As the semester becomes busier and busier, a meal that’s quick and easy to make is essential. That’s why quesadillas are such a great recipe for a quick bite as the semester winds down towards finals. So this week, we’re sharing a fun twist on the classic quesadilla: the pizzadilla!
To start, gather your ingredients. We used shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, small flour tortillas and marinara sauce. However, feel free to use different cheeses like pepper jack, monterey jack or a cheese blend and different meats or other toppings in your rendition of the pizzadilla. We bought everything we used at Giant, though the Marketplace generally has shredded cheese and pepperoni available.
For crispier tortillas, we warmed them in the microwave for about a minute before starting, though spreading a thin layer of butter may also help. Then, lay down one of the flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, preferably one that can be easily cleaned and will not cause the cheese to stick. Spread about a quarter cup of the shredded cheddar over the tortilla, then place the pepperoni slices on top. We used six, but you can use more or less depending on your tastes. Then, spread about a quarter cup of the shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni. Alternatively, you can mix the cheeses together and add the pepperoni after.
Place a second tortilla on top. Microwave the pizzadilla for 30 seconds before flipping it and microwaving for another 30 seconds. We found that cooking it for slightly longer helped the cheese to melt more. Cut the pizzadilla into fourths and dip it in the marinara sauce. Enjoy!
For some variety, you can dip it in sour cream instead of the marinara sauce or add a host of other toppings you enjoy, including both quesadilla and pizza toppings. My friend also tried dipping it in guacamole but found it didn’t pair well with the pepperoni. They tried another using bell pepper pieces from the Marketplace, but you could use banana peppers or others.
I’m a bit of a picky eater, so I didn’t add too many adventurous toppings, but black olives, red onions, mushrooms or even pineapple might work well as additions.
This recipe can get a little messy from the melted cheese, so make sure if you’re using a microwave in one of the common spaces such as a residence hall lobby or the Jay’s Nest, wipe it down when you’re finished.
