melt.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Cut each quesadilla into quarters and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
How to Prepare
To prepare this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla, start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Once crumbled, the bacon adds a smoky flavor that complements the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. Assemble the quesadilla by layering cheese, mac ‘n’ cheese, and bacon between two flour tortillas. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet with butter until both sides are golden and crispy, ensuring the cheese inside is fully melted. For an extra burst of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or garnish with fresh chives. The result is a perfectly balanced dish with gooey, savory fillings encased in a crispy tortilla shell.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes 2 large quesadillas, serving 4-6 people.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use store-bought mac ‘n’ cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use store-bought or leftover mac ‘n’ cheese to save time. Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.
Q2: Can I add other ingredients to the quesadilla?
A2: Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, peppers, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Q3: What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A3: Cheddar cheese is a great choice, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Q4: How do I keep the quesadilla crispy?
A4: Cook the quesadilla on medium heat and use butter in the skillet. This ensures a crispy exterior without burning.
Q5: Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can prepare them ahead and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Conclusion
The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla is a delightful fusion of two comfort food classics, making it an irresistible dish that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy leftover mac ‘n’ cheese or simply want to try something new, this quesadilla delivers on all fronts. The combination of creamy, cheesy macaroni, crispy bacon, and a crunchy tortilla creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve it up with a side of salsa, sour cream, or even a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness of mac ‘n’ cheese in a whole new way with this innovative quesadilla recipe.
PrintBacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 large quesadillas (4–6 servings) 1x
Description
The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Quesadilla is a fun and indulgent fusion of classic mac ‘n’ cheese and crispy quesadillas. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with smoky bacon, all tucked inside a golden, crispy tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, this recipe is easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: hot sauce, for extra spice
- Optional: chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Spread 1 cup of cooked mac ‘n’ cheese over the cheese layer. Top with crumbled bacon.
- Sprinkle another ½ cup of shredded cheese on top of the mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon.
- Place a second tortilla on top of the fillings and press down gently.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese starts to melt.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Cut each quesadilla into quarters and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.
Notes
- Store-bought mac ‘n’ cheese can be used to save time.
- Add jalapeños, onions, or peppers for extra flavor.
- To keep the quesadilla crispy, cook on medium heat and use butter in the skillet.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quarter of a quesadilla
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Quesadilla, Comfort Food