TikTok's Toaster Quesadilla Is An Easy Craving Buster

Whether you're absolutely ravenous for a snack or running behind schedule during your lunch break, finding something to eat that will both fill you up and satisfy your cravings can be a real challenge. Thankfully, TikTok creators have developed countless options for cozy, comforting meals that use tools and ingredients you probably already have on hand.

The latest viral example is the toaster quesadilla. Requiring only a tortilla, cheese, and a toaster, you can be well on your way to satiation in less than five minutes — without having to wash a single pot or pan. But the real beauty of this toaster treat is the opportunities for customization. 

Looking to turn this into a more filling meal? Add protein with refried beans, deli meat, or even the leftover grilled chicken from last night's dinner. Want to make this a snack you'll keep craving for the whole week? Incorporate sauces or toppings from other cuisines and create a fusion of flavors. The toaster quesadilla is a fast and versatile vehicle to satisfy literally any craving.

If you've ever made a quesadilla at home, you know the usual process requires dirtying a skillet or griddle (not to mention the grease on your stovetop). But how do you actually avoid that without leaving a cheesy, gooey mess inside your toaster? The secret to success lies in choosing the right tortilla for the job, keeping your core ingredients to a minimum, and folding tortillas up just right before inserting them into the toaster.

First of all, you'll want to choose between flour or corn tortillas. While homemade corn tortillas can be very sturdy and pliable, store-bought options are often highly susceptible to cracking. Since you're going to be firmly folding them for this recipe, a medium or large-sized flour tortilla is likely the best choice.

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Once you have your tortilla, lay it out on a flat surface, then add in cheese and a thin layer of protein (if desired) — but be careful not to add too much, as an over-stuffed tortilla may leak into your toaster. Then, fold the left and right edges of the tortilla in towards the center, and lift the bottom edge up to meet the top. Overlapping the tortilla in this way ensures that, even once it's warm and gooey, the ingredients will stay inside. Once securely folded, insert your quesadilla into your toaster set to medium-high, checking on it periodically to ensure it doesn't burn.

While you don't want to overstuff your tortilla before toasting it, there is no shortage of variations for you to explore in terms of toppings, sauces, and garnishes to take this simple snack to the next level. Keep it classic with a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of salsa or guacamole, and a dash of hot sauce. 

Or, slice your quesadilla and put it on top of romaine lettuce, diced tomato, sliced red onion, and minced cilantro for an easy spin on a taco salad. You could also take a cue from Giada De Laurentiis and make a quesadilla with an Italian twist, filling your tortilla with prosciutto, salami, and fontina and Parmesan cheeses. Once removed from the toaster, top with caramelized onions and some jarred roasted red peppers.

If you'd like to have an extra layer of security when making this recipe, or if want to add more toppings to your tortilla without worrying about them making a mess of your toaster, you can purchase heat-resistant, reusable toaster bags. These inexpensive, self-contained pouches will give you a bit of extra leeway and peace of mind when whipping up this delicious snack.