Leftover Turkey Quesadilla a Cheesy Festive Fiesta

Q: What's the best way to store leftover * Leftover turkey quesadilla *? Can I make it ahead of time?

For the best results, assemble and cook your * Leftover turkey quesadilla * right before serving. However, you can prep the fillings ahead of time. Store cooked quesadillas in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet, oven (for a crispier result), or microwave (though it might get a little soggy, like a wet weekend in Skegness!).

Leftover Turkey Quesadilla Cheesy Thanksgiving Magic

By SandraJuly 10, 2025Updated: July 9, 2025

4.43 (7 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Staring at that Leftover turkey quesadilla in the fridge? Honestly, same! This recipe uses Thanksgiving leftover ideas to create magic, blending cheesy goodness with festive flavors.

Brief Overview

Quesadillas are a staple, simple and comforting Mexican dish. This is an easy turkey quesadilla recipe easy and quick version. It takes only 13 minutes to make two quesadillas.

Main Benefits

The Leftover turkey quesadilla is a great way to get in some protein and makes it perfect for a quick Easy leftover turkey lunch .

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and adaptability, like all the Leftover Thanksgiving turkey recipes out there!

Tired of the same old Thanksgiving leftover ideas ? Me too! Let’s face it, turkey sandwiches can get boring, right? This Quick turkey quesadilla is the answer.

This recipe is all about using what you have. Turkey and cheese quesadilla is the way to go. You can really customize it. Grab some tortillas, leftover turkey, and cheese.

Think of this cheesy turkey quesadilla as your blank canvas. Seriously, this is how to enjoy all the Holiday leftover quesadilla .

Add in your favorite toppings. Black beans? Corn? Jalapeños? Go wild!

Honestly, the beauty of this is how adaptable it is. Don't like onions? Leave them out. Want a bit of heat? Throw in some jalapeños for the Southwest turkey quesadilla

**Ingredients & Equipment: Your Leftover Turkey Quesadilla Arsenal**

Alright, let's gather what you need for this cheesy turkey quesadilla masterpiece! We're aiming for a super quick turkey quesadilla recipe easy to throw together.

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown. Think of this as your artist's palette for the Thanksgiving leftover ideas that will soon be a real plate of food.

Tortillas: 4 large flour tortillas ( 10-12 inch diameter). Get the good ones!
Turkey: 1 ½ cups ( 340g ) cooked turkey, shredded or diced. The star of our holiday leftover quesadilla! Quality? It should smell and taste good, obviously.
Cheese: 1 ½ cups ( 170g ) shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work. This is about 85g per quesadilla.
Onion: ¼ cup ( 30g ) diced onion (optional).
Bell Pepper: ¼ cup ( 30g ) diced bell pepper (optional).

Seasoning Notes for the Southwest Turkey Quesadilla

Think warm, comforting, and a little bit smoky. A pinch of cumin and chili powder goes a long way. Salsa is your friend! Think about your favorite Southwest turkey quesadilla you had and emulate that.

Essential spice combos: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder.

Flavor enhancers: A dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick. A little lime juice brightens everything up.

Quick substitution: No chili powder? A pinch of smoked paprika works.

Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple

Don't overthink this. Just the basics, honestly.

Large skillet or griddle.
Cutting board and knife.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Spatula for the flippity doo!
No time to cook? Well, Quick turkey quesadilla might be the right option for you!

So there you have it everything you need to whip up a Leftover Turkey Quesadilla . Honestly, this is the perfect solution for an easy leftover turkey lunch .

Get ready to transform those leftover Thanksgiving turkey recipes into something amazing!

Cooking Method: The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Quesadilla

Honestly, who doesn't love a good quesadilla? And what's better than turning those Leftover Thanksgiving turkey recipes into something completely new and exciting? I'm talking about the Leftover Turkey Quesadilla .

It's a cheesy turkey quesadilla miracle! This quick turkey quesadilla is a game changer. It also feels like an extra little gift after all the holiday chaos.

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place: Shred your turkey (about 340g ), dice your onion and bell pepper ( 30g each, optional). Grab that cheese you'll need around 170g !
Time saving organization tips: Get everything prepped before you even turn on the stove! Sauté the veggies ahead of time. Pre-shredded cheese is your friend.
Safety reminders: The stove is hot. Nuff said!

step-by-step Process

Sauté onion and bell pepper in a bit of oil until softened ( 3 minutes ).
Spread half the cheese on one half of a tortilla.
Top with turkey, veggies, and other goodies!
Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Fold that tortilla in half.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook 3- 4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melty.
Cut, serve, and devour!

Pro Tips

Cook low and slow to melt the cheese without burning the tortilla. Medium heat is key!
Avoid overfilling the quesadilla. It will be a nightmare to flip!
Warm your tortillas! A little warmth makes them pliable.
My secret? A little southwest turkey quesadilla flavour with a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mix. Trust me.
And speaking of hot sauce, I once added way too much habanero. My holiday leftover quesadilla nearly set my mouth on fire! Learn from my mistakes!
Want to make it ahead? Assemble the quesadillas, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours .

Turkey and cheese quesadilla doesn't have to be boring! This is a perfect easy leftover turkey lunch . This turkey quesadilla with salsa is a flavour explosion.

Plus, this turkey quesadilla recipe easy is so darn easy. I bet that Thanksgiving leftover ideas will never be the same! So give this recipe a try, and tell me it isn't as easy as it gets.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Turkey Quesadilla

Right, so you’re about to tackle this Leftover turkey quesadilla , yeah? Awesome! Let’s just cover a few things to make sure yours turns out totally banging.

Honestly, this is my go-to when I'm dealing with Thanksgiving leftover ideas .

Serving like a Pro

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Forget boring! Cut your cheesy turkey quesadilla into triangles. Fan them out nicely on a plate.

Then dollop some sour cream and salsa on top. A bit of chopped coriander always looks good too.

Complementary Sides or Beverages: Honestly, nothing beats a good Turkey quesadilla with salsa . A simple green salad adds freshness. And a cold Mexican beer or a lime margarita? Chefs kiss!

Storage Like a Legend

Refrigeration Guidelines: Got leftovers from your leftover turkey quesadilla? Wrap them tightly in foil or cling film. They'll be good in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Options (if applicable): You can totally freeze these! Wrap them individually in cling film. Then pop them in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to a month.

Reheating Instructions: For refrigerated quesadillas, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave until heated through. For frozen, defrost first, then reheat as above.

Getting Creative with Variations

Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free Quick turkey quesadilla ? Use gluten-free tortillas. Easy peasy! For a low-carb option, use low-carb tortillas or skip the tortilla.

Serve the filling as a southwest turkey quesadilla salad.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Holiday leftover quesadilla too boring? Use cranberry sauce instead of salsa for a festive twist. In the summer, try adding grilled corn.

Nutrition Lowdown

Simplified Nutrition Information: Each turkey and cheese quesadilla rocks about 550-650 calories. It's packed with protein (40-45g) and has decent fat (30-35g) and carbs (40-45g).

Key Health Benefits: Turkey is a great source of lean protein. This quesadilla keeps you full and energized. Plus, it's a way better way to use Leftover Thanksgiving turkey recipes than another boring sandwich.

So there you have it! The ultimate guide to making your Easy leftover turkey lunch quesadilla the best it can be.

Honestly, don't stress too much about getting it perfect. Just have fun and enjoy the process. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store leftover Leftover turkey quesadilla ? Can I make it ahead of time?

For the best results, assemble and cook your Leftover turkey quesadilla right before serving. However, you can prep the fillings ahead of time. Store cooked quesadillas in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, use a skillet, oven (for a crispier result), or microwave (though it might get a little soggy, like a wet weekend in Skegness!).

Can I freeze a turkey quesadilla?

Freezing fully cooked quesadillas is possible, but the texture might change slightly. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in cling film and then in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven until heated through and crispy just like reviving those Boxing Day leftovers!

What kind of cheese works best in a Leftover turkey quesadilla ?

A good melting cheese is key! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a Gruyere if you're feeling fancy, all work wonderfully. Experiment and find your favorite like choosing your favorite biscuit with a cuppa, there's no wrong answer, but some are definitely more you than others!

I don't have leftover turkey. What else can I use in this quesadilla?

No turkey? No problem! This recipe is super flexible. Shredded chicken, leftover ham, or even roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes or butternut squash) are great substitutes. Think of it like swapping out the lead singer in a band the vibe might change, but you can still rock out!

How can I make my Leftover turkey quesadilla healthier?

There are a few ways to lighten this up! Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber, go easy on the cheese, and load up on veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You could even use a lighter cheese like reduced fat cheddar, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt as a topping.

Think of it as the healthy version of a cheeky Nando's!

My quesadilla is soggy, what am I doing wrong?

Sogginess is usually caused by too much moisture. Make sure your turkey isn't overly wet and avoid overfilling the quesadilla. Cook over medium heat, not too high, to allow the cheese to melt completely before the tortilla burns.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can place the assembled (uncooked) quesadilla between two paper towels for 10 minutes before cooking to absorb excess moisture! Just like airing out your socks after a long day of walking in London.