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You are here: Home » Recipes » Antojitos

Quesadillas or Sincronizadas Recipe

Published: Nov 11, 2013 · Updated: Aug 14, 2019 by Mely Martínez

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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? 

Close up of a cheese quesadillas in a plate

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!.

Jump to:
  • Sincronizadas Recipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Quesadillas
  • How to Make Easy Quesadillas or Sincronizadas Recipe
  • More Authentic Mexican Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

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.

Flour tortilla quesadillas in a plate with guacamole and pico de Gallo.

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

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

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!

Oaxaca cheese, guacamole, pico de Gallo, flour tortillas and sour cream on a table.

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)
Tortilla topped with ham and cheese.
  • 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.
Flour tortilla in a frying pan filled with cheese.
  • 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,

Flour tortilla quesadillas in a plate with guacamole and pico de Gallo.

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

For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. in español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina 

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?

📖 Recipe

Flour tortilla quesadilla in a plate with guacamole and pico de Gallo.

Quesadillas or Sincronizadas

Mely Martínez
Easy Quesadillas (or “Sincronizadas”, 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, breakfast or just a snack. Ready in less than 15 minutes or less. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
0 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Antojitos
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 1 Serving
Calories 444 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil optional
  • 2 Medium size flour tortillas
  • 2 oz. Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack cheese shredded or sliced
  • 2 oz. Baked or cooked ham about 2 slices
  • Guacamole for serving*
  • Pico de Gallo Salsa for serving*
  • Mexican Cream for serving*

Instructions
 

  • Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat, and add the vegetable oil if using. When the griddle 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.
  • 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 you can use a spatula to 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 cook until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. If you want a really 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.

Notes

 
  • *The Guacamole, salsa, and Mexican cream are optional; the same applies to the vegetable oil if you use a nonstick skillet.
  • -You can use other fillings like leftover shredded chicken, sliced mushrooms, refried beans, cooked ground beef, vegetables, etc.
  • -If you are making several servings, preheat the oven to 300 degrees and place the sincronizadas on a baking sheet to keep them warm while you finish cooking
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1QuesadillaCalories: 444kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 29gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 1417mgPotassium: 299mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 273IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 510mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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  1. Chris

    November 24, 2013 at 1:56 am

    I am really liking the gringa idea, I have to make that on my grill.

    Reply
  2. Ziho

    November 14, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    Nada más antojando amiguita! qué delicia, lástima que estamos en Monterrey para entrar al sorteo! 🙁

    Y esos empalmes de los que hablan... mmm y más si llevan chicharrón! oinkole! jaja

    Saluditos Mely

    Reply
  3. dancingwoolymasters

    November 14, 2013 at 5:34 am

    Yummy fast food. I have a hard time finding good jack cheese here. So, we're always on the lookout for cheese that tastes good and melts easily. I'm a bean lover, so it's beans and cheese and some veggie crunch, even lettuce, for me. I'm loving Roberto's way with the grill. Mmmmm.

    Reply
  4. Byte64

    November 13, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Tremendo antojo Mely!
    Como siempre todo lo que hace se ve riquísimo.

    Un abrazo querida paisana.
    Tlaz

    Reply
  5. Karen

    November 12, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    I make quesadillas quite often for lunch and anything that's leftover in the fridge goes into them!

    Reply
  6. Nammi

    November 12, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    that does look like a nice and easily fixed meal 🙂

    Reply
  7. MeOfCourse

    November 11, 2013 at 11:49 pm

    Hi Mely. Looks delish. I like yours but I also like the Gutierrez way. Both sound great.

    Reply
    • Victor hernandez gonzalez

      August 16, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      El empalme c puede hacer con tortillas de harina

      Reply
  8. Gutierrez Communications

    November 11, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    Mely, in my family tradition (Norteno, General Zuazua, N.L.) we used two corn tortillas, each slathered with pure "manteca", adding a slather of frijoles refritos, queso blanco and dried mexican oregano. Then you press both tortillas together and grill the pair on the charcoal grill or comal. We call them "Pares" or "enpalmes" Hijole, que bruto....mmmm.

    Reply
    • Mely

      November 11, 2013 at 11:18 pm

      Hola Roberto,

      Me encantan los empalmes, nada mas de pensar en ellso me saboreo. Y los que le ponen su "veneno", olvidate riquisimos.

      Gusto en saludarte y ojala entres a el sorteo de las tortillas. Son de Nogales, Sonora. Por cierto muy buenas.

      Mely

      Reply

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About me

Hi, I'm Mely Martinez, a former Mexican school teacher, home cook, and food blogger. I moved to the United States about ten years ago, after living in Mexico my whole life. Now I love to share home-style recipes for authentic Mexican food.
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