When two comfort food favorites collide, magic happens! These Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas bring together the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza with the convenient handheld format of quesadillas. It’s the perfect solution for those pizza cravings when you don’t want to deal with making dough or waiting for delivery.
I created this recipe during a busy weeknight when my kids were asking for pizza but I needed something quicker. The result was an instant family favorite that’s now in our regular rotation. Crispy on the outside, melty and pizza-flavored on the inside – these quesadillas deliver big flavor with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 20 minutes – much faster than delivery or homemade pizza
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Crispy exterior with that signature gooey, cheesy pizza filling
- Great for quick lunches, dinners, or even as game day snacks
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter for cooking
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
- ¼ to ½ cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch)
- ½ to 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 4 to 6 oz sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers along with Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Lay out 4 tortillas and spread a generous layer of marinara or pizza sauce on each one, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Divide the sautéed vegetables, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese evenly among the 4 sauced tortillas, spreading everything out nicely.
- Place the remaining 4 tortillas on top of each filled tortilla, pressing down gently to help everything stick together.
- Heat the same skillet over medium heat and place one quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is completely melted inside.
- Repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas. Let each one cool for a minute, then slice into wedges and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra nutrition
- Try using different meats like cooked Italian sausage, ham, or bacon
- Make them spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños
- For a lower-carb option, use low-carb tortillas or smaller street taco-sized tortillas
- Prep ahead by assembling the quesadillas and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before cooking
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, easy slices
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Pizza Quesadillas with small bowls of warm pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. A simple side salad with Italian dressing completes the meal perfectly, giving you the full pizza night experience.
For a fun party spread, cut the quesadillas into smaller triangles and arrange them on a platter alongside other finger foods like garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, or a veggie tray.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for best results, or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- The quesadilla is done when the cheese is completely melted and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just cook them fresh when ready to serve.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas work best for these quesadillas, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. They may be slightly less pliable but will still taste delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Don’t overfill the quesadillas, and make sure to leave about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. The melted cheese will help seal everything inside.
Can I freeze these pizza quesadillas?
Yes! Assemble them, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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