Cinco de Mayo Corn Quesadillas (Printable)

Festive quesadillas featuring roasted corn, Monterey Jack, and smoky chipotle crema perfect for a quick meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

→ Dairy

06 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
07 - 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, plus extra for garnish
08 - 1 cup sour cream, divided

→ Spices and Pantry

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - 8 medium flour tortillas
15 - 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
17 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
02 - Add diced red onion and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
04 - Lay out 4 tortillas on a flat surface and evenly distribute half of the Monterey Jack cheese over each. Top with the corn mixture, then sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Place remaining tortillas on top and press gently.
05 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Slice quesadillas into wedges. Drizzle with chipotle crema and garnish with extra Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like street food without requiring any special equipment or fancy techniques.
  • The chipotle crema is so addictive you'll find yourself making extra just to have around.
  • Vegetarian-friendly but feels substantial enough for anyone sitting at your table.
  • Ready in under 40 minutes, which means you can pull off impressive entertaining on a weeknight.
02 -
  • Don't skip the charring step on the corn; it sounds optional but it's where the whole recipe's personality comes from.
  • If your cheese isn't melting, your heat probably isn't high enough—medium heat should be hot enough that you can only hold your hand over the pan for a few seconds.
  • Make the chipotle crema first so the flavors meld together while you prep everything else.
03 -
  • Buy pre-shredded cheese if it saves you time, but shred your own Cotija fresh—pre-crumbled loses its texture sitting in the bag.
  • If tortillas tear while you're assembling, don't start over; just press it gently and it holds together once it hits the hot skillet.
  • Keep a clean kitchen towel nearby; your hands will get sticky from the filling, and wiping them between quesadillas keeps the assembly neater.
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