Name: 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas; 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

The aroma of sizzling cheese filled the air as I prepared my 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema. Just imagine biting into a crispy tortilla, where gooey cheese mingles with sweet corn and zesty lime. garlic herb chicken The flavors burst in your mouth like fireworks on the Fourth of July, making this dish an irresistible delight.

Growing up, summer evenings were often spent at county fairs, indulging in elote—Mexican street corn coated in cheese and spices. It sparked a love for vibrant flavors that led me to create this quick quesadilla version. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just wanting a quick snack, this dish promises to deliver joy in every cheesy bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of flavors is out of this world, with the sweetness of corn and a kick from lime.
Visually appealing with golden brown tortillas and colorful toppings, it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
Plus, it’s versatile enough for a hearty lunch or a delicious midnight snack!

Ingredients for 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Flour Tortillas: Choose large flour tortillas for easy folding and maximum cheesy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Bangers and Mash recipe.
Corn: Fresh or canned corn works well; just make sure it’s sweet for that elote flavor.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar gives the quesadillas a melty texture and rich flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

For the Cumin Lime Crema:

Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream for creaminess; Greek yogurt is a great substitute if preferred.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brings out that citrus zing, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cumin: Ground cumin adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Cumin Lime Crema

In a small bowl, combine sour cream, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until smooth and set aside while you prepare the quesadillas.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up while you gather your other ingredients; this will help achieve that perfect crispy tortilla.

Step 3: Assemble Quesadillas

On one half of each tortilla, layer shredded cheese, corn, and chopped cilantro. Fold the tortilla over like a taco and press down gently.

Step 4: Cook Quesadillas

Carefully place the quesadilla in the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. You might want to use a spatula to press down lightly for even cooking.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once cooked through, transfer your quesadilla to a cutting board. Slice into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 6: Drizzle with Cumin Lime Crema

Serve warm with generous drizzles of cumin lime crema on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Now all that’s left is enjoying your creation while basking in culinary glory!

You Must Know

This 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema is the ultimate quick meal.
With its creamy cheese and zesty crema, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a fiesta to your table in no time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To whip up this dish efficiently, start by prepping your ingredients first. Sauté corn until it’s golden, then melt cheese in a skillet while you assemble tortillas. Assemble everything quickly to keep that gooey goodness intact!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to get creative! Swap out corn for black beans, add diced jalapeños for heat, or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. You can even play with different cheeses for varied flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side until warm and crispy again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use fresh corn if possible; it adds sweetness and crunch.
Don’t overload your quesadillas—too much filling can make flipping tricky.
Let the quesadillas sit briefly after cooking; this helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.

It was one of those cozy evenings when my friends dropped by unexpectedly. I had just finished work and was too tired to whip up anything fancy. I quickly threw together this 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema, and let me tell you—they devoured every bite!

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for the 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema?

To prepare the 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema, you will need essential ingredients like flour tortillas, fresh corn, cheese (such as Oaxaca or mozzarella), and spices. For the cumin lime crema, gather sour cream, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro. corn salad with avocado These ingredients create a delicious blend of flavors that make this quesadilla a favorite among many. tortellini caprese salad You can also customize it with additional toppings like avocado or jalapeños based on your preference.

How can I store leftovers from the 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla?

If you have leftover 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warm and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use an oven or microwave as well. Avoid storing leftovers for too long to maintain the freshness and flavor of the quesadilla.

Can I make the cumin lime crema ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily make the cumin lime crema ahead of time. Simply mix together sour cream, lime juice, cumin, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and enhances the taste when drizzled over your 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla.

Is there a vegetarian option for the 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla?

Absolutely! The 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla is naturally vegetarian-friendly since it uses cheese and corn as primary ingredients. You can enhance its nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This makes it not only suitable for vegetarians but also deliciously satisfying for everyone who enjoys fresh flavors.

Conclusion for 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema :

The 20-Minute Cheesy Elote Quesadilla with Cumin Lime Crema is a quick and tasty dish perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients like tortillas, corn, and cheese combined with a zesty crema, you create a delightful experience in just twenty minutes. honey mustard potatoes This recipe is versatile, allowing for various ingredient substitutions to suit personal tastes. Enjoy this flavorful creation any day of the week for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress!