These Sheet Pan Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas combine the classic flavors of a jalapeño popper with a crispy quesadilla. Creamy pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, and a touch of chili powder make these quesadillas a perfect spicy and savory treat. Prosciutto adds a salty crunch, and serving them with salsa verde elevates every bite. This easy sheet pan method makes these quesadillas a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- ¾ cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
- 6 small soft tortillas
- 6 slices of prosciutto
- Salsa verde, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and brush a large baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of canola oil.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, diced jalapeño, and chili powder until well blended.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Brush one side of each tortilla with the remaining canola oil.
- Place one slice of prosciutto on your work surface and top with a tortilla, oiled side down.
- Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture over half of the tortilla, leaving about ¼ inch from the edge.
- Fold the tortilla in half, so the prosciutto is enveloping the center. Place the assembled quesadilla on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the prosciutto is crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the quesadillas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Transfer them to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve with salsa verde on the side.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it a Meal: For a heartier option, add 1 cup of black beans or chopped cooked chicken to the cheese mixture before assembling.
- Cheese Alternatives: Any melty cheese works well, but one with a bit of heat, like pepper jack, adds an extra kick.
- Storage: These quesadillas are best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
FAQ
Can I use another type of meat instead of prosciutto?
Yes! Thinly sliced ham or turkey also work well for a similar savory flavor and crispy texture.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the quesadillas on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy.
Can I make these quesadillas ahead?
Assemble the quesadillas up to 2 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best results.
These Sheet Pan Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas are the ultimate appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. If you make them, tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your creations! For more quick and delicious recipes, check out my other appetizers here.
PrintSheet Pan Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas
- Yield: 6-8
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F and brush a large baking sheet with canola oil
1. Mix together the pepper jack, cream cheese, jalapeno and chili powder.
2. Brush one side of each tortilla with canola oil.
4. Place one piece of prosciutto on the work surface. Place one tortilla, oil side down on top of the prosciutto. Dollop some of the cream cheese mixture onto the tortilla and spread it out evenly to within a 1/4 – inch of the edges. Fold the tortilla in half, so that the prosciutto ends up enveloping the tortilla around its center. Place on the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining tortillas.
5. Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven and cook for 8-10 minutes until the tortillas just begin to brown, the cheese is melted and prosciutto is crispy. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow the quesadillas to cool slightly.
6. Transfer quesadilla to a cutting board and cut into wedges. Serve with salsa.
Tip: Add a 1 cup of black beans or a 1 cup of chopped chicken to the cheese mixture to make this snack into a meal.
Note: Any type of melty cheese will work but one with a little kick of heat is best.
Delicious! Recipe was requested by my guests.
Nice to have a pickup app vs a dip people hover over. We served this for lunch at the lake w my husband’s grilled wings.
Great combo.