How to Make a Quesadilla Bar

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to feed a crowd, consider putting together a quesadilla bar! This DIY meal allows each person to make their own meal with a little Mexican flair, as they like it. Line up the tortillas and show them how to make a quesadilla that will rock their world.

For more meals inspired by Mexico, check out this post!

Whether you’re pleasing picky palettes (just cheese, please, mom!) or managing a meal that brings omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans together, serving up a build-your-own quesadilla bar is a terrific way to accommodate everyone.

Pop open a bottle of cerveza and enjoy the company as everyone assembles their favorite flavors. Once done, simply pop them in the oven on a sheet pan to heat them up. What an easy meal!

Quesadilla ingredients

The sky’s the limit when deciding what to put inside a quesadilla! There are plenty of options for flavorful fillings. Consider these when planning a quesadilla bar for a crowd:

Tortillas

This is the container that holds it all together! Whether you choose to use flour tortillas or corn, make sure you have plenty on hand. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own flour tortillas!

Cooked and shredded chicken

This slow cooker chicken goes a bit beyond, with corn and black beans added for flavor. If you opt for this as one of your quesadilla ingredients, you might consider eliminating the black beans and corn recommended below — unless you need to provide options for vegetarians.

Cooked and shredded pork

With sixty 4.5 star reviews, this recipe for pork carnitas is a reader favorite and a must-have in the lineup of quesadilla ingredients! It packs a huge flavor punch and can be made ahead. Or try this easy slow cooker shredded pork.

Cooked and shredded beef

Another reader favorite, this shredded beef is cooked in the slow cooker, making for a tender and juicy Mexican beef.

Cooked and crumbled ground beef

If you’re in a hurry and forgot to plan ahead? NO WORRIES! Cook up some ground beef and crumble it with taco seasoning as your main protein ingredient.

Black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained

This is the protein component for your vegetarian folks, but even meat lovers will sprinkle in a little bit of bean goodness.

Grilled or sauteed onions and peppers

Commonly served with fajitas, the combination of onions and peppers is delicious on a quesadilla as well.

Refried beans

Sure, you could just open a can of refried beans. But making your own at home is budget friendly and easy!

Fire roasted corn

Another hearty option for the vegetarians in the crowd.

Cooked and crumbled bacon

I mean, why not??

Green chiles

Mild or fiery, chiles give homemade quesadillas a burst of flavor.

Shredded cheeses

We like to use cheddar cheese in our quesadillas, but you could also look for a “Mexican blend” pre-shredded cheese.

Sliced black olives, drained

Olives deserve a spot in your quesadilla lineup.

Sliced jalapeños

Hot, hot, hot! There’s always that one person in the family who likes to load their quesadillas (and everything, really!) with fiery hot jalapeños. Make that person happy. 😉

Guacamole

Good guacamole can make an already-delicious Mexican meal a stupendous one. Spread some inside with all of the other quesadilla ingredients or add a dollop for dipping.

Chimchurri Sauce

Made with fresh herbs, jalapeño, garlic, and lemon juice, this cilantro chimichurri sauce is full of flavor and has just the right amount of heat.

Cilantro lime crema

Add some of this flavorful sauce to the inside of a quesadilla or serve it up as a dipping sauce.

Pico de gallo or salsa

There are so many options when it comes to topping a quesadilla. Pico de gallo, fresh tomato salsa, tomatillo salsa, roasted salsa… Pick one or several! Or try making a batch of this puma pepper hot sauce to add to the selections.

Cilantro sauce

Cilantro is one of those love it or loathe it foods. If you love it, this easy 5-ingredient cilantro sauce will rock your meal. Drizzle a bit inside the tortilla for a burst of fresh flavor.

Sour cream

I hear there are people in the world who dislike sour cream. I am not one of them. Sour cream is a must have on just about any meal with Mexican flair in my opinion. These homemade quesadillas are no different!

How to make a quesadilla

Place tortillas on a baking sheet. Top one half of each tortilla as desired and then fold in half.

Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until crisp and golden.