Skip to Content

Cheese Crisp Quesadilla

 
 The cheese crisp may look like a quesadilla, but it is not. Never folded and always crisp, found mostly in Arizona…you need to know about this!
 
Arizona Cheese Crisp

I’ve made a lot of quesadillas over the years…a grilled version, a party version and this waffle version. You might say I like cheese sandwiched between tortillas.

A few days ago I served Manservant a cheese crisp for lunch and he said…Oh. Quesadillas…We haven’t had those in a long time.

Except that of course, he was eating a cheese crisp and not a quesadilla. Semantics, one might say, however there is a difference.

The cheese crisp is said to have been invented in Tucson at El Charro’s Restaurant. I wasn’t there but I can tell you that I had many a cheese crisp in the short time I spent at ASU, many years ago.

Not having ever been exposed to Mexican food, you might say that the cheese crisp was a perfect introduction. I mean who wouldn’t like gobs of cheese melted on top of a giant, crispy, golden tortilla? I know no one!

And therein is what the cheese crisp is. Usually a 14 to 16″ tortilla on its own metal pan is set before the diner. It looks like a giant pizza with not much else except cheese.

 It is even cut like a pizza and the first bite into the crispy crust  slays everyone. This is certainly one reason to head to Arizona, because not many places outside of Arizona serve them. I know not why.

Arizona cheese crisp on white plate

I believe the first place I had one was at Rosita’s. It is still there, which I did not know until about a minute ago. This knowledge may make me plan a visit to Tempe, next time I see my parents. Look what I found:

ROSITA’S CHEESE CRISP ……….6.50 Cheddar cheese melted on an open-faced baked flour tortilla

The second thing I found was that the chimichanga that I first had there slathered in guacamole from head to toe is also still on the menu. Definitely driving to Tempe!

So the cheese crisp should be made with the skinniest and largest in diameter tortillas that you can find. Skinny, so they become good and crispy, and large…just because!

They look better that way. I tried layering smaller tortillas to make a big giant pizza pan covered in cheesy tortillas, but IMO because they were layered in part, the tortillas just didn’t get crispy everywhere.

Not only that when you sliced the crisp into wedges – just like a pizza – the middles stuck underneath didn’t have any cheese. Sad, sad, sad.

Arizona Cheese Crisp Quesadilla

So IMO, the best cheese crisp recipe is one giant single tortilla.

One that shines on her own, topped with gobs of cheese, a sprinkle of green chiles and a touch of scallions. I have ovenproof dishes, so I just baked mine on a dinner plate. And it became the perfect lunch!

 
Arizona Cheese Crisp Recipe

And More:

Grilled Quesadillas 

Grilled Quesadillas

Party Quesadillas

Quesadillas for a Crowd

Waffle Iron Quesadillas

Waffle Iron Quesadillas
 

Don’t Lose This Recipe. Please Pin and Share!

 
The cheese crisp may look like a quesadilla, but it is not. Never folded and always crisp, found mostly in Arizona...you need to know about this! #quesadilla #mexicanfood #cheesecrisp #tortillas See More At: www.thisishowicook.com
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Arizona Cheese Crisp

Cheese Crisp Quesadilla

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 Minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer/Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican/American

Description

The cheese crisp may look like a quesadilla, but it is not. Never folded and always crisp, found mostly in Arizona…you need to know about this!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 Large Flour Tortillas (I use Trader Joe’s largest, thinnest tortillas-about 9″ diameter.)
  • Butter (softened) to spread on both sides of the tortilla – About 2 T
  • 1 c shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 c shredded Jalapeno Jack cheese (not processed)
  • 1/4 c chopped fresh, but roasted green chilies or 1 4 oz can, drained
  • 3 minced scallions
  • 34 T of chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425. On a cookie sheet or on an ovenproof plate, place tortillas that have been buttered on both sides. Bake about 4 minutes or until tortillas have begun to brown. Remove from oven.
  2. Combine cheeses and spread evenly over tortillas. Sprinkle with green chilies. Bake 5-7 minutes or until cheese is well melted.
  3. Top with cilantro and scallions for garnish. slice into wedges.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Ginger

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Cheese crisps were originated at Araneta's Mexico Inn in the 1950's. It was a restaurant in Tucson Arizona. The flour tortilla was deep fried first. Then Monterey Jack cheese added . Put under salamander. After cheese was melted they added fresh chili slices. Delicious!

Abbe

Friday 28th of April 2023

Thanks so much for the info. I've found some info about them, but not much!

Gloria Roa Baker

Wednesday 23rd of May 2018

Love this quesadilla ! looks delicious!! xo

Thao @ In Good Flavor

Friday 4th of May 2018

I have family in Arizona, and in recent years, I have been introduced to new (to me) regional food every time I visit. I have not heard about cheese crisp quesadilla. They will be added to my list of things to seek out the next time I'm there, so for now, I'll have to make them myself. Pinning.

Anonymous

Saturday 28th of April 2018

I lived in Phoenix for 40 years, my favorite thing to order was always a cheese crisp! Don't find them her in CA either. I try to make them at home, but they are not the same, so I am going to try your recipe for sure. Thanks!!

Liz Berg

Saturday 28th of April 2018

I could eat one of these every, single day for lunch! So yummy!!