Quesadillas de Papas

Introduction

Quesadillas de Papas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican dish featuring crispy, golden tortillas filled with creamy, seasoned mashed potatoes. These delicious quesadillas can be pan-fried or deep-fried, creating a crispy shell that perfectly contrasts with the smooth and savory potato filling.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering—the warm, crispy tortillas filled the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and they disappeared from the plate almost instantly. What makes Quesadillas de Papas so special is their versatility. You can keep them simple with just the potato filling or add cheese, beans, or even chorizo for extra flavor.

Best of all, they’re budget-friendly and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or main course, they pair wonderfully with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of crema. No matter how you enjoy them, these crispy, cheesy, and comforting quesadillas are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Quick and easy meals
• Vegetarian-friendly dishes
• Family gatherings
• Mexican food lovers
• Budget-friendly cooking

Why You’ll Love This Quesadillas de Papas

Here’s why Quesadillas de Papas will become a go-to dish in your kitchen:

• Crispy and Creamy Contrast: The crispy tortilla exterior pairs perfectly with the smooth and flavorful potato filling.
• Budget-Friendly and Simple: Made with pantry staples like potatoes, tortillas, and cheese, this recipe is easy and affordable.
• Customizable Fillings: You can enhance the potato filling with cheese, chiles, or spices to suit your taste.
• Great for Any Meal: Serve as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with your favorite toppings.
• Easy to Make Ahead: The filling can be prepped in advance, making assembly quick and convenient.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 quesadillas
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Quesadillas de Papas:

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• ½ cup shredded cheese (queso Oaxaca, queso fresco, or cheddar) (optional)
• 8 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Ingredient Highlights

• Russet Potatoes: These provide a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed, making them perfect for the filling.
• Cheese: Adding cheese enhances the richness and gives a melty, savory contrast to the potatoes.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional for Mexican quesadillas, corn tortillas offer a great texture and flavor. Flour tortillas can also be used for a softer, more pliable option.
• Spices: A blend of cumin, garlic, and paprika adds depth and warmth to the potato mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potato Filling:

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and butter. Mix well until creamy.
4. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, fold it into the mashed potatoes while they are still warm so it melts slightly.

Assemble the Quesadillas:

5. Warm the Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 10-15 seconds on each side until pliable.
6. Fill the Quesadillas: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture onto one half of each tortilla, then fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
7. Press Gently: Press the edges lightly to help them seal. If needed, you can brush the edge with a bit of water to help them stick.

Cook the Quesadillas:

8. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
9. Fry Until Golden: Carefully place the quesadillas in the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Drain and Cool: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Quesadillas de Papas

Quesadillas de Papas are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic with Salsa – Serve with a side of salsa roja or salsa verde for dipping.
• With Guacamole – Pair with creamy guacamole for extra richness.
• Topped with Crema and Cheese – Drizzle with Mexican crema and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or Cotija.
• With Pickled Onions – Add tangy pickled red onions for a flavorful contrast.
• Alongside Rice and Beans – Serve as a meal with Mexican rice and refried beans.
• With a Crunchy Slaw – Top with a fresh cabbage slaw for a crisp bite.
• Dipped in Consomé – Serve with a warm beef or vegetable consomé for dipping.
• With a Spicy Kick – Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Breakfast Style – Serve with a fried egg on top for a hearty morning meal.
• Street-Style with Lime – Squeeze fresh lime juice over them and serve in a paper wrapper for an authentic street-food experience.

Additional Tips for Quesadillas de Papas

• Make-Ahead Option: The mashed potato filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Baking Option: For a lighter version, brush the quesadillas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer Method: Place the quesadillas in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
• Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) until ready to serve.
• Extra Crispiness: Double-fry for an even crispier texture—fry once, let cool slightly, then fry again for 30-45 seconds per side.
• Use Fresh Tortillas – Freshly made or homemade corn tortillas add the best flavor and texture when fried.
• Seal the Edges Well – Lightly pressing the edges of the tortillas before frying prevents the filling from leaking out.
• Shallow Fry for Crispy Texture – Use just enough oil to fry the quesadillas until golden and crisp without making them greasy.
• Drain on Paper Towels – This helps remove excess oil, keeping the quesadillas crisp and not overly heavy.
• Serve with Dipping Sauces – Pair with salsa roja, guacamole, or a drizzle of crema for a delicious finishing touch.

Recipe Variations for Quesadillas de Papas

Here are 10 fun ways to switch up Quesadillas de Papas:

1. Spicy Quesadillas de Papas: Add finely chopped jalapeños or chipotle powder to the potato filling for heat.
2. Chorizo and Potato Quesadillas: Mix in cooked, crumbled chorizo for extra flavor.
3. Cheesy Quesadillas de Papas: Double the cheese for an ultra-gooey center.
4. Vegan Quesadillas de Papas: Use plant-based butter and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
5. Poblano Potato Quesadillas: Add roasted poblano peppers for a smoky flavor.
6. Bacon and Potato Quesadillas: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch.
7. Mushroom and Potato Quesadillas: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth.
8. Sweet Potato Quesadillas: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
9. Refried Bean and Potato Quesadillas: Combine refried beans with the potato filling for extra creaminess.
10. Taco-Style Quesadillas: Serve with lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado for a taco-inspired experience.

Freezing and Storage for Quesadillas de Papas

• Freezing: Assemble the quesadillas, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for crispiness or microwave for convenience.

Special Equipment for Quesadillas de Papas

Here are some useful tools to make Quesadillas de Papas easier to prepare:

• Tortilla Press – Helps flatten fresh masa into even tortillas if making from scratch.
• Comal or Cast-Iron Skillet – Essential for cooking tortillas and crisping up the quesadillas.
• Potato Masher or Ricer – For achieving a smooth, lump-free mashed potato filling.
• Bench Scraper or Dough Cutter – Useful for handling and shaping masa if making handmade tortillas.
• Pastry Brush – To lightly oil tortillas for an extra crispy finish.
• Heavy-Duty Spatula – Helps with flipping quesadillas without breaking them.
• Griddle or Flat-Top Grill – Ideal for cooking multiple quesadillas at once.
• Cheese Grater – For freshly grating cheese to mix with the potato filling.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pan – If making deep-fried quesadillas for extra crunch.
• Tongs – For safely flipping or removing hot quesadillas from the skillet or fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions for Quesadillas de Papas

1. Can I make these with flour tortillas?
   Yes, but they will be softer and less crispy than corn tortillas.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes! Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. What’s the best cheese for these quesadillas?
   Queso Oaxaca, queso fresco, or shredded cheddar all work well.
4. Can I add meat to the filling?
   Yes! Try adding chorizo, shredded chicken, or ground beef.
5. How do I keep them crispy?
   Serve immediately or reheat in a skillet instead of the microwave.

Print

Conclusion

Quesadillas de Papas are a perfect combination of crispy, golden tortillas and a creamy, flavorful potato filling that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a snack, side, or main dish, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Easy to make and endlessly versatile, they’re great for any occasion—from casual family meals to festive gatherings. Serve them with your favorite salsas, guacamole, or a drizzle of crema for an extra delicious touch.

I’d love to see your take on Quesadillas de Papas! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!