Ina Garten’s Cozy Smoked Salmon Quesadilla Recipe – Fresh & Zesty Joy

Melting cheese and delicate smoked salmon elevate this Ina Garten quesadilla to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Her ingenious recipe blends rich, creamy textures with a sophisticated twist.

Crisp tortillas cradle the most luxurious filling, making every bite an absolute delight.

The combination of smoky salmon and smooth cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that feels both indulgent and elegant.

Fresh herbs and a hint of zest add brightness to this simple yet impressive dish.

You’ll love how quickly these quesadillas come together, perfect for a quick lunch or elegant appetizer.

This recipe promises to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire, delivering gourmet flavors with minimal effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 372 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla

• Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that provides rich, velvety texture and tangy undertone.
• Goat Cheese: Adds distinctive sharp flavor and enhances overall creaminess of the spread.
• Creme Fraiche or Sour Cream: Delivers smooth, luxurious base for zesty sauce with subtle tang.

• Chipotle Peppers: Introduces smoky, spicy kick that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Lime Juice: Brightens flavors and adds refreshing citrus note to balance richness.
• Shallots: Provides delicate, sophisticated onion-like flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Roasted Red Pepper: Contributes sweet, slightly charred taste with vibrant color and depth.

• Tortillas: Crispy, golden wrapper that holds all ingredients together with perfect texture.
• Smoked Salmon: Brings elegant maritime flavor and silky protein element to the quesadilla.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers bright, herbaceous finish with aromatic garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance overall taste profile.

Tools List for Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla

• Large Mixing Bowls: Perfect for blending cream cheese, goat cheese, and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining creme fraiche, chipotle peppers, and seasoning.
• Griddle or Large Skillet: Key for achieving golden-brown, crispy quesadillas.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping shallots, red peppers, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation and chopping.
• Spatula: Helpful for flipping quesadillas and transferring to serving plates.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla

Smoked Salmon Quesadilla Magic

• Creamy Sauce Preparation

Blend tangy cream base with zesty chipotle peppers, a splash of lime, and a pinch of seasoning to create a vibrant sauce that will make taste buds dance.

• Cheese Fusion

Whip together velvety cream cheese and rich goat cheese until they form a smooth, luxurious spread that promises flavor explosion.

• Quesadilla Construction

Layer the dreamy cheese mixture onto soft tortillas, then artfully scatter delicate smoked salmon, crisp shallots, and sweet roasted peppers across one half before folding into a delightful package.

• Golden Transformation

Sizzle the quesadillas on a hot griddle, coaxing them to a beautiful golden brown while melting the cheeses into a luscious, gooey center.

• Finishing Flourish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve alongside the zesty sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress even the most discerning food lovers.

Tips and Twists for Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla

• Exciting Twists for Smoked Salmon Quesadillas
• Experiment with different types of smoked salmon like wild-caught Alaskan or cold-smoked Norwegian for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace chipotle peppers with sriracha, harissa, or jalapeños to create a personalized heat level that matches your taste buds.
• Mix in blue cheese, aged cheddar, or pepper jack for a bolder cheese blend that adds depth and complexity to the quesadilla.
• Add fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced cucumber, or microgreens to introduce extra crunch and nutritional value to your dish.
• Prepare the cheese spread and sauce up to two days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to save time during meal preparation.

How to Serve Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber slices, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, smoky flavors of the quesadilla.
• Serve with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the salmon's delicate texture and cuts through the creamy cheese blend.
• Add Avocado Salsa on Side: Prepare a quick salsa with diced avocado, red onion, lime juice, and fresh cilantro to provide a cool, refreshing accompaniment that enhances the quesadilla's spicy chipotle notes.
• Garnish with Extra Cilantro Sprigs: Scatter additional fresh cilantro around the plate for a vibrant pop of color and an herbaceous aroma that elevates the overall presentation.

Keep Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadilla Fresh

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The delicate salmon and creamy cheeses maintain their flavor best when chilled quickly after cooking.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Revive cold quesadillas by using a skillet or air fryer instead of a microwave. This method helps restore the crispy texture and prevents soggy edges, keeping the filling warm and delicious.
• Smart Prep Technique: Assemble quesadillas ahead of time and separate layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time during meal preparation.
• Freezing Tips: Wrap individual uncooked quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook fresh when ready to serve, maintaining the original quality and taste.

Elegant Smoked Salmon Quesadilla Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s smoked salmon quesadilla blends classic Mexican and New York deli flavors into an elegant appetizer. Sharp cream cheese and delicate salmon create rich layers you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tortillas, flour (8 inches)
• 3 oz (85 grams) smoked salmon or lox, chopped
• 2 oz (57 grams) goat cheese, fresh
• ½ cup (120 ml) creme fraiche or sour cream
• ¼ cup (57 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (40 grams) shallots, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (40 grams) roasted sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (15 grams) cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chipotle Cream: Whisk sour cream, chipotle peppers, lime juice, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, tangy sauce.
2. Blend Cheese Mixture: Cream together softened cream cheese and goat cheese until silky and well-integrated.
3. Assemble Quesadillas: Spread cheese mixture on half of each tortilla, then layer with smoked salmon, shallots, and roasted red peppers.
4. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold tortillas into half-moon shapes, ensuring filling is securely enclosed.
5. Cook to Perfection: Heat griddle to medium temperature (350°F), lightly oiled. Grill quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior with melted interior.
6. Rest and Garnish: Allow quesadillas to rest briefly, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
7. Serve Immediately: Plate quesadillas with chipotle cream sauce for dipping, ensuring maximum flavor and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

• Cheese Blending Technique: Mix cream cheese and goat cheese thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform texture that spreads easily and melts perfectly.
• Salmon Placement Tip: Distribute smoked salmon pieces evenly to ensure each bite contains a balanced combination of flavors and ingredients.
• Heat Management: Maintain medium heat around 350°F to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the tortilla or overcooking the filling.
• Resting Moment: Allow quesadillas to rest briefly after cooking to help the melted cheese set and prevent filling from spilling when cut or served.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 635 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 51 mg