Pumpkin Quesadillas With Cheese – the timeless favorite

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I’m thrilled to share my pumpkin quesadilla recipe with you today!

This festive idea appears perfect for fall gatherings.

These aren’t your average quesadillas. They’re crispy, cheesy masterpieces with a seasonal twist that’ll wow everyone at your table.

The jack-o-lantern cutouts make them perfect for Halloween, but they’re too delicious to save for just one holiday.

Want to know the secret for getting that perfect cheese pull that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds?

Ingredients

Making pumpkin quesadillas is a breeze when you have the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will help you create perfectly crispy quesadillas with gooey, melted cheese showing through fun pumpkin cutouts for a festive treat everyone will love.

Instructions

festive pumpkin quesadilla recipe

Ready to make these fun and festive pumpkin quesadillas? Let’s dive right in!

  1. Grab your 6 flatbreads (I love using Foldit Artisan Flatbread, but regular flour tortillas work great too). If you’re feeling creative, cut a spooky pumpkin face into one side of each flatbread – trust me, this makes them super cute!
  2. Flip your flatbreads over to the plain side and layer on 4 oz of thinly sliced mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Then add 4 oz of thinly sliced cheddar on top. The cheese combo is what makes these quesadillas extra gooey and delicious!
  3. Want to kick up the flavor? This is the perfect time to spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree or sprinkle some cumin and chili powder before adding the cheese.
  4. Fold your flatbreads so the cheese will peek through those cutout faces (or just fold in half if you’re using regular tortillas).
  5. Cook these bad boys either in a skillet or bake them for about 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for melty cheese and a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
  6. Here’s the fun part! While they’re still hot, gently press on the face cutouts to make the cheese ooze through the eyes and mouth. It’s spooktacularly delicious!
  7. Serve these warm with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Don’t these sound amazing? The combo of melty cheese with the optional pumpkin puree makes for a perfect fall snack or quick dinner. Your family will go crazy for these festive treats!

Pro Tips

When cutting jack-o-lantern faces into your flatbreads, use a sharp paring knife and slightly exaggerate the facial features, as they’ll shrink somewhat during cooking when the bread contracts.

Substitutions & Variations

These quesadilla variations can transform the basic recipe by changing ingredients, adding flavors or creating new presentation styles.

  • Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, black beans and corn between the cheese layers with a sprinkle of chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Breakfast Twist: Include scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits with the cheese for a morning version that brings together breakfast and lunch flavors.
  • Vegetable Medley: Mix sautéed bell peppers, onions and zucchini with the cheese for added nutrition and color without overwhelming the pumpkin theme.
  • Sweet Dessert Version: Spread cream cheese and cinnamon-sugar on the flatbread, top with caramelized apples and serve with caramel dipping sauce for a sweet treat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps for the flatbread to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the fun pumpkin face design.
  • Vegan Alternative: Replace dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor that maintains the melty, stretchy quality needed for the face effect.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

store quesadilla leftovers safely

While experimenting with different quesadilla variations is fun, you might end up with more than you can eat in one sitting.

Don’t worry! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven to restore that crispy exterior—microwaving works too but won’t give you the same crunch.

Trust me, day-two quesadillas can be just as delicious!

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Pumpkin Quesadillas with Cheese

Yield: 6 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total Time: 15 mins Rating: ★★★★★

Cheesy quesadillas with optional pumpkin face cutouts for a fun and tasty treat.

Ingredients:
  • 6 flatbreads (e.g., Foldit Artisan Flatbread or flour tortillas)
  • 4 oz mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
  • Optional: pumpkin puree (for savory mix)
  • Optional: spices (cumin, chili powder)
Directions:
  • If desired, cut a pumpkin face into one side of each flatbread.
  • Layer mozzarella on the plain side, then add cheddar cheese.
  • Fold flatbread so cheese shows through cutouts or fold tortillas in half if using.
  • Bake or cook in skillet for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and bread is golden.
  • Press gently on face cutouts so cheese oozes out.
  • Serve warm.

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Angelica. Woman smiling in sunglasses, holding a festive drink outdoors on a sunny day.

Hi, I'm Angelica

Hi, I’m Angelica. I love experimenting in the kitchen… not as a chef, just as someone who adores creating and sharing joy through food. I'm the creator + editor of all the recipes found in Pepper Basil.

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