Before food allergies were a part of our lives, my husband and I ate quesadillas all of the time. Quesadillas are a great quick meal and can be as simple as two ingredients or can have many add-ins for a gourmet quesadilla experience. My cheese-loving kids still want to eat quesadillas so we needed a cheese free option in order to include the whole family. We have tried many kinds of cheese alternatives but no one in our family likes any kind of imitation cheese. We had to look for other options making quesadillas.

You can always make a quesadilla with no cheese. In fact, in some parts of Mexico, like Mexico City, I’ve heard that cheese doesn’t always come standard in a quesadilla and you might find your quesadilla filled with meat or vegetables without any cheese holding it together if you don’t specifically request cheese. This is an option, but I’d say most of us want something to hold the filling together.

Refried beans make a good alternative to spread in a quesadilla. It’s an easy option. We wanted to try some other flavor options. I tried these quesadillas inspired by Down Home City Sisters with a home made white bean spread, and created our own cheese free quesadillas. They were such a hit that now they are frequently requested at our home.

Print

White Bean Cheese Free Quesadillas

Quesadillas are one of those quick and easy snacks or meals that everyone enjoys.  These quesadillas are made with a white bean spread, onions, peppers, and sliced grilled chicken.   Omit the chicken to make it vegan.  Serve with your favorite salsa.

Course Main Course, Snack

Keyword cheese free, cheeseless quesadilla, dairy-free, quesadilla

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 6 quesadillas

Ingredients

White Bean Spread

• 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 roma tomato, sliced into quarters
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Quesadilla Ingredients

• 1/2 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• sliced grilled chicken
• White Bean Spread (see above)
• 6 tortillas (we love the Tortillaland uncooked tortillas)

Instructions

White Bean Spread

1. Add all ingredients into food processor or blender.  Pulse until smooth.  

Quesadilla

1. Heat frying pan over medium heat.  If using uncooked tortillas, make 6 tortillas according to package directions.  Cook peppers and onions in oil until soft.

2. Spread about 2 Tablespoons to 1/4 cup white bean spread (depending on the size) on half of a tortilla.  Add peppers, onions, and sliced grilled chicken.

3. Fold tortilla in half and grill until golden.  Flip and repeat on the other side, about 3 minutes per side.