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Corn Quesadillas

Published Aug. 27, 2025

Corn Quesadillas
Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
50 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Rating
5(373)
Comments
Read comments

Loosely inspired by the flavors of elotes and esquites, these vegetable-forward quesadillas are sweet thanks to peak-season corn, slightly smoky, and gently spiced, making for the most satisfying of summer meals. Fresh, plump corn (save the frozen stuff for another day) is quickly sautéed with poblano and jalapeño chiles until crisp-tender, helping to maintain its texture in the quesadilla. Creamy Monterey Jack cheese mellows the heat of the corn mixture, bringing its earthy savoriness to the forefront. The filling can hold for up to 3 days, meaning you can have fresh quesadillas on demand. To contrast with the richness of the cheesy, savory filling, a zesty lime dipping sauce brings brightness and rounds out each bite.

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Ingredients

Yield:8 quesadillas
  • 2tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, plus more as needed for cooking
  • 2cups fresh corn kernels, from 2 ears of corn
  • 1poblano chile, seeded and chopped (about ¾ cup) 
  • 1jalapeño (optional), finely chopped (about ⅓ cup), seeded for less heat
  • 2scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens divided 
  • 1teaspoon ground cumin
  • Kosher salt, such as Diamond Crystal 
  • ½teaspoon chipotle chile powder (optional), divided 
  • 1lime
  • ¼cup sour cream
  • 3tablespoons mayonnaise 
  • 3tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided
  • 3cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (12 ounces)
  • 8(8-inch) flour tortillas
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

437 calories; 26 grams fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 10 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 36 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 16 grams protein; 661 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high for about 1 minute. Add the corn, poblano, jalapeño (if using) and scallion whites and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until any liquid is mostly evaporated and vegetables are crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add cumin, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more. Transfer to a large bowl (reserve the skillet) and refrigerate to cool to room temperature while you make the dipping sauce.

  3. Step 3

    Make the dipping sauce: Into a small bowl, grate ¼ teaspoon lime zest and squeeze 1¼ teaspoons juice. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, remaining ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (if using) and a pinch of salt and stir to combine. (The sauce can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.)

  4. Step 4

    Add the cheese, scallion greens and remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro to the bowl with the cooled corn mixture and stir until evenly distributed. (The filling can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.)

  5. Step 5

    Assemble the quesadillas: Scoop a heaping ½ cup corn mixture onto half of each tortilla, then fold to create 8 half moon-shaped quesadillas.

  6. Step 6

    Wipe out the reserved skillet, add 1 teaspoon oil and heat on medium. Working in batches, place as many quesadillas as will comfortably fit in the skillet. Cook, lightly pressing to seal as the cheese melts, until golden brown on the underside, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes more. You can use a spatula to gently nudge any corn that may fall out (it may pop) back into the quesadilla. Repeat to cook the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil as needed.

  7. Step 7

    If desired, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and cut into wedges. Serve quesadillas with the lime dipping sauce.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
373 user ratings
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Comments

Easy to make and very riffable - I used red onion instead of scallion and roasted Hatch chiles instead of the poblano and jalapeno. Make extra of the dipping sauce, you will be glad. Next time I will add even more stuff to the innards - maybe a few chopped mushrooms or small little cubes of sweet potato.

This was really good, I added shredded chicken.

Very tasty. It is also personal taste, but I decreased the amount of cheese by one-third, and I think using the full amount would have made too cheesy for me. I would also increase the amount of corn by a little bit, and make some extra dip, because that was a huge hit.

Easy version of quesadillas. Only had one cob of corn so I also added chopped zucchini. Loved the sauce.

Delicious. I wish they had been a little spicier to make the dipping sauce more contrasty. Next time I'll add more chile powder along with the New Mexico green chile I added. Because when in New Mexico....

Love how simple and cheap this meal can be. The quesadilla itself was great, but man that sauce is awesome!

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