Turkey Shaped Cheese Quesadillas
These absolutely adorable, Thanksgiving inspired cheese quesadillas are shaped like little turkeys but are completely vegetarian! Not to mention, they are mind-blowing delicious and super kid friendly. Each tasty quesadilla is filled with black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and bell peppers sandwiched between two whole wheat tortillas. Fun, festive, and perfect for the holidays!
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Calories: 173.5kcal
Ingredients
- 2 large whole wheat tortillas
- 1/4 cup canned black beans rinsed & drained
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 8 candy eyes
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium high heat.
- Spread the black beans evenly over one tortilla. Top the beans with the cheese. Place the second tortilla on top.
- Carefully place the quesadilla on the hot skillet sprayed with olive oil cooking spray, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. When the cheese begins to melt, flip the quesadilla and cook on the other side for 4 to five minutes.
- When the quesadilla is browned on both sides, remove it to a plate to cool.
- While the quesadilla is cooling, slice each of the peppers into thin strips. Cut out four larger strips from the red pepper to serve as the turkey’s bodies. Cut four small triangles out of the yellow pepper to use as the turkey’s beak.
- Cut the quesadilla into four wedges. Push the pepper strips into the round part of each web to make the turkey’s feathers.
- Place the larger strip of red pepper on top of the quesadilla to make the turkey’s body. Decorate the pepper with a small yellow triangle for the beak and two candy eyes.
Notes
Quesadilla Recipe Variations
- Cheese: You can swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for any other variety that you enjoy. Mozzarella, cheddar, and even colby jack would all be fantastic options.
- Refried Beans: Try this bean and cheese quesadilla with refried black beans or refried pinto beans instead of whole black beans. You can add a bit of taco seasoning to your beans to give them some extra flavor!
- Veggies: For some extra "hidden" veggies, chop up 2 cups of baby spinach and toss them into a skillet with your black beans before adding them to your quesadilla. The spinach cooks down to be so small that your kids won't even notice they're getting even more veggies in this dish.
- Toppings: You can serve these kid friendly quesadillas with any toppings your family enjoys! Sour cream, Plain Greek Yogurt, Guacamole, Salsa, Green Onions, and Cilantro are some of our favorites.
- Filling Variations: You can switch up the filling completely by using roasted mushrooms, wilted spinach, and cheese; or diced onion, diced peppers, corn and cheese; or any combination of veggies & cheese you like!
- Don't overstuff quesadillas or the filling will seep out of the sides. This could end up with a huge mess that you don't want to do it.
- Be sure to keep an eye on the quesadilla as it cooks so you do not burn it. Cook them on medium low heat so that the cheese melts slowly and the tortilla crisps up at the same time.
- Feel free to serve these turkey-shaped quesadillas with all of your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and just about any other quesadilla topping you love.
- Spray your pan with olive oil cooking spray before you add the quesadillas to the pan - that helps to give the tortilla its crispy outer layer without adding a ton of calories and fat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1turkey shaped quesadilla | Calories: 173.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.7g | Protein: 7.5g | Fat: 5.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.8g | Cholesterol: 11.4mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 334mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 3g