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Butternut Squash Quesadillas

Butternut Squash Quesadillas
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Butternut Squash Quesadillas are a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish combining the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese inside crispy flour tortillas. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for quick meals, offering balanced sweet and savory flavors with warm spices, and adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 4–6 flour tortillas
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Combine the roasted squash with the sautéed onion and garlic in a bowl. Mash slightly with a fork to mix while keeping some texture. Fold in fresh chopped cilantro if using, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a flour tortilla flat and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese evenly over half the surface. Spoon a good amount of the butternut squash filling on top of the cheese, then sprinkle a little more cheese on top to help it stick. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently.
  5. Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil or butter. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
  6. Serve Warm: Cut the quesadillas into triangles and serve immediately with your choice of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Ensure squash cubes have enough space on the baking sheet to roast evenly and caramelize.
  • Mix mozzarella with sharper cheeses like cheddar for added flavor complexity.
  • Layer cheese on both sides of the filling to help the quesadilla hold together.
  • Cook quesadillas on medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning tortillas before melting the cheese.
  • Let quesadillas rest for a minute after cooking to firm up the filling for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash quesadillas, vegetarian quesadillas, cheesy quesadillas, roasted squash recipe, easy weeknight dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/butternut-squash-quesadillas/