Cheddar-Corn Breakfast Quesadillas

Soft eggs, hot dry corn, scallions, and cheddar fill crisp skillet quesadillas; a low oven keeps the first batch warm while the rest cook.

25 min

4 quesadillas

Golden cheddar-corn breakfast quesadillas with a cut wedge, scallion greens, and salsa on the side.

Ingredients

4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas

8 large eggs

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen corn, thawed and drained well

3 scallions, white and green parts separated

3/4 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup jarred salsa, optional for serving

Equipment

Large skillet · Flexible spatula · Mixing bowl · Whisk · Wire rack · Rimmed sheet pan

Keep the eggs tender

Take the curds off the heat while they are still glossy; the hot corn and cheddar will warm them through without making them firm.

Hold the first batch

Use the uncovered rack in the low oven while the next pair cooks. Avoid stacking, which traps steam against the crisp tortillas.

Warm the oven and cook corn

01. Heat the oven to 200 F and place a wire rack over a sheet pan for holding finished quesadillas.

02. Cook thawed corn in the dry skillet over medium, adding scallion whites near the end; transfer when hot and no steam rises.

Scramble and combine

03. Whisk eggs, kosher salt, and black pepper until uniform; keep scallion greens for garnish.

04. Melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-low, or use 1 tbsp neutral oil; stir the eggs gently and remove them while curds are glossy.

Fill without overpacking

05. Off heat, fold corn, scallion whites, and 1/2 cup cheddar into the eggs so carryover heat does not overcook them.

06. Divide the filling among tortillas, leaving a narrow edge clear; add the remaining cheddar, fold, and avoid pressing the filling flat.

Crisp and serve

07. Cook two folded tortillas at a time in a thin film of the reserved butter or neutral oil, turning once until crisp and melted.

08. Hold the first pair uncovered on the warm rack while the second pair cooks; slice and garnish with scallion greens, with salsa alongside if desired.