Blink. Blink. Blink. I’ve spent so much time staring at quesadilla photos this morning that I can hardly see straight. Quesadillas are challenging to photograph. Actually, all of the staple Mexican meals are difficult to photograph—tacos, tostadas, huevos rancheros, burritos, enchiladas. They’re all messy, round and irritatingly, impossibly delicious. I try to do them justice. I don’t even want to tell you how many photos I took of these quesadillas before I settled on the ones you see here.
I’m hoping these pictures will entice you to make these extra-crispy scrambled egg quesadillas. The filling is composed of spinach, black beans and scrambled eggs (hello, protein!), which is secured to the tortillas with a light sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Then, to make the quesadillas can’t-stop good, I sprinkled a tablespoon of cheese on the outside of the quesadilla and let it fry against the pan. Served with guacamole, you have an outrageously tasty, complete meal. The quesadillas are so tempting, in fact, that I had to take Cookie on a walk last night just to get away from the leftovers. I polished off the rest this morning.
These quesadillas are one of those beautiful recipes that scale well, from a single serving to family-sized proportions. I live alone so I appreciate quick, satisfying, one-person meals. Sometimes I don’t want to eat the same leftovers for days. I’ve heard from some of you lately who are in the same boat. Sometimes those leftovers serve as reminders of what we don’t have—a boyfriend, a husband, friends in a new city. This recipe is for you.
You can, of course, make more than one quesadilla if need be. Just multiply the filling ingredients as necessary and cook them all at once. Then transfer the filling to a bowl and make two quesadillas at a time in a large skillet. You could get multiple burners going if you have enough skillets. I think these would be a fun brunch recipe for a small gathering. Kids just might love these quesadillas, too. I love a good breakfas-for-dinner option, don’t you?
Vegetarian Breakfast Quesadillas with Scrambled Eggs, Spinach and Black Beans
This quick and healthy breakfast quesadillas recipe includes spinach and black beans. Extra crispy outsides and guacamole on the side make this scrambled egg quesadilla a totally irresistible breakfast (or lunch or dinner!).
Scrambled egg quesadillas (ingredients per quesadilla, multiply as necessary)
Guacamole (yields enough guac for 2 to 4 quesadillas)
- To make the guacamole: Combine the guacamole ingredients in a small bowl. Mash with a fork until the mixture is well combined and mostly smooth. Set aside.
- To prepare the eggs: Scramble the eggs in a small bowl. Season with a couple dashes of hot sauce and a dash of salt.
- To cook the eggs: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium-sized skillet (either well-seasoned cast iron or nonstick) over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring often, until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the black beans to the skillet. Pour in the scrambled eggs and cook, stirring often, until the eggs are just set, about 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to pause the cooking process (the eggs will finish cooking in the quesadilla).
- To cook the quesadilla (if desired, you can cook two quesadillas at once): In a large skillet (preferably cast iron, but nonstick also works), warm the tortilla over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Once the pan and tortilla are warm, sprinkle one half of the quesadilla with ¼ cup cheese. Top the cheese with scrambled eggs, then top the scrambled eggs with almost ¼ cup cheese, reserving about 1 tablespoon of cheese for later. Press the empty tortilla halve over the toppings.
- Let the bottom side of the quesadilla cook for a minute, then carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of cheese over the hot side of the quesadilla and let it melt as the other side cooks for a couple of minutes. Flip the quesadilla again, and let the cheese sizzle into the quesadilla for a couple of minutes. Use the spatula to get underneath the melty cheese side and flip again. Cook that side for a couple more minutes if necessary, until both sides are a nice, crisp golden brown.
- Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board to cool for a few minutes, then slice each quesadilla into 2 slices using a pizza cutter or a very sharp knife. Serve with guacamole.
Notes
Make it gluten free: Use gluten-free tortillas.
Storage suggestions: Quesadillas keep well in the fridge, covered, for a few days. Reheat in the microwave or, better yet, warm in the oven/toaster oven. To keep leftover guacamole fresh, mix in an extra squeeze of lime juice and press plastic wrap over the surface to help prevent browning.
Leftover guacamole? Use it as a dip for chips or veggies (carrots, bell peppers, etc.). You could even spread it on toast.
Change it up: This recipe is super versatile. Sauté vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms before adding the greens and eggs. Change up the greens (arugula, chard or kale would be good) or skip them altogether. Serve with pico de gallo or sour cream instead of the guacamole.
Make it quick: Skip the onions and cilantro in the guacamole or serve with a fresh tasting, store-bought salsa instead of guacamole.
Recommended equipment: My beloved 12-inch cast iron skillet makes the best quesadillas.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
P.s. Food for thought: An open letter to the future Mrs. Clooney by Mackenzie Dawson, via Erin, and Comorbid: finding stability on shifting ground by Beth Kirby.
