This 3 ingredients only Halloween dinner idea can be made in less than 30 minutes and is a perfectly cheesy option for all the candy. Jack-O-Lantern Oven Quesadillas are not only kid-friendly but a great dinner for the whole family to grab before heading out to trick-or-treat.
Why This Recipe Works
The week of Halloween can often be one of chaos, especially if you’re handmaking your own costumes, but there’s no reason dinner should be chaotic. With only 3 ingredients needed these oven quesadillas can be made in under 30 minutes.
They’re also a perfect addition to any spread at a Halloween party. Set out an array of toppings for everyone to choose from. They make a great appetizer that can also be passed around.
These aren’t just for kids! The whole family will love these quesadillas and you can change up the size and ingredients as well as the jack-o-lantern face.
Ingredients Needed
Ingredient Notes
- Shredded Cheese: I like to use a blend of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese that’s pre-shredded. Normally, I would say to shred your own cheese, but in this case we want something that will melt easily and pre-shredded cheese bubbles and melts quicker in the oven.
- Pumpkin Cookie Cutter: Any size cookie cutter will work, but I love this variety of pumpkin cookie cutters because you have the option to make larger or smaller quesadillas or a combination.
- Tortillas: I prefer to use flour tortillas for this recipe because it’s easier to cut with a cookie cutter and knife, however, corn tortillas and some gluten-free and other alternative tortillas will work too.
Recipe Variations
You don’t have to make just cheese quesadillas. Adding some of your favorite fillings is one of the best ways to customize them.
- Add protein: shredded chicken and ground beef will bulk them up so everyone stays fuller longer.
- Veggies: bell peppers, tomatoes, diced olives, and mushrooms are all delicious options to add, just make sure they’re diced small.
- Spice: sprinkle some chili powder, hot sauce, or even pickled jalapenos on top.
- Herbs: you can mix in some fresh cilantro, oregano, or even sprinkle in some cumin for a little boost in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Topping Ideas
One of my favorite ways to serve these oven quesadillas is at a party and when I do I create a spread of toppings for people to dip them in or top them off. Below are some great options everyone loves.
- Pico de Gallo
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour Cream
- Queso
- Fresh Cilantro
Storage Information
- Make-Ahead/Leftover Info: You can make these up to 3 days in advance or save any leftovers for up to 3 days in an air-tight container in the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: I recommend wrapping each one individually or flash freezing them first before storing them in the freezer. To flash freeze, place the prepared quesadillas on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer to freeze for 30 minutes. Remove and then place them all into a freezer-safe container. They will last for 2 months stored in the freezer.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- You don’t need a cookie cutter to cut the quesadillas. Just a sharp-tipped kitchen knife is needed, which you can use to draw the shape of the pumpkin first and then cut out the face.
- Any size quesadilla will work, especially if you’re just using a knife to cut them out. This will allow you to make larger versions.
- If you choose to add to the filling be careful not to overstuff the quesadilla and top all the additions with the cheese so it’s closest to the Jack-O-Lantern face.
- Instead of cutting out the faces, you can use toppings to make the face. Try sliced olives for eyes or shape pepperoni into a mouth.
FAQs
Yes, you can, however, the potato starch that coats the pre-shredded cheese helps it to melt easier and gives you that bubbly cheese quicker. It is entirely up to you!
Absolutely! Make them up to 3 days before you plan on sharing them and place them on a baking sheet to reheat at 350ºF for about 5 to 7 minutes.
More Halloween Recipes
If you made these Jack-O-Lantern Oven Quesadillas I want to hear all about it! Share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @AimeeMarsLiving and #AimeeMars so I can see your beautiful work. Enjoy!
Jack-O-Lantern Oven Quesadillas
Equipment
- Pumpkin Cookie Cutter
- Sharp-Tipped Kitchen Knife
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 8 Buritto Tortillas any size tortilla will work.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 ounces Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 4 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Place the tortillas onto a cutting board and use the pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out an even number of pumpkins. You may need to use a knife to cut away any areas that the cookie cutter isn't getting.
- Take half of the pumpkin-shaped tortillas and use a sharp-tipped knife to carve out a Jack-O-Lantern face on each one.
- Place the plain pumpkin tortillas on a baking sheet and sprinkle a mixture of the cheese on top. Be careful not to add too much and try to keep the cheese away from the edge.
- Place a jack-o-lantern face on top of each pumpkin and lightly brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese begins to bubble and the tops are crispy.
Notes
- You don’t need a cookie cutter to cut the quesadillas. Just a sharp-tipped kitchen knife is needed, which you can use to draw the shape of the pumpkin first and then cut out the face.
- Any size quesadilla will work, especially if you’re just using a knife to cut them out. This will allow you to make larger versions.
- If you choose to add to the filling be careful not to overstuff the quesadilla and top all the additions with the cheese so it’s closest to the Jack-O-Lantern face.
- Instead of cutting out the faces, you can use toppings to make the face. Try sliced olives for eyes or shape pepperoni into a mouth.
Storage Information:
- Make-Ahead/Leftover Info: You can make these up to 3 days in advance or save any leftovers for up to 3 days in an air-tight container in the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: I recommend wrapping each one individually or flash freezing them first before storing them in the freezer. To flash freeze, place the prepared quesadillas on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover them with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer to freeze for 30 minutes. Remove and then place them all into a freezer-safe container. They will last for 2 months stored in the freezer.
Jess says
So easy and adorable! Love that I already have everything on hand to make these! My kids will go nuts!
Jamie says
I love how cute and festive these are! I know my niece is going to love this for Halloween!
Gina says
Oh my gosh, these are so cute and the easiest! Great for picky eater kids too since it’s just tortillas and cheese!
AISilva says
Love the idea of these Jack-o-lantern oven quesadillas! These are so cute and my kids will love them. I’ll be making them this weekend for our halloween festivities. Thank you!
Alisa Infanti says
I surprised my kids with these for lunch and they were so excited and loved them.