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Stacked Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla slices topped with fresh basil on a wooden cutting board.
Daniel

Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla

Crispy flour tortillas stuffed with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce for the ultimate weeknight mashup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American, Mexican-American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Quesadillas
  • 4 large flour tortillas burrito size, about 10 inches
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, low-moisture
  • 4 oz pepperoni about 48 slices, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup pizza sauce warm, for dipping and spreading
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened, for brushing
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese finely grated, for finishing

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, oregano, and garlic powder until well combined. This flavored butter gives the tortillas that pizzeria-crust taste.
  2. Lay two tortillas on your counter. Spread a thin layer of the seasoned butter on one side of each remaining tortilla - these will be your tops. On the unbuttered bottom tortillas, spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce, leaving a 1-inch border. Scatter 1/2 cup mozzarella over the sauce, then layer 12 pepperoni slices per quesadilla. Top with another 1/2 cup mozzarella each. Place the buttered tortillas on top, butter side facing up.
Cook the quesadillas
  1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully slide one assembled quesadilla into the pan, buttered side down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and crisp, pressing gently with your spatula to ensure even contact.
  2. Flip the quesadilla and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is crisp and the cheese is fully melted. You will see cheese starting to ooze from the edges. Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the second quesadilla.
Serve
  1. Let each quesadilla rest for 1 minute - this keeps the cheese from squirting out when you cut. Slice into quarters with a sharp knife or pizza wheel. Sprinkle with Parmesan and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot with the remaining warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

For extra-crispy results, use a mix of mozzarella and provolone - the provolone browns beautifully. If your pepperoni cups hold a lot of grease, blot them on a paper towel before assembling to prevent soggy tortillas. These reheat surprisingly well in a hot skillet; avoid the microwave which makes them rubbery.