Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas

When I’m craving pizza but want something quicker, easier, or more portable, I always turn to these Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas. They bring together all the beloved flavors of classic pizza—melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce—inside a crisp, golden tortilla. In about 20 minutes, I can have a hot, cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal ready to serve for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes everything I enjoy about pizza and transforms it into something handheld and fast. It’s perfect when I don’t want to deal with dough or waiting for the oven to preheat. The crisped pepperoni adds an irresistible texture, and I can easily customize it based on what I have in the fridge. Whether I’m feeding picky eaters or spicing things up for myself, it always delivers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about ¼ cup per quesadilla)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (¼ cup per quesadilla)
• 6 oz sliced pepperoni (about 6 slices per quesadilla)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (⅛ tsp per quesadilla)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (optional, for crisping)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup sautéed onions
• ½ cup bell peppers or mushrooms
• ¼ cup chopped olives
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

1. Crisp the Pepperoni
   I heat a skillet over medium and add pepperoni slices in a single layer—no oil needed. I cook them for 1–2 minutes on each side until the edges crisp, then drain them on paper towels.
2. Butter the Tortillas (Optional)
   If I want an extra golden crunch, I lightly spread butter or brush olive oil on one side of each tortilla.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas
   On the un-buttered side of each tortilla, I spread ¼ cup pizza sauce, sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella, add 6 pepperoni slices, and dust with ⅛ tsp Italian seasoning. Then I top it with another tortilla, buttered side facing out.
4. Toast the Quesadillas
   I place the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted. If the tortillas brown too fast, I lower the heat a bit.
5. Slice and Serve
   After cooking, I let the quesadillas rest for a minute, then slice each into 4 wedges. I like serving them with warm pizza sauce or ranch on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 quesadillas, each cut into 4 wedges—so 16 wedges total.

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~10 minutes
• Total Time: ~20 minutes

Each full quesadilla has about 568 kcal.

Variations

• Veggie Deluxe: I add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Cheese Upgrade: I like swapping mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack.
• Spicy Twist: Jalapeños or red pepper flakes give it a kick.
• BBQ Chicken: I replace pizza sauce with BBQ and use shredded chicken and turkey pepperoni.

storage/reheating

Make Ahead:
I assemble the quesadillas and wrap them in foil to refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Refrigeration:
Cooked quesadillas keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
I wrap individual wedges in plastic or foil and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Options:

• Oven: 375°F for 10–12 minutes
• Air Fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes
• Microwave: 30–60 seconds (softer texture)

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, I sometimes use corn tortillas if I want a gluten-free option. They’re smaller and more fragile but still delicious.

What can I use instead of pizza sauce?

I often switch it up with barbecue sauce, pesto, or Alfredo for a fresh flavor twist.

How do I keep tortillas from cracking?

I microwave the tortillas for about 10 seconds to make them more flexible and easier to fold or press.

Is turkey pepperoni a good substitute?

Absolutely. I like using turkey pepperoni for a lighter option with the same great taste.

What’s the air fryer method?

I set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the quesadillas for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly crisped finish.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas are one of my favorite quick meals because they pack big flavor with minimal effort. Whether I’m making a fast weeknight dinner, prepping lunchboxes, or putting out finger food for guests, these quesadillas always hit the spot. The recipe is endlessly adaptable and simple enough to whip up anytime.

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