Caramelized Apple Cheddar Quesadillas

Featured in: Sunbeam Starts

This dish balances the sweetness of caramelized apples with the sharpness of cheddar, all wrapped in crispy golden tortillas. Cook apples in butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until tender, then layer with cheese and caramelized apples inside flour tortillas. Pan-cook until the outside is golden and cheese has melted. Serve warm, optionally with honey or sour cream for added richness. Easy to prepare and great as an appetizer or light meal.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT
Golden caramelized apple and cheddar quesadillas, crispy and cheesy perfection on a plate.  Save
Golden caramelized apple and cheddar quesadillas, crispy and cheesy perfection on a plate. | cheerfulchefs.com

A delightful fusion of sweet caramelized apples and sharp cheddar cheese, tucked in golden, crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or snack.

I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved the comforting flavors and crispy texture.

Ingredients

  • For the Filling: 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
  • For the Quesadillas: 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch), 1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2:
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle half with 3/4 cup cheddar cheese. Top with half of the caramelized apples. Fold tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
Step 3:
Add a small amount of butter to the pan. Cook quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4:
Transfer cooked quesadillas to a cutting board. Let rest 1 minute, then cut into wedges.
Step 5:
Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of honey or a side of sour cream.
Melt-in-your-mouth caramelized apple and cheddar quesadillas, perfect for a quick snack.  Save
Melt-in-your-mouth caramelized apple and cheddar quesadillas, perfect for a quick snack. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table, enjoying every crispy bite.

Notes

Try adding a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a subtle kick. Serve with a light salad for a balanced meal. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas.

Required Tools

Nonstick skillet, Spatula, Knife and cutting board, Grater

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (flour tortillas). Check tortilla and cheese labels for hidden allergens if needed.

Deliciously sweet and savory caramelized apple and cheddar quesadillas served with honey. Save
Deliciously sweet and savory caramelized apple and cheddar quesadillas served with honey. | cheerfulchefs.com

A simple yet indulgent snack that combines sweet and savory in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best for caramelizing?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and caramelize nicely without turning mushy.

Can I substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses?

Yes, Gruyère or fontina provide different flavors and melt well, adding a creamy texture to the quesadillas.

How do I prevent tortillas from becoming soggy?

Cook the quesadillas on medium heat, pressing gently to crisp the outside and melt the cheese, avoiding excess moisture buildup.

What are some additions to enhance the flavor profile?

A pinch of cayenne or black pepper adds a subtle kick, while a drizzle of honey offers extra sweetness to balance the sharp cheese.

Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?

Yes, use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor or texture.

Caramelized Apple Cheddar Quesadillas

Golden tortillas filled with sweet caramelized apples and melted sharp cheddar cheese.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Sunbeam Starts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background Fusion, American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Filling

01 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 Pinch of salt

Quesadillas

01 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch)
02 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 150 grams)
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Caramelize the Apples: Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 02

Assemble the Quesadilla: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over one half. Top with half of the caramelized apples, then fold the tortilla to form a half-moon shape.

Step 03

Cook the Quesadilla: Add a small amount of butter to the skillet. Cook the quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and apple filling.

Step 04

Rest and Slice: Transfer cooked quesadillas onto a cutting board. Allow to rest for 1 minute before slicing into wedges.

Step 05

Serve: Serve the quesadillas warm, optionally drizzled with honey or accompanied by a side of sour cream.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Nonstick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (flour tortillas).

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fats: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams