Quesadillas or Sincronizadas Recipe

Sincronizadas (or “Quesadillas”, as they’re sometimes called) is the type of meal that always comes to the rescue when you’re in a hurry and need to fix something quick for dinner, a snack or as a breakfast quesadilla. Plus, who does not love flour tortillas and melted cheese? 

Sincronizadas Recipe

The name “Sincronizadas” translates to the word “synchronized” in English. I’ve always wondered who came up with the name, although it makes sense since all the components are layered one on top of another, forming a synchronization of elements, especially in the ham and cheese sincronizada!.

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• Sincronizadas Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Quesadillas
• How to Make Easy Quesadillas or Sincronizadas Recipe
• More Authentic Mexican Recipes
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This easy quesadillas recipe is made with flour tortillas and filled with melted cheese (usually Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Manchego cheeses are used in Mexico) and ham. This is the basic and most familiar version of an easy quesadilla. It is usually served with Pico de Gallo salsa, Guacamole, and sour cream. But you can also eat them with Pickled Jalapeños or your own salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Quesadillas

Before I share my easy quesadillas recipe, here are a few questions I want to answer about this recipe.

What is the best way to cook quesadillas? 

There is no best or better way to cook a quesadilla, but many ways depending on taste. For example, I recommend using oil if you prefer a quesadilla with a crispy shell. On the other hand, if you want a rich flavor, try a little butter on your pan. Another option is using a cooking spray for a low-calorie option. Just remember to cook the quesadilla on medium-low heat for an even cook. 

What are the ingredients for quesadillas?

Typically a quesadilla is a tortilla or some form of dough with some melty cheese. Depending on localities, you will find flour tortillas or corn tortillas (a great option for a gluten-free alternative) in Mexico. Most of the time, the typical flour tortilla quesadilla only has a tortilla, cheese, and sometimes ham and, occasionally, butter. 

What are some creative quesadilla flavors?

For creative flavors, the sky is the limit. In Mexico, you can find fillings like corn mushrooms, peppers, squash flowers, insects, and even wild boar. For the more popular filling, you can try the chicken quesadillas, shredded beef, or black beans to add some protein to your quesadilla. Another option is using one tortilla instead of two, simply cooking it with cheese in half of the tortilla and folding it in half. 

Another dish similar to a sincronizada is one filled with cheese and “Al Pastor” meat, which is known as a “Gringa.” Of course, you can use your imagination and add refried beans, grilled onions, or other fillings to make your sincronizadas as unique and as tasteful as you want. 

What are the best cheeses for quesadillas?

My favorite cheese is Oaxaca; it provides a slight saltiness to the quesadilla. But freshly grated Chihuahua, Manchego, Monterrey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, or cheddar cheese are other excellent choices for your cheese quesadillas. 

How to Make Easy Quesadillas or Sincronizadas Recipe

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Ingredients

• Here is a list of ingredients you'll need to make this easy quesadilla recipe.
• Vegetable oil or butter optional
• Flour tortillas
• Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack cheese shredded or sliced
• Baked or cooked ham 
• Guacamole for serving*
• Pico de Gallo Salsa for serving*
• Mexican Cream or sour cream for serving*

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Directions:

This recipe for quesadillas is super easy, so it does not need to be broken into steps. 

• Heat your skillet or griddle over medium to low-medium heat, and add the vegetable oil if using. When the skillet is hot, place one of the tortillas on it; layer half of the cheese, the 2 oz. of ham, and the rest of the cheese. (Please check the ingredients list below)

• Cover with the other tortilla, and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla at the bottom is getting golden brown. I use a cast iron press, but a spatula can press the tortilla down. When the cheese starts melting, use your spatula to check the underside of the tortilla has developed golden brown spots.

• When the underside has developed these golden brown spots, flip the sincronizada and keep cooking until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. If you want a crispy texture, lower the heat and keep it cooking for a few more minutes.
• Transfer to a cutting board, cut into wedges, and serve warm with guacamole, salsa, and cream.

Buen Provecho!

Mely,

More Authentic Mexican Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe for sincronizadas, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

Mexican Beef Soup Recipe
Steak Ranchero

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I hope you make these easy quesadillas! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

What is your favorite filling to use in your quesadillas sincronizadas?

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