Super Bowl Food Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Name: Super Bowl Food Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 large flour tortillas; 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or your choice of filling); 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 onion, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sour cream and salsa for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love a good gathering, and there's nothing quite like a tray of cheesy, delicious quesadillas to please the crowd during the Super Bowl. When I first tried making them on a sheet pan, I was amazed by how easy it was to prepare a hearty meal for everyone without being stuck in the kitchen. The crispy edges and gooey center make every bite a delight, and the best part is you can customize the fillings to suit everyone’s taste. Let’s dive into the excitement of crafting these delightful quesadillas together!

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:19:11.644Z

As a fan of both football and flavor, I was eager to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day. Sheet pan quesadillas seemed like the perfect solution, allowing me to whip up a batch without losing any time cheering for my team. The key to success is ensuring you have the right ratio of cheese to fillings so every bite is equally indulgent.

After experimenting with various ingredients, I discovered that adding a touch of smoked paprika gives the quesadillas a delightful flavor that elevates them beyond the traditional. I encourage using fresh toppings like cilantro and guacamole to enhance the experience even further!

        Why You'll Love These Quesadillas
        Crispy edges with a gooey, cheesy center
Easily customizable to suit your crowd’s taste
Perfect for game day and gatherings

      

Perfecting Your Quesadilla Technique

The key to achieving golden-brown, crispy edges lies in the proper layering of your quesadillas. When assembling them, make sure to evenly distribute the cheese. This will create a melty barrier that helps keep the fillings contained while also achieving that delightful crunch. A hot oven is crucial—425°F (220°C) is ideal for getting those tortillas perfectly crispy without burning them. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; you want to catch them just when the cheese is bubbling and the edges are lightly browned.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice your quesadillas after baking ensures clean cuts. It’s best to let them rest for a few minutes after baking to prevent the cheese from spilling out excessively. If you find that the quesadillas are sticking to the baking sheet, consider lightly greasing the parchment paper with a bit of olive oil before laying down the tortillas.

Ingredient Insights for Flavor Boosts

The choice of cheese can dramatically influence the flavor of your quesadillas. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic options for their melting qualities, feel free to experiment with others like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky richness. Just make sure to blend cheeses if you decide to mix it up—a combination not only enhances the complexity of flavors but also improves texture. Remember, too much cheese can make the quesadillas overly rich, so stick to the recommended amount for balance.

As for the fillings, the combination of black beans and shredded chicken provides excellent protein and fiber, making your quesadillas more satisfying. You might also consider swapping red bell peppers for jalapeños to add heat or incorporating corn for a touch of sweetness. If you’re vegan, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted zucchini, and use a plant-based cheese for similar gooeyness.

Ingredients

Quesadilla Ingredients

8 large flour tortillas
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or your choice of filling)
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream and salsa for serving

Preparation Steps

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced bell pepper, onion, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Quesadillas

Place 4 tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Spread half of the cheese on each tortilla, add the filling mixture evenly, and then top with the remaining cheese. Cover with the remaining tortillas.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Slice and Serve

Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice into wedges. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some jalapeños or avocado slices to your filling mixture before baking. You can also swap out the chicken for any protein of your choice or make them vegetarian by adding more veggies!

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on game day, you can prepare the filling the day before. Just mix the shredded chicken, beans, and vegetables, and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. On the day of serving, you can quickly assemble and bake your quesadillas, ensuring they’re fresh and hot when it’s time to eat.

Another make-ahead option is to assemble the quesadillas in full before baking, separating them with parchment paper and storing them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, pop them into the preheated oven; just note that they may require an additional couple of minutes to heat thoroughly compared to freshly assembled ones.

Serving Suggestions

While quesadillas are delicious on their own, serving them alongside fresh toppings can elevate the experience. Offer a variety of salsas—mild, medium, or spicy—to cater to different taste preferences. A zesty guacamole also pairs wonderfully, bringing a creamy contrast to the crispy quesadillas. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

For an extra layer of fun during your Super Bowl gathering, provide a customizable quesadilla bar. Set out additional fillings like roasted peppers, cooked bacon, or different types of cheese, so guests can make their personalized version. This not only adds an interactive element to your serving but also caters to diverse dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the quesadillas, cover them, and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add extra time to the baking if they are cold.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to swap chicken for cooked ground beef, turkey, or even a combination of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices due to their melting properties, but feel free to mix and match your favorites.

→ Can I freeze left-over quesadillas?

Yes! Just allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.