My grandma’s famous sheet pan quesadillas were always the star of the show at our family gatherings. When I think back to those cozy Sunday dinners, I can still smell the spices sizzling in the oven and hear the collective “ooh” as she pulled the perfectly golden brown quesadillas out, slicing them into perfectly portioned wedges. It was a production – everyone would crowd around the kitchen counter, eagerly waiting to assemble their perfect bite, topping the crispy, cheesy quesadillas with cool sour cream, zesty salsa, and fresh cilantro. Those memories still make my mouth water.
That’s why I’m so excited to share my grandma’s Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd recipe with you. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try this easy, customizable method, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Why This Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd
The genius of this Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. By baking the quesadillas on a sheet pan instead of grilling or frying them individually, you can feed a crowd without spending hours at the stove. The even heat of the oven crisps up the tortillas to perfection while the fillings melt into gooey, flavor-packed bliss.
And the best part? You can easily customize the fillings to please all your guests. Toss in sautéed veggies for a meatless option, or use up any leftover cooked chicken or ground meat you have on hand. The classic blend of spices – chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder – creates a flavor-packed base that complements any filling you choose.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 large flour tortillas: The foundation of your sheet pan quesadillas, these large tortillas provide the perfect canvas for your fillings.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: A mix of melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco brings that irresistible stringy, gooey texture.
- 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken (or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option): Protein-packed chicken or flavorful sautéed veggies give your quesadillas substance and heartiness.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: This spice blend adds depth, warmth, and a touch of heat to really make the flavors pop.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings enhance the other ingredients and tie everything together.
- Sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for serving: These cool, tangy, and fresh toppings balance out the richness of the quesadillas.
Step-by-Step Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd Instructions
Preparing Your Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd
With just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd come together quickly. You’ll need a large rimmed baking sheet, a sharp knife, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2- Lay the 8 large flour tortillas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the tortillas, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
3- In a medium bowl, toss together the cooked and shredded chicken (or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian version) with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Distribute the seasoned filling evenly over the cheese-topped tortillas.
4- Fold the tortillas in half over the filling to create half-moon shapes. Press gently to seal the edges and create compact quesadillas.
5- Bake the Sheet Pan Quesadillas for 12-15 minutes, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the quesadillas cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing each one into 4 wedges. Serve the Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd immediately, passing the sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for topping.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature or lightly warmed tortillas for maximum pliability and easy folding.
- Shred or chop your filling ingredients into small, evenly-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Don’t overstuff the quesadillas – a light, even layer of filling is key for even cooking and easy folding.
- Bake the quesadillas on the upper third of the oven for a perfectly crispy, golden brown crust.
Serving and Storing Your Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd
Perfect Pairings for Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd
This Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd recipe serves 24 wedges, which is perfect for feeding 6-8 people as a main dish or 8-10 as an appetizer. For a complete meal, serve the quesadillas with a fresh green salad, Mexican-style rice, and a pitcher of refreshing agua fresca or margaritas. They also make a fantastic game day snack when paired with an assortment of dips, guacamole, and cold beers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the quesadilla wedges on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire sheet pan of quesadillas in advance and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze the baked quesadillas for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd
Creative Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd Variations
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd recipe is its endless customization possibilities. Try swapping the chicken for shredded pork, ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist. Mix up the cheese blend with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack. For a Southwestern flair, add diced jalapeños, roasted corn, or black beans to the filling. You can even experiment with different tortilla flavors like whole wheat, spinach, or sun-dried tomato.
Making Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd Diet-Friendly
To make these Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd gluten-free, simply swap the flour tortillas for large gluten-free tortillas or use lettuce leaves as the “wrap.” For a low-carb version, use low-carb or keto-friendly tortillas, and fill them with sautéed vegetables instead of chicken. Vegans can opt for dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives and skip the chicken in favor of plant-based protein like sautéed tofu or lentils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in the quesadillas?
A: Absolutely! The classic Mexican cheese blend is delicious, but you can easily swap in other melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even crumbled queso fresco.
Q: How long do the quesadillas take to bake?
A: The total baking time for these Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd is 12-15 minutes in a 400°F oven. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the tortillas get perfectly crispy and golden brown.
Q: Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas in advance and refrigerate them, unbaked, for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd recipe makes 24 wedges, which is enough to serve 6-8 people as a main dish or 8-10 as an appetizer.
Q: How do I know if the quesadillas are cooked through?
A: The tortillas should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbling when the quesadillas are done. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to ensure the fillings have set.
Conclusion
These Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Crowd are the ultimate crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe that will have your guests raving. With their crispy, golden brown tortillas, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful fillings, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? You can have this delicious, customizable meal on the table in just 30 minutes. What are you waiting for? Grab your sheet pan and get baking!
