How to Make Breakfast Quesadillas – w/ Fun Quesadilla Filling Ideas!

Learn how to make breakfast quesadillas that are healthy, filling and oh-so-delicious. Keep it simple w/ eggs and cheese or add fun toppings!

Sick of the same ole breakfast day after day? I have a fun one for you today! If you've never tried a quesadilla beyond the basic tortilla + cheese, you're in for a treat. I bring to you – the breakfast quesadilla.

These morning time beauties are loaded with scrambled eggs, avocado and optional shredded cheese for an easy breakfast quesadilla that will actually keep you full all morning. I love dipping in salsa but you do you!

This hearty breakfast is quite versatile. You can keep it simple and stick to the recipe or load up on toppings. Don't skip the quesadilla filling ideas below the recipe.

So, want to know how to make breakfast quesadillas? It's easy! You'll start by chopping your green onions and slicing your avocado. Next, whisk your eggs together in a bowl and scramble until they're nice and fluffy. Remove the eggs from the pan. Add a tortilla to your pan. I use corn tortillas, which is a great gluten free option, but you can of course use your personal favorite tortilla here.

Spread the tortilla in the pan evenly with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese (if using) and chopped green onions. Place a second tortilla on top. Heat until your breakfast quesadilla is nice and toasted on one side before flipping to cook on the other side. Serve with sliced avocado and salsa and enjoy a delicious start to the day!

These “breakfast quesadillas” actually make a great lunch or dinner too. Serve with a side salad or with my herbed corn and kale to round out the meal.

How to Make Breakfast Quesadillas – Tips for Success

While breakfast quesadillas are really quite simple, anyone who's ever had a lackluster quesadilla knows there is some technique to it. Here are a few tips for how to make breakfast quesadillas that taste amazing every time:

• Freshly grate your cheese. If you do opt to use cheese in your breakfast quesadillas, I highly recommend grating your own, rather than buying pre-shredded. This is not a must but freshly grated cheese melts a lot better, which is of course key to the best quesadillas! Many food processors have an attachment to quickly grate cheese.
• Cook your fillings ahead. These breakfast quesadillas are quite versatile. You can add chopped bell peppers, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc. Just make sure your add-ins are cooked before you add them to the quesadilla, as quesadillas cook quickly.
• Avoid burning. Particularly if you use butter, don't turn the temp up too high or the butter will burn. If you have a tendency to burn your quesadillas, try using a high heat oil like avocado oil instead!

Fun Quesadilla Filling Ideas

Oh my, the possibilities are endless when it comes to fun quesadilla filling ideas! This is a time to raid your fridge and pantry. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Sautéed Spinach – Saute some fresh or frozen spinach and add it in! Such an easy way to get some greens into your breakfast.
• Roasted Veggies – Have leftover roasted veggies in the fridge? Chop them small and add them in your quesadillas for both a flavor and a nutritional boost.
• Beans – Add some black beans or pinto beans in your quesadillas for more of a Tex-Mex flare.
• Bell Peppers – Chop a bell pepper, sauté, and add it to your breakfast quesadillas. This gives a nice crunch!
• Leftover Meat – If you have leftover neat from dinner, whether ground beef or grilled chicken, add some to your quesadillas for a super high protein breakfast.

Is this a healthy breakfast quesadilla?

Yes! These breakfast quesadillas are quite a healthy and satisfying breakfast. Here are a few of the nutritional highlights:

Green Onions (Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Fiber, Phytonutrients)

Also known as scallions, green onions are a good source of fiber. They also contain allicin, which scientists thing may help prevent cancer growth. Like other onions, green onions are also full of antioxidants.

Avocado (Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Potassium, Folate, Healthy Fats)

Loaded with nutrients like potassium, folate and healthy fats, avocados are good for your heart, your eye health, and even your mood. Moreover, they also benefit your brain, bone density and blood sugar levels.

Omega-3 Eggs (Lutein, Choline, Protein)

First of all, choosing eggs is probably one of the most confusing parts of grocery shopping. There are SO many choices and labels. Many of the labels are not clearly defined, making it even more confusing.  

Something to keep in mind though is that omega-3 eggs offer up to 5 times as much omega-3 in contrast to conventional eggs. In addition, they have almost 40% less of the inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid. As a result, I think Omega-3 eggs are worth it if you can swing it in your grocery budget.

Similarly, pastured eggs offer far superior nutritional content to conventional eggs. Higher in vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and omega-3, they're certainly a better choice than conventional if available to you.

Tomatoes (Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin K, Folate, Lycopene)

While the ingredients in your salsa will vary, it will likely contain tomatoes. Tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant, lycopene. Lycopene is believed to be the reason that tomatoes are linked to lower rates of certain types of cancers. Eating tomatoes along with a source of fat significantly increases how much lycopene your body absorbs.

Corn Tortillas (Fiber, Folate, Vitamin B6 and Potassium)

Made from corn, corn tortillas are not only a readily accessible gluten free option, they also offer some real nutrition. While corn is mostly carbohydrates, it ranks low-medium on the glycemic index, so won't spike your blood sugar as much as some carbs. Corn is also high in fiber, folate, Vitamin B6 and Potassium.

I want more healthy breakfasts with eggs!

I personally love eggs for breakfast! Our family has chickens and we have to find new and creative ways to keep up with all of those beautiful eggs they're laying. Here are a few of my favorite healthy breakfasts with eggs:

FAQ – Everything You Want to Know About How to Make Breakfast Quesadillas

What are the steps to making a quesadilla?

Step 1: Prep your toppings.

Step 2: Heat a skillet to medium heat.

Step 3: Add oil or butter.

Step 4: Add 1 tortilla, followed by your prepped toppings.

Step 5: Add a second tortilla, press down, and flip.

Step 6: Cook until cheese is melty and enjoy!

Do you fry a quesadilla in butter or oil?

Whether to use butter or oil for your quesadillas is a personal choice. While butter gives quesadillas a delicious flavor, it's also easier to burn. Oil leads to nice, crispy quesadillas, but doesn't give as much flavor. Experiment and see which option you prefer! And make sure not to add too much butter or oil or you may wind up with soggy quesadillas.

What should I put in my quesadilla?

There are endless filling options for quesadillas but here are a few favorites: cheese, sautéed spinach, veggies like bell peppers or sweet potatoes, beans and scrambled eggs. I love topping quesadillas with avocado and salsa!

What cheese is best for quesadillas?

The best cheese for quesadillas is freshly grated cheese. You'll find freshly grated cheese is much “meltier” than pre-shredded. Cheddar is classic for quesadillas but Monterey jack and mozzarella work well too.