Pizza Quesadillas with Pepperoni

Craving pizza but short on time? These Pizza Quesadillas with Pepperoni give you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the crispy texture of a quesadilla. Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or even a quick lunch, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. Beginner-friendly and endlessly customizable, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
• ¼ cup diced onions
• ¼–½ cup diced bell peppers
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 (8-inch) tortillas
• ½–1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 4–6 oz pepperoni

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables
   • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add diced onions, diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Assemble Quesadillas
   • Spread marinara or pizza sauce over each tortilla.
   • Evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese over 4 tortillas.
   • Place remaining tortillas on top to form quesadillas.
3. Cook Quesadillas
   • Using the same skillet, cook each quesadilla over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
   • Slice into wedges and serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and gooey cheese.
• Pair with extra marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
• Add a side salad, garlic bread, or fresh fruit to make it a full meal.
• Cut into wedges for easy sharing at parties or game nights.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cooled quesadillas in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each cooked quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Skillet: Heat over medium until warm and crispy.
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.

Variations

1. Veggie Lover’s Quesadilla
   • Skip the pepperoni and load up on mushrooms, spinach, olives, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
   • Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza Quesadilla
   • Swap marinara for tangy BBQ sauce.
   • Use shredded cooked chicken instead of pepperoni and top with mozzarella and cheddar.
3. Hawaiian Style
   • Replace pepperoni with diced ham and pineapple chunks.
   • Use a slightly sweet pizza sauce to complement the pineapple.
4. Spicy Kick
   • Use jalapeños or banana peppers along with spicy pepperoni or chorizo.
   • Add pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of heat.
5. Four Cheese Quesadilla
   • Mix mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan for a rich, melty combination.
   • Keep the filling simple to let the cheese flavors shine.
6. Breakfast Pizza Quesadilla
   • Swap pepperoni for scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and breakfast sausage.
   • Use a white gravy or hollandaise sauce instead of marinara.
7. Caprese Quesadilla
   • Fill with mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil.
   • Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a fresh, Italian-inspired twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   • Yes, but they may not be as flexible and can break more easily. Warm them slightly before assembling to prevent tearing.
2. What kind of cheese works best for pizza quesadillas?
   • Mozzarella is the classic choice for that stretchy texture, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
3. Can I make these quesadillas in the oven?
   • Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and melted.
4. How can I make these quesadillas healthier?
   • Use whole wheat tortillas, low-fat cheese, turkey pepperoni, and load up on vegetables for a lighter option.
5. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
6. How do I keep quesadillas crispy when reheating?
   • Reheat in a skillet or in the oven instead of the microwave to maintain crispiness.
7. Can I freeze pizza quesadillas?
   • Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
8. What dipping sauces work well with this recipe?
   • Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy sriracha mayo are all delicious options.
9. Can I make a vegetarian version?
   • Yes, simply skip the pepperoni and use your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
10. Can I use leftover pizza toppings in this recipe?
    • Definitely! This is a great way to use up leftover meats, cheeses, and veggies from pizza night.

These Pizza Quesadillas with Pepperoni are the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods—crispy quesadillas and cheesy pepperoni pizza. Quick to make, full of flavor, and adaptable to any taste, they’re ideal for busy days or casual gatherings. Once you try them, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!

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