Hidden Veggie Quesadillas

Hidden Veggie Quesadilla–A cheese quesadilla is given a healthy make-over with the addition of a layer of butternut squash puree.  This Healthy Quesadilla is Served with Cilantro Lime Cream and is the perfect way for picky eaters to enjoy veggies. 

My daughter could live on cheese if we let her.

She would live on Grilled Cheese or Mac and Cheese if we let her.

She sort of sounds like a typical young child, doesn’t she?

Most toddlers and elementary aged children have a love affair with a few simple foods and it can be a daunting task to include new things or vegetables. Maybe you can relate?

And while I STRONGLY suggest getting your kids into the kitchen with you to cook and to invite them to try new things daily, I am NOT opposed to sneaking in a bit of healthy where I can, like Mac and Cheese Muffins  or Veggie Quesadillas. 

Hidden Veggie Quesadillas

This is not your average cheese quesadilla.

A little bit of veggies are tucked inside a typical cheese quesadilla, to make it a bit healthier.

I call these healthy quesadillas, “Hidden” Veggie Quesadillas, but it truth, my kids KNOW there are veggies there.

I believe it is important to let kids know that veggies can taste good and SHOULD be included in their diets.

But these cheese quesadillas are a great way to “sneak” in some veggies without the flavor of the quesadilla being overwhelmed with the taste of vegetables.

How to Make Veggie Quesadillas

Start with a simple cheese quesadilla, which is typically a sure-fire win for most kids, and add in a layer of butternut squash puree.

1. Spread one tortilla (corn, flour, or gluten-free) with a layer of butternut squash puree.
2. Top with cheese.
3. Cover with another tortilla.
4. Cook quesadilla on griddle or in microwave just long enough to melt the cheese.

Butternut Squash Puree

I find that butternut squash is one of the best vegetables to pair with a cheese quesadilla. The butternut squash puree is the same color as the cheddar cheese, so it is easily masked in appearance. Also, butternut squash has such a mild flavor, that it is easily hidden from young palates as well.

The easiest way to roast butternut squash is to roast BEFORE cutting.

1. Place the WHOLE butternut squash in the oven and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
2. Remove it and slice the squash open–it is SO soft, it almost cuts with a butter knife.
3. Scoop out the seeds, and place flesh of squash in large bowl.
4. Mash with a fork.
5. You can also place in blender of food processor, but not a necessary step at this point.
6. Freeze butternut squash puree in small portions for later use.

*Feel free to use pumpkin puree, carrot puree, or sweet potato puree in place of the butternut squash puree. 

Cilantro Lime Cream

Even adults love this simple healthy quesadilla when paired with a Fresh Cilantro Lime Cream.

• Mix together sour cream (or Plain Greek Yogurt) with lime zest, lime juice, salt and fresh cilantro.

Kid Friendly Veggie Recipes

• Mac and Cheese Muffins with Hidden Veggies
• Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies
• Southwestern Chicken Cobb Salad 
• Ranch Veggie Wrap
• Easy Bean Burritos with Hidden Veggies
• Gluten Free Sweet Potato Waffles

Healthy Quesadilla Recipe

Hidden Veggie Quesadillas

A healthy cheese quesadilla filled with cheese and butternut squash. 

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Hidden Veggie Quesadilla

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 415kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

• 1 cup Butternut Squash Puree
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shreddedd
• 8 whole wheat tortillas
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime zest and juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Spread 4 tortillas with 1/4 cup squash puree each. Top with one ounce of cheese on each. Top with remaining quesadilla and then heat in skillet, oven, or microwave until cheese is melted.
• Serve with Cilantro Lime Cream:
• Mix together the yogurt (or sour cream), cilantro, lime zest and juice and salt. Serve with quesadillas.

Notes

• Instead of Butternut Squash Puree, you can use sweet potato puree, carrot puree, or even 100% canned pumpkin. 

Nutrition Facts

Hidden Veggie Quesadillas

Amount Per Serving

Calories 415 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15g 23%

Saturated Fat 8g 40%

Cholesterol 31mg 10%

Sodium 1049mg 44%

Potassium 203mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 52g 17%

Dietary Fiber 7g 28%

Sugars 6g

Protein 18g 36%

Vitamin A 80.1%

Vitamin C 14.8%

Calcium 41.8%

Iron 15.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram or Facebook - I would love to see!