Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with these butternut squash goat cheese quesadillas. The creamy, tangy goat cheese perfectly complements the sweet, roasted butternut squash, while fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. These quesadillas are a unique twist on a classic favorite, making them an excellent choice for a cozy dinner or a fun appetizer.
If you don't usually have butternut squash or goat cheese in your kitchen, you'll need to pick these up at the supermarket. Butternut squash is typically found in the produce section, often pre-cut for convenience. Goat cheese is usually located in the specialty cheese section. Fresh cilantro can be found in the herbs section of the produce aisle.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Butternut squash: A sweet, nutty-flavored winter squash that becomes tender and caramelized when roasted.
Olive oil: Used to coat the squash for roasting, adding a rich flavor and helping it to brown.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the roasted squash.
Flour tortillas: The base of the quesadilla, providing a soft and chewy texture.
Goat cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that melts beautifully and pairs well with the sweet squash.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a burst of freshness and a slight citrusy note.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When roasting the butternut squash, ensure the cubes are evenly sized to promote uniform cooking. This will help achieve a consistent texture and flavor throughout the quesadillas. Additionally, spreading the squash in a single layer on the baking sheet prevents steaming and encourages caramelization, enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a similar sweetness and texture when roasted.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of saltiness and can be used in the same quantity.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but a slightly different flavor profile.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a different texture and flavor but work well in quesadillas.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a similar freshness and can be used in the same quantity.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze Your Quesadillas
- Allow the quesadillas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you know how long they've been stored, as quesadillas can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed and crispy.
- If storing in the refrigerator, place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a quick reheat from the refrigerator, use a microwave. Place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- To maintain the crispiness, consider reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer. This method ensures the tortillas remain crunchy while the goat cheese melts perfectly.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the goat cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cover with a lid to help retain moisture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the butternut squash is heated through and the tortillas are golden brown.
Microwave Method: Place the quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Note that this method may not keep the tortillas as crispy as other methods.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas directly on the rack or on a toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the goat cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the butternut squash is heated through and the tortillas are crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the butternut squash until tender.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for roasting the butternut squash in the oven.
Skillet: Used to cook the quesadillas on the stovetop until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Spatula: Helps to flip the quesadillas in the skillet without breaking them.
Knife: Essential for peeling and cubing the butternut squash as well as chopping the fresh cilantro.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the butternut squash and cilantro.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
Tongs: Useful for handling the hot roasted butternut squash and placing it onto the tortillas.
Plate: Used to serve the finished quesadillas after they are cut into wedges.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the filling ahead: Roast the butternut squash in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble the quesadillas when you're ready to cook.
Use pre-cut squash: Save time by buying pre-peeled and cubed butternut squash from the store.
Multitask: While the squash is roasting, crumble the goat cheese and chop the cilantro to have everything ready for assembly.
Cook multiple quesadillas: Use a large skillet or griddle to cook more than one quesadilla at a time.
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 4 oz goat cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with goat cheese, roasted squash, and cilantro. Top with another tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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