Quesadilla Burger

Applebee’s New Quesadilla Burger is a *Southwest-seasoned burger topped with Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses, bacon, tomatoes, red onion and jalapenos—all stuffed between grilled flour tortillas. Pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and Mexi-ranch dressing complete the Quesadilla Burger.


Applebee's Quesadillas

2 (10-inch) flour tortillas
2 TBS butter, softened
1/3 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1/3 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 medium tomato, chopped
2 ts diced red onion
1 ts diced canned jalapenos
1 slice bacon, cooked
* southwest seasoned burger (recipe for seasoning mix follows**)

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Spread half the butter on one side of each tortilla. Put one tortilla, butter side down in the hot pan. Sprinkle the cheeses evenly onto the center of the tortilla in the pan - but not all the way to the edges. Put the tomato, onion, bacon and jalapeno over the cheese, add the seasoned burger and cover with the other tortilla butter side up (like a grilled cheese sandwich). When the bottom side is browned, about 45-90 seconds, flip the quesadilla and grill the other side. Remove the quesadilla from the pan and, using a pizza cutter, cut through the middle like a pizza.

**Southwest Seasoning Mix
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Combine all ingredients and use to season hamburger.

Pico de gallo

2 cups diced very ripe tomato
1 cup diced Spanish (purple) onion
6 - 10 jalapenos, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp salt


Dice 2 large, very-ripe tomatoes and 1 large Spanish onion into 1/4" cubes.
Chop jalapenos, garlic and cilantro.
Mix all ingredients and refrigerate at least six hours.
Keeps refrigerated for 4-5 days.
Variations - Add any or all of the following:

1 tbsp lime juice
1 habanero
1/2 can whole kernel corn
1/2 can black beans