These loaded veggie quesadillas are a hearty, wholesome, and flavorful meal packed with roasted sweet potatoes, colorful peppers, creamy avocado, black beans, cream cheese, and cheddar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and deliciously cheesy on the inside, they make a satisfying lunch or dinner for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these loaded veggie quesadillas because they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and nutrition. The roasted vegetables are full of flavor, the creamy fillings add richness, and the melted cheese brings it all together beautifully. Plus, they’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite vegetables, and can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Roasted Vegetables:
1 large red bell pepper, sliced thinly
1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon chili powder
Drizzle of olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Black Beans:
1 can (400 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Guacamole:
1 large ripe avocado
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
2 large tortilla wraps (use gluten-free if needed)
50 g cream cheese (or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan option)
75 g extra mature cheddar cheese (or vegan cheddar alternative)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Arrange the sliced peppers and sweet potato rounds on a large roasting tray. Sprinkle over the cumin, coriander, allspice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat evenly. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
While the vegetables roast, place the rinsed black beans in a small saucepan. Add cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mash lightly with a potato masher, then warm through over low heat.
In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spread cream cheese on one half of each tortilla and the black bean mixture on the other half. Spread guacamole over the beans, layer on the roasted vegetables, and sprinkle with grated cheddar. Fold the tortillas in half.
Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a touch of oil. Cook each quesadilla for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
Slice into wedges and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Vegan Version: Replace the cream cheese and cheddar with vegan alternatives.
Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
Protein Boost: Add cooked lentils or crumbled tofu to the filling.
Different Veggies: Try roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla wraps.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and heated through. You can also warm them in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fillings in advance and assemble just before cooking for the best texture.
2. Can I freeze loaded veggie quesadillas?
Yes, wrap cooked quesadillas in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and crisp.
3. What kind of tortillas work best?
Large flour tortillas work best since they hold the fillings well and fold easily.
4. How can I make them crispier?
Cook them over medium heat with a light brushing of oil and press gently with a spatula while cooking.
5. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, if desired, you can add grilled chicken or beef strips, but they’re delicious as a vegetarian meal.
6. What cheese melts best in quesadillas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella melt beautifully and complement the veggies well.
7. Are these quesadillas spicy?
They have a mild heat from the chili powder, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
8. Can I bake quesadillas instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes per side until crisp and golden.
9. What can I serve with veggie quesadillas?
Serve with salsa, sour cream, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
10. How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Don’t overfill the tortillas and press gently with a spatula while cooking to help them seal.
Conclusion
Loaded veggie quesadillas are the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, and full of roasted vegetable goodness. Whether you make them for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch, they’re guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
These loaded veggie quesadillas are filled with roasted sweet potatoes, colorful peppers, black beans, guacamole, cream cheese, and cheddar for a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meal that’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.
Ingredients
1 large red bell pepper, sliced thinly
1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon chili powder
Drizzle of olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (400 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 large ripe avocado
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 large tortilla wraps (gluten-free if needed)
50 g cream cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
75 g extra mature cheddar cheese (or vegan cheddar alternative)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Arrange peppers and sweet potatoes on a roasting tray. Season with cumin, coriander, allspice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Roast for 30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
In a saucepan, heat black beans with cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Lightly mash and warm through.
Mash avocado in a bowl with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make guacamole.
Spread cream cheese on one half of each tortilla and black bean mixture on the other. Add guacamole, roasted vegetables, and sprinkle with grated cheddar. Fold tortillas in half.
Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 5 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Slice into wedges and serve hot.
Notes
Use vegan cream cheese and cheddar for a dairy-free version.
Add jalapeños or extra chili for more heat.
Include lentils or tofu for extra protein.
Swap in other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.