Easy Cheesy Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe: Your Go-To Guide for a Delicious Morning Meal

Kickstart your day with a burst of flavor and a comforting crunch! This easy, cheesy breakfast quesadilla recipe is the perfect solution for a satisfying morning meal. It’s packed with protein-rich scrambled eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese, all expertly folded into warm, pan-fried tortillas. Forget your average breakfast; these homemade breakfast quesadillas bring a delightful Tex-Mex twist to your classic breakfast favorites, offering a more exciting and fulfilling experience than typical breakfast sliders or a simple bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

Inspired by our family’s beloved classic cheese quesadilla, this breakfast version has been specially adapted to elevate your breakfast table. Every element of this breakfast quesadilla recipe is designed to deliver a wonderfully satisfying morning meal. You’ll find soft, perfectly toasted tortillas generously loaded with a harmonious combination of creamy, fluffy scrambled eggs, richly flavored breakfast sausage, and (of course!) an abundance of gooey, melted cheddar cheese. These breakfast quesadillas are incredibly versatile; serve them fresh with a side of zesty restaurant-style salsa for an unforgettable weekend brunch, or prepare them in advance for a quick, convenient grab-and-go breakfast during busy weekdays. Their hearty nature makes them a fantastic start to any day, providing sustained energy and delicious taste.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe

These homemade breakfast quesadillas aren’t just a meal; they’re a morning game-changer. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your breakfast repertoire:

• All Your Breakfast Favorites, All in One Convenient Bite: Imagine your essential breakfast foods—eggs, sausage, and cheese—expertly combined and pan-fried inside a crispy, golden flour tortilla. This breakfast quesadilla offers a complete, balanced meal in a single, easy-to-handle package. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a hearty breakfast without juggling multiple dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling with your family’s favorite breakfast ingredients.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: With just four core ingredients and a single skillet, this breakfast quesadilla recipe is incredibly straightforward and quick to prepare. You can have a delicious, homemade breakfast on the table in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or relaxed weekend cooking. The simple steps ensure even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results every time.
• A Delicious Meal for Any Time of Day: While perfect for breakfast, these cheesy egg quesadillas are so satisfying, you’ll want to enjoy them beyond the morning. They make a fantastic brunch centerpiece, a quick lunch, or even a fun, easy weeknight dinner. What’s more, they are excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time or even freeze fully assembled quesadillas for super quick, on-the-go breakfasts that are ready whenever you are. We’ve included all our best tips for making, storing, and reheating them below!
• Highly Customizable for Every Taste: Whether you prefer more spice, extra veggies, or a different type of protein, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and cater to various dietary preferences, from meat-lovers to vegetarians.

Essential Breakfast Quesadilla Ingredients

Crafting these homemade breakfast quesadillas requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients (plus a little oil for frying). Below, you’ll find detailed notes on each component. For a complete, printable list of ingredients with precise measurements and comprehensive recipe directions, please remember to scroll down to the full recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Tortillas: This recipe is designed to serve two, so you’ll need two 8-inch flour tortillas. Flour tortillas offer a soft, pliable texture that crisps up beautifully when pan-fried. However, if you prefer, corn tortillas can also be used for a slightly different flavor and texture profile, providing a gluten-free option. Feel free to easily scale this recipe up by using more tortillas to accommodate a larger group. Homemade options like homemade flour tortillas will elevate the taste even further!
• Eggs: We typically budget two large eggs per quesadilla to ensure a generous, protein-packed filling. Whisking them until light and fluffy ensures a creamy scramble that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• Protein: Savory breakfast sausage is our top choice for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. However, this is where you can truly customize! Feel free to substitute with crispy crumbled bacon, diced leftover ham, or even spicy chorizo. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat or replace it with ingredients like seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic for a reason – it melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy flavor. But don’t limit yourself! Other fantastic melty cheese options include Monterey Jack, mozzarella, provolone, or Pepper Jack if you like a bit of heat. A blend of cheeses can also create a more complex flavor.
• Oil: A small amount of olive oil is essential for frying the quesadillas, giving them that irresistible golden-brown crispness. You can use your preferred cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter for an extra rich flavor.

How to Craft Your Perfect Breakfast Quesadilla

Following in the footsteps of beloved Tex-Mex morning meals like breakfast tacos and breakfast enchiladas, these fabulously cheesy breakfast quesadillas burst with flavor and are incredibly simple to prepare. Below, you’ll find a concise step-by-step guide. For detailed, printable instructions, make sure to refer to the full recipe card at the end of this article.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Protein. Begin by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small, even pieces as it cooks. If you’re using bacon, fry it until perfectly crispy, then crumble or dice it. For ham, simply dice it into small cubes. Once cooked to your liking, remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan (unless there’s excessive grease, which you can drain).
• Step 2: Scramble the Eggs to Perfection. In a medium bowl, crack your eggs and whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are well combined and slightly frothy. If your skillet has a lot of leftover grease from the meat, quickly wipe it out with a paper towel, leaving just a thin film. Pour the whisked eggs into the warm pan. Cook the eggs over medium heat, gently stirring them with a spatula as they set, until they are mostly cooked through but still slightly moist. Avoid overcooking, as they will continue to cook later. Once the eggs are nearly done, return your cooked breakfast meat to the pan and gently mix it with the scrambled eggs. Remove the pan from the heat immediately.

• Step 3: Assemble Your Quesadilla. With the pan now off the heat, lay out your flour tortillas flat. Take each tortilla and sprinkle one half with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Next, spoon half of the egg and meat mixture evenly over the cheese. Finish with another sprinkle of cheese on top of the egg mixture. Carefully fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filled half, creating a neat crescent shape. This layering ensures the cheese acts as a delicious “glue” to hold everything together.
• Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection. Lightly brush the outsides of your assembled quesadillas with olive oil (or your chosen cooking oil). Heat your skillet (or a griddle) over medium-high heat. Place the oiled quesadillas into the hot pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crispness on the exterior and for the cheese inside to be completely melted and gooey. Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the filling is warm and melty, your breakfast quesadillas are ready! Remove them from the pan, slice them into wedges, and serve immediately for the best experience.

Expert Tips for the Best Breakfast Quesadillas

Achieving the perfect breakfast quesadilla is simple when you follow these insider tips:

• Avoid Overcooking Your Eggs: This is crucial for a tender, moist filling. Overcooked eggs can become rubbery and dry. Aim to remove the skillet from the heat just before the eggs are fully set. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat and then further when the quesadillas are pan-fried, ensuring they stay perfectly creamy.
• Ensure Fresh, Pliable Tortillas: The quality of your tortillas makes a big difference. Older, stale flour tortillas are prone to tearing and breaking when folded and cooked. If your tortillas aren’t fresh and soft, you can easily revive them. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and warm them in the microwave in 10-20 second bursts until they are soft and flexible again. This will prevent cracking and make assembly much smoother.
• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese Layers: Layering cheese both under and over the egg and meat mixture is key. The bottom layer creates a delicious crust and helps prevent the filling from sticking, while the top layer ensures everything stays melty and cohesive once folded.
• Even Heat is Essential: Ensure your skillet is heated evenly to medium-high heat before adding the quesadillas. This guarantees a consistent golden-brown crispness across the entire tortilla and even melting of the cheese inside.
• Press Gently While Frying: While the quesadilla cooks, gently press down on it with a spatula. This helps ensure maximum contact with the hot pan, promoting a crispier exterior and aiding in the melting process of the cheese, effectively “gluing” the two sides of the tortilla together.
• Control the Oil: You only need a light brush of oil on the outside of the tortilla. Too much oil will make the quesadilla greasy, not crispy. A pastry brush or even a folded paper towel can help distribute a thin, even layer.

Delicious Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe Variations

This easy breakfast quesadilla recipe is wonderfully versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to unleash your creativity by adding or changing ingredients to perfectly suit your taste preferences and what you have on hand.

• Boost with Veggie Add-ins: For a healthier, flavor-packed quesadilla, incorporate your favorite vegetables. Diced bell peppers (red, green, yellow), onions (white, red, or green), sliced mushrooms, black olives, fresh spinach, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick are excellent choices. Sauté softer veggies like onions and peppers simultaneously with the sausage to ensure they are tender. You could also stir in vibrant avocado scrambled eggs, or add hearty slow cooker black beans, white beans, or pinto beans for extra fiber and protein.
• Experiment with Different Proteins: Beyond sausage, there’s a world of savory protein options. As mentioned, crispy crumbled air fryer bacon, diced leftover ham, or spicy chorizo offer fantastic alternatives. For a leaner option, shredded chicken or turkey sausage can also be delicious.
• Explore Diverse Cheese Choices: While shredded cheddar is a delicious staple, don’t hesitate to branch out. Try a spicy Pepper Jack, creamy Monterey Jack, a rich Colby Jack blend, or even a smoky Gouda. For a truly indulgent experience, consider adding a dollop of homemade white queso (queso blanco) or a bolder chorizo queso right into the filling before folding.
• Egg-Free Options: If eggs aren’t your preference, you can still enjoy a fantastic breakfast quesadilla. Fill these with a seasoned tofu scramble as an egg substitute. For a meatless, egg-free combination, chickpeas or lentils can replace breakfast sausage, offering a robust and fulfilling alternative.
• Craft a Vegetarian Delight: Easily make a vegetarian breakfast quesadilla by simply omitting the meat. Replace it with any of the suggested vegetables or beans (black beans, pinto beans, lentils) mentioned above. Adding corn, salsa, or extra avocado can also enhance the vegetarian version.
• Utilize Your Air Fryer: For an extra crispy quesadilla with minimal oil, cook it in your air fryer! Consult our recipe for air fryer quesadillas for specific instructions and optimal cooking times.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika in the egg mixture can add depth. A dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the eggs or drizzled over the finished quesadilla will provide an extra kick.

What to Serve With Your Breakfast Quesadillas

These versatile breakfast quesadillas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and toppings can transform your meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:

• Essential Toppings: I personally love topping these warm, cheesy quesadillas with a generous dollop of cool sour cream and a scoop of creamy guacamole. For an extra layer of freshness and zest, serve them alongside vibrant fresh salsa or a fiery hot sauce for dipping. This homemade salsa verde is another absolutely delicious and tangy garnish that brightens every bite. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
• Hearty Side Dishes: To make your breakfast or brunch even more substantial, consider pairing your quesadillas with classic breakfast sides. Crispy air fryer hash browns or fluffy potato wedges are always a hit. For a Tex-Mex inspired spread, serve them with aromatic Spanish rice and a side of savory refried beans. For a lighter but equally satisfying option, a refreshing Southwest chickpea salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
• Refreshing Beverages: Complement your meal with a refreshing drink. Instead of mimosas, try a crisp and fresh Orange Julius for a creamy, citrusy treat. Freshly squeezed orange juice, a fruit smoothie, or a steaming cup of coffee or tea are also excellent choices.

Can I Meal Prep This Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe?

Absolutely! These breakfast quesadillas are fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade breakfast even on your busiest mornings. Getting a head start the night before can save you significant time and effort. Here’s how to efficiently meal prep:

• Pre-cook the Meat: Brown your breakfast sausage (or cook your bacon/ham) the night before. Once cooked, let it cool completely.
• Shred Cheese and Chop Veggies: Shred the cheese you plan to use and chop any additional vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
• Prepare Toppings: If you’re planning to add toppings like salsa or guacamole, prepare them in advance and store them separately.
• Storage: Store all prepped ingredients (cooked meat, shredded cheese, chopped veggies) in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Morning Assembly: In the morning, you’ll simply need to rewarm the breakfast sausage in a skillet for a few minutes before proceeding with scrambling the eggs and assembling the quesadillas as directed in the recipe. This significantly cuts down on morning cooking time, allowing you to quickly enjoy a fresh, hot breakfast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions

Ensuring you can enjoy these delicious breakfast quesadillas anytime is easy with proper make-ahead and storage techniques:

• Storing Leftovers (Unassembled): While we don’t recommend storing fully assembled, cooked breakfast quesadillas in the fridge (they tend to become mushy and lose their crispness), you can absolutely refrigerate any leftover egg and meat filling. Store it in a separate airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for another quesadilla, simply rewarm the filling and assemble with fresh tortillas before cooking. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead and Freeze (Uncooked): Freezing these breakfast quesadillas before cooking is a brilliant way to have quick breakfasts ready. Prepare the egg and meat mixture as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Assemble the quesadillas by filling the tortillas with the cooled mixture and cheese, but do not cook them yet. Wrap each uncooked quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then place them on a baking sheet and pre-freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen solid, transfer the individually wrapped quesadillas to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Cooking from Frozen: To enjoy a quesadilla straight from the freezer, unwrap it and warm it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to thaw partially. Alternatively, you can leave it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely. Once thawed (or partially thawed), toast the quesadilla in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted through. This method yields a crispy, delicious quesadilla almost as good as fresh!

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Try

If you loved these breakfast quesadillas, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic breakfast creations from our kitchen:

• Air Fryer French Toast: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and effortlessly delicious.
• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes: The classic comfort food, perfect for weekend mornings.
• Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A fantastic make-ahead option for feeding a crowd.
• Spicy Chile Relleno Casserole: A savory and slightly spicy dish for a memorable brunch.
• Decadent Nutella Crepes: A sweet treat that feels incredibly gourmet.
• Savory Sausage Quiche: Elegant yet easy, ideal for any breakfast or brunch table.

5 from 1 vote

Breakfast Quesadilla

By

Erin Sellin

Rise and shine with this easy, cheesy breakfast quesadilla recipe! Made with protein-rich eggs, savory breakfast sausage, and melty cheese folded into warm, pan-fried tortillas.

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

15 minutes
mins

Total:

20 minutes
mins

Servings:

2
servings

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ​​2 8-inch flour tortillas or corn tortillas

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  
  large eggs
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  oz
  breakfast sausage,
  bacon, ham, or any other breakfast meat

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½
  cup
  
  shredded cheddar cheese
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  teaspoons
  
  olive oil
  

Instructions

• In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage (or other breakfast meat like bacon or ham) over medium heat until thoroughly browned and cooked through. Break the sausage into small, even pieces as it cooks. Once done, remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set aside.
  4 oz breakfast sausage
• Crack the large eggs into a bowl and whisk them vigorously until they are well blended and slightly frothy.
  4 large eggs
• After cooking the meat, if there’s excess grease, carefully wipe it out of the pan. Then, pour the whisked eggs into the same pan and cook over medium heat. Stir the eggs frequently with a spatula until they are mostly cooked through but still moist. Return the cooked meat to the pan and gently mix it with the scrambled eggs. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Lay out your tortillas flat. Sprinkle one half of each tortilla with a thin layer of shredded cheddar cheese, then top with half of the egg and meat mixture. Add another layer of shredded cheese over the egg mixture. Carefully fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled half.
  ​​2 8-inch flour tortillas or corn tortillas,
  ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Heat a clean skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the outsides of the folded quesadillas with olive oil. Place the quesadillas in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has completely melted and is gooey.
  2 teaspoons olive oil
• Remove the cooked quesadillas from the pan, slice them into wedges, and serve immediately. They are delicious with a side of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Customize your quesadillas by adding any desired vegetables (sauté them with the meat), using a different type of cheese, or omitting the meat entirely for a delicious vegetarian breakfast quesadilla.
• For a crispier texture, gently press down on the quesadilla with a spatula while it cooks in the skillet.

Nutrition

Calories:
640
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
30
g

|

Protein:
34
g

|

Fat:
42
g

|

Saturated Fat:
15
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
24
g

|

Cholesterol:
449
mg

|

Sodium:
1022
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
1
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Course:
Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine:
American, Mexican

Servings:

2
servings

Calories:
640

Keyword:
breakfast quesadilla, breakfast quesadilla recipe, easy breakfast, cheesy eggs, sausage quesadilla

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