Jack-o’-Lantern Quesadillas Pumpkin Salsa (Printable)

Cheesy jack-o’-lantern quesadillas served with smoky chipotle-pumpkin salsa; fun, festive, and packed with flavor.

# Components:

→ Jack-o'-Lantern Quesadillas

01 - 8 medium flour tortillas
02 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar-jack cheese
03 - 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil

→ Smoky Pumpkin Salsa

04 - 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
05 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1-2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

→ For Serving

12 - Chopped fresh cilantro

# Method:

01 - Combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust chipotle pepper and salt to suit your preference.
02 - Using a small, sharp knife, carefully cut jack-o'-lantern facial features into four of the flour tortillas.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the neutral oil. Place one whole tortilla in the skillet. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese over this tortilla. Top with one of the face-cut tortillas. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
04 - Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and cheese. Slice the cooked quesadillas and serve immediately with the prepared smoky pumpkin salsa, topped with chopped cilantro and an optional wedge of lime.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fun Halloween food that doubles as dinner and festive entertainment
  • Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients
  • Perfect blend of crispy tortilla exterior and gooey melted cheese
  • Smoky pumpkin salsa adds sophisticated flavor adults will appreciate
02 -
  • These quesadillas can be prepped ahead by cutting faces earlier in the day and storing between paper towels
  • The salsa actually improves in flavor after a few hours in the refrigerator
  • Kids who help make these are much more likely to try the pumpkin salsa
03 -
  • Use a pizza cutter for the cleanest quesadilla slices without disturbing the jack-o'-lantern design
  • Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for superior melting quality
  • For extra crispy quesadillas, brush the outside of the tortillas with a tiny amount of butter before cooking

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