This quesadilla is unlike any you’ve ever had – in a good way. A perfect balance between savory and sweet, salty and crispy, cheesy and fruity, this Harvest Quesadilla with Spiced Cherry Preserves hits all the notes we look for in the fall. To start, the tortillas are toasted in maple butter, adding sweetness and depth. Then, inside, sweet pears, juicy figs, savory Gruyere, and creamy mozzarella melt together in a celebration of fall flavor. Peppery arugula adds a touch of green and a little freshness. Finally, the quesadilla is accompanied by homemade spiced cherry preserves for dipping. This adds a last layer of fruity freshness to cut through the rich cheeses, while adding just a touch of autumn spice. This is a quick and easy fall meal that would make just as much sense for lunch or dinner as it would for an elevated appetizer or unconventional dessert.
This quesadilla truly does hit every flavor note. And who knew it was so easy to make quick homemade preserves? I love having a sauce for dipping my quesadillas, and the preserves more than fit the bill. They’re the perfect sweet and sour complement to the rich, cheesy flavor of the quesadilla.
Even if you don’t think you like fruit and cheese together, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It dances on that perfect line between sweet and salty, while bringing all the stretchy, cheesy goodness you expect from a quesadilla.
I hope you love this Harvest Quesadilla with Spiced Cherry Preserves as much as I do! If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you thought or feel free to ask a question! I’d also love to see what you made! Tag me in your food pics @fortheperfectbite or use #fortheperfectbite on Instagram
Harvest Quesadilla with Spiced Cherry Preserves
Ingredients
Harvest Quesadillas
- 2 ripe pears
- 4 ripe figs
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 tbsp 100% pure maple syrup
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 16 oz. Gruyere cheese grated
- 16 oz. mozzarella cheese grated
- 2 cups baby arugula
- freshly cracked black pepper
Spiced Cherry Preserves
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
Harvest Quesadilla
- Thinly slice the pears and figs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Melt the butter and maple syrup together in the skillet. Use 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup per quesadilla.
- Place one tortilla into the skillet. Evenly top with ¼ of the sliced pears, ¼ of the sliced figs, ½ cup grated Gruyere, ½ cup grated mozzarella, and ½ cup baby arugula. Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper. Cover with a second tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is crisped and golden, about 2 minutes. Using a spatula on the bottom and your hand on the top, carefully flip the quesadilla. Cook another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is evenly crisped.
- Repeat for the remaining quesadillas. Slice and serve with Spiced Cherry Preserves, for dipping.
Spiced Cherry Preserves
- Pit and stem the cherries, if using fresh cherries.
- Combine the cherries, honey, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, allspice, and cloves in a saucepan. Place over medium heat.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the cherries are soft and the sauce is reduced, about 20-25 minutes.
- Allow the preserves to cool. Using an immersion blender, traditional blender, or food processor, blend until smooth.
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Based on 1 Review(s)
2 Responses
You make magic with your combos of fruit, cheese, and spice!
Thank you! The combination is just too irresistible!
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