Description These Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheese Quesadilla Bombs are the ultimate comfort food, combining the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue with the gooey, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. Packed with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, a blend of melted cheeses, and a tangy BBQ sauce, these quesadilla bombs are incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more. The combination of ingredients ensures a well-balanced and satisfying dish that is both familiar and exciting. The crispy exterior and warm, melty interior make these quesadilla bombs a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them as a main course, side dish, or a fun appetizer that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the filling.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a personalized touch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, classic cheese flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides a smooth, stretchy texture that enhances the cheesy pull.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Delivers a salty, crispy element that adds depth and richness to the filling.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Serve as the outer wrapping, creating the “bomb” shape and providing a slightly chewy texture when baked.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Imparts a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor with a subtle, aromatic touch.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: Ensures the quesadilla bombs get a golden-brown, crispy exterior during baking.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the quesadilla bombs bake evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble Quesadilla Bombs: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a generous amount of the prepared filling in the center of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Step 4: Fold and Roll: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, and then tightly roll up the tortilla from the bottom to the top, creating a sealed roll. This ensures that the filling stays intact and that the quesadilla bomb holds its shape during baking. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Bake Quesadilla Bombs: Place the filled tortillas seam-side down on a baking sheet. This helps to prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking. Spray the tops of the quesadilla bombs with cooking spray or brush lightly with olive oil. This helps them to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Step 6: Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quesadilla bombs are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 7: Cool and Serve: Remove the baked quesadilla bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing in half. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheese Quesadilla Bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats in under 30 minutes. The recipe requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
The flavor combination is also a major draw. The smoky, tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. The addition of green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth and complexity, elevating the dish to a whole new level.
Furthermore, these quesadilla bombs are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a main course, side dish, or appetizer, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. They are also easily customizable. You can swap out the chicken for pulled pork or ground beef, add different types of cheese, or incorporate other toppings like jalapenos or diced tomatoes to suit your preferences.
Finally, the satisfying crunch of the crispy tortilla combined with the warm, gooey filling is simply irresistible. The textural contrast adds another layer of enjoyment to the dish, making it a truly memorable culinary experience.
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these quesadilla bombs as a main course with a side of coleslaw or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Cut them into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers at a party or game-day gathering.
- Pair them with other barbecue-inspired dishes like pulled pork sliders or corn on the cob for a themed meal.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or sour cream for added flavor.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- For extra crispy quesadilla bombs, bake them on a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet.
- If you don’t have cooking spray or olive oil, you can brush the quesadilla bombs with melted butter for a similar result.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 450-550 calories per quesadilla bomb.
Protein:
Approximately 30-40 grams per quesadilla bomb.
Sodium:
Approximately 800-1000 mg per quesadilla bomb.
Conclusion
Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheese Quesadilla Bombs are a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With their irresistible combination of smoky BBQ flavor, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, these quesadilla bombs are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fun game-day snack, this recipe is sure to deliver. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. These quesadilla bombs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking and create your own unique variations. Enjoy the process of making them and the delight of sharing them with friends and family.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the shredded chicken with other types of meat such as pulled pork, ground beef, or even shredded turkey. Just make sure the meat is cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding it to the filling.
Q2: What can I do if I don’t have flour tortillas?
A: If you don’t have flour tortillas on hand, you can use corn tortillas as a substitute. However, keep in mind that corn tortillas are more prone to cracking, so handle them with care when assembling the quesadilla bombs. You may also want to lightly warm them before filling to make them more pliable.
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the quesadilla bombs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just assemble the filled tortillas, place them on a baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove them from the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Q4: How do I prevent the filling from spilling out during baking?
A: To prevent the filling from spilling out, be sure not to overfill the tortillas. Use a generous amount of filling, but leave a little space around the edges to allow for easy folding and rolling. Also, make sure to tightly fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it up securely from the bottom to the top. Placing the filled tortillas seam-side down on the baking sheet can also help to prevent them from unraveling.
Q5: Can I add any vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the filling is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the quesadilla bombs. Some popular options include diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, or corn. Just be sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces and add them to the filling along with the other ingredients.
