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Quesadilla Salvadoreña

Salvadoran Quesadilla is a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet cheese bread that’s a staple in Salvadoran bakeries. Made with cheese, eggs, sugar, and milk, it has a beautifully moist and tender crumb, balanced with a subtle savory touch from the cheese. Traditionally enjoyed with coffee, this quesadilla is a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 beaten eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 1/2 cups ground Salvadoran hard cheese ground cotija or parmesan also work
  • 1 cup margarine or butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and beaten eggs until well combined. Gradually pour in 1/3 cup of milk while continuing to mix.
  • Slowly add the cheese to the mixture, then add the remaining milk and continue mixing until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, then pour the melted margarine (or butter) into the batter and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Grease a large baking dish and pour the batter inside, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top of the batter and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the quesadilla is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle.
  • Once baked, remove the quesadilla from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Salvadoran queso duro if possible – Cotija or Parmesan make great substitutes, but authentic Salvadoran cheese gives the best flavor.
  • Let the margarine (or butter) cool slightly before adding to the batter to prevent curdling.
  • Don’t skip the sesame seeds! They add a subtle nuttiness and an authentic look and flavor.
  • For a fluffier texture, beat the eggs and sugar until light and frothy before adding the other ingredients.