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This is not your average cheese quesadilla. Tucked inside a layer of melty, gooey cheddar cheese, is a layer of vegetable puree, giving this cheese quesadilla a slightly sneaky, healthy upgrade.
Even with the hidden veggies, this Cheese Quesadilla is still an all-time kid-favorite recipe, just like Refried Bean Burritos, Homemade Chicken Tenders and Homemade Fish Sticks.
If you struggle to get your kids to eat their veggies (or you yourself struggle), you are going to love this recipe for a Cheese Quesadilla with Hidden Veggies.
Hidden inside a thick layer of melty cheddar cheese, is a thin layer of pumpkin puree, adding fiber and nutrients to a classic cheese quesadilla that is nearly undetected.
And while I do believe it is important to let my family know there are vegetables in their meals, let's be honest, sometimes we have to be a little sneaky. And these quesadillas are a great way to hide veggies and entice picky eaters.
How to Make Cheese Quesadillas with Hidden Veggies
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Spread a corn or flour tortilla with a thin layer of orange vegetable puree of your choice.
- Top with an even layer of shredded cheese and then top with another tortilla.
- Cook the cheese quesadilla either in the microwave OR in a nonstick skillet for crispier results.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Hide vegetables with orange cheese. While you can certainly make this quesadilla using Colby jack cheese, white cheddar cheese, or even leftover sliced baked brie, I find that if you want the vegetables to go undetected, sharp yellow cheddar is best, as the color and flavor help to mask the vegetables.
- Grate the cheese yourself. Bagged rated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents, so for the smoothest melt, shred the cheese yourself for the cheese to melt uniformly.
- Vegetable Puree: Any orange vegetable puree works well for this quesadilla recipe. Use canned pumpkin puree, homemade pumpkin puree sweet potato puree, or even a jar of baby food.
More Kid-Friendly Veggie Recipes
- Baked Vegetable Egg Rolls
- Ranch Veggie Wrap
- Easy Bean Burritos with Hidden Veggies
- Sweet Potato Waffles
- Maple Glazed Carrots
I would love to hear if you enjoyed these quesadillas! Leave a comment and review below.
Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients
- ½-1 cup butternut squash puree, or canned pumpkin
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large tortillas
Instructions
- Spread 4 tortillas with a thin layer of squash puree. Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over each tortilla. Top with the remaining tortillas.
- For a crispy quesadilla, grease a nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat. Once heated, add the prepared quesadilla, one at a time, and heat 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
- For a soft quesadilla, place a single prepared quesadilla onto a heat-safe plate and cover with a lightly damp paper towel. Microwave for 45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted through. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
- Let the quesadillas cool and then cut into wedges and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love making recipes like this to help the kids get extra veggies! Such a great idea and a delicious recipe!
Thanks so much Meagan! It is a great way to enjoy veggies for sure!
Looooove the cheesy butternut pairing in these quesadillas! Totally tasty!
It is surprising how much the butternut squash pairs well with the squash. So glad you enjoyed Jenn!
What a fun idea for kiddos (or husbands)!! Love this!
Yes, fun for husbands and kids for sure Melissa!
Kristen, my daughter and your daughter would have so much to share about their EPIC love of cheese and crackers!
By the way - speaking of EPIC - WOW - I so so love your use of butternut squash puree in these quesadillas - it's an EPICALLY brilliant idea! I cannot wait to try this - Walmart sells those bags of diced butternut squash and I have 2 bags in my fridge - think I'm gonna roast 'em up and try this this afternoon - thanks so much friend! And I hope your weekend is wonderful xoxo
I think your daughter and my daughter would probably make pretty epic friends as well!
Great idea to bake the butternut squash whole and then cut it! My kids love quesadillas. This would be a hit in my house!!
Yes, I bet they would be!
This is such a great idea for a quick lunch!
Thanks Rachel!
Ooh yes - hello lunch! I've got a huge butternut squash sitting on my counter begging to be used and this sounds perfect!
Yes, this would be a great way to use it up!