Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese is highly recommended for its unique tangy flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like brie, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with different cheeses.

How long will the caramelized onions keep?

Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet before using.

Can I add meat to these quesadillas?

Sure! Cooked chicken, shredded pork, or even crumbled bacon would be delicious additions. Add the meat along with the caramelized onions and goat cheese.

What kind of onions work best for caramelizing?

Yellow onions are generally considered the best for caramelizing due to their balanced sweetness and availability. However, you can also use white onions or even red onions, although red onions will have a slightly stronger flavor.

My onions are burning, what am I doing wrong?

The most common reason for burning is too high heat. Make sure you're cooking the onions over medium-low heat and stirring them frequently. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to deglaze the pan.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian/vegan?

To make them vegetarian, ensure the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly (some goat cheese may contain animal rennet). For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter alternative, vegan goat cheese, and ensure your tortillas are free of animal products.

Quesadillas

Name: Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mexican-Food
Ingredients: 2 large, thinly sliced Yellow Onions; 4 oz, softened Goat Cheese; 4 tbsp, divided Butter; 4 (6-8 inch) Flour Tortillas; 1 tbsp, chopped (optional) Fresh Thyme Leaves; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper

caramelized onion and goat cheese quesadillas

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

31 Oct 2025

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Okay, let's be honest, sometimes cooking feels like a chore. But hey, not today! We're diving into a super simple recipe that’s surprisingly gourmet. I remember one time, my friend Maria, who claims to be a professional chef (eye roll), was coming over for a last-minute brunch. I had NOTHING planned. Panicked, I threw together these quesadillas with some odds and ends from my fridge, and she raved about them! Like, seriously, raved. That's when I knew this wasn't just a quick fix; it was actual wizardry. These quesadillas, folks, are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Plus, who doesnt love cheezy goodness, right?

So, what makes these quesadillas so darn good? First, it's all about the caramelized onions. Slow-cooking them until they're meltingly soft and deeply sweet transforms them into something extraordinary. Then there's the goat cheese—tangy, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. I once tried using feta instead (because I ran out of goat cheese...oops!), and while it was still good, it just wasn't the same. Goat cheese is key, trust me! The combination of these two simple ingredients, along with a bit of butter, some fresh thyme (optional but HIGHLY recommended), and a perfectly crisped tortilla, is pure food heaven. Like seriously, what are you waiting for? Lets do this thing!

Required Equipments

Large Skillet (preferably cast iron)
Spatula
Cutting Board
Knife

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Quesadillas: Frequently Asked Questions

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Quesadillas

These Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Quesadillas are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or light dinner. The creamy goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet caramelized onions, all nestled between crispy tortillas.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, grab a large skillet, preferably cast iron, because everything just tastes better when cooked in cast iron. Place it over medium-low heat. This gentle heat is crucial; we don't want to rush the caramelization process, or you’ll end up with burnt onions instead of beautifully browned ones.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. The butter adds richness and helps the onions soften and caramelize evenly. Make sure the butter coats the entire bottom of the pan.
Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Spread them out in an even layer. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the onions, which is essential for proper caramelization.
Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are a deep golden-brown color and very soft. This requires patience! Don't crank up the heat to speed things up; low and slow is the way to go. Stir every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
If the onions start to stick or brown too quickly, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the skillet and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits, known as fond, add tons of flavor!
Once the onions are caramelized to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh thyme leaves, if using. The thyme adds a lovely aromatic note that complements the sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the goat cheese.
Now, grab another skillet (or wipe out the one you just used) and place it over medium heat. Lightly butter one side of each tortilla. This buttered side will be the outside of your quesadilla, ensuring a golden-brown and crispy finish.
Place one tortilla, buttered-side down, in the skillet. Spread half of the goat cheese evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Top the goat cheese with half of the caramelized onions, spreading them out in an even layer.
Place the second tortilla on top of the onions, buttered-side up. Press down gently with a spatula to help the quesadilla adhere together.
Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden-brown and crispy, and the goat cheese is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing it into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Repeat steps 7-11 with the remaining tortillas, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, roasted red peppers, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for even more flavor.

📝 Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the caramelized onions.
Try using different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.
Serve with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.