quesadilla

[key-suh-dee-uh, ke-sah-thee-yah]

noun

Mexican Cooking.

plural

quesadillas 

1. a tortilla folded over a filling of shredded cheese, and sometimes vegetables or meat, cooked on a griddle or the like.

quesadilla

/ ˌkeɪsəˈdiːljə, -ˈdiːjə /

noun

1. a toasted tortilla filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients

Word History and Origins

Origin of quesadilla¹

First recorded in 1940–45; from Mexican Spanish; Spanish: “a pastry or cake made with cheese,” equivalent to quesada ( queso “cheese,” from Latin cāseus; cheese ¹ + -ada noun suffix) + -illa diminutive suffix; -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of quesadilla¹

C21: from Spanish, diminutive of queso cheese

Example Sentences

Melanie is a loyal devotee, using one chicken to anchor several nights of easy, low-cook meals: sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, quesadillas.

From Salon

This week, the native of Monterrey decided to prepare pozole and quesadillas for his team.

From Los Angeles Times

A truly decadent mix of grilled chicken, cheese, tomatoes, corn salsa, and tortilla strips, tossed in citrus-balsamic and topped — because why not — with actual cheese quesadilla wedges.

From Salon

Roasted red peppers, meanwhile, find their calling in a smoky, charred quesadilla, melted into gooey cheese with a dash of chipotle and a squeeze of lime.

From Salon

I worked at one in high school, and I retain an affection for their queso and quesadilla explosion salad that borders on embarrassing.

From Salon