The Best Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadillas Recipe Ever

Smoked salmon quesadillas bring a luxurious twist to traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

These elegant quesadillas blend rich, silky seafood with creamy cheese and bright herbs.

Crisp tortillas create the perfect vessel for delicate, smoky fish and tangy accompaniments.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe elevates casual dining with unexpected flavor combinations.

The harmonious marriage of maritime and Mexican influences produces a stunning dish that feels both familiar and innovative.

Elegant enough for entertaining yet easy to prepare, these quesadillas promise to impress guests with minimal effort: grab your ingredients and start cooking.

Why Smoked Salmon Quesadillas Are a Flavor Win

• Elevate Everyday Appetizer: Transform ordinary quesadillas into a gourmet experience with luxurious smoked salmon and creamy cheese blend that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Speedy Culinary Magic: Whip up these delectable quesadillas in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quick lunch cravings without sacrificing flavor or elegance.
• Texture Party in Every Bite: Enjoy a delightful contrast between crispy golden tortillas, smooth cream cheese, and delicate smoked salmon that creates a sensational mouthfeel with each crunchy, creamy wedge.

What You’ll Need for Ina’s Quesadillas

Main Ingredients:

• Soft Flour Tortillas: Large, flexible base that holds the creamy filling and creates crispy texture when grilled.
• Smoked Salmon: Rich, delicate seafood that provides a luxurious flavor and smooth protein element to the quesadillas.

• Cream Cheese: Soft, spreadable base that binds the filling ingredients and adds creamy richness.
• Grated Cheese: Melty component that enhances overall cheesy flavor and provides additional texture.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy accompaniment that balances the rich salmon and offers a refreshing dip.

• Scallions: Fresh, mild onion-like herb that adds a subtle sharp flavor and green color to the filling.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb with a light, aromatic taste that complements the smoked salmon perfectly.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the tortillas during cooking.
• Lime Zest: Bright, citrusy element that adds a fresh note to the sour cream dip.
• Salmon Roe (Optional): Luxurious garnish that provides a pop of color and briny flavor.

Cooking Steps for Smoked Salmon Quesadillas

Step 1: Create Creamy Salmon Filling

• Cream cheese
• Finely chopped scallions
• Crumbled smoked salmon
• Fresh dill
• Grated cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients until well blended and smooth.

Step 2: Layer Quesadilla Bases

Spread tortillas on a clean work surface. Evenly distribute the salmon mixture across three tortillas. Carefully place remaining tortillas on top, gently pressing down to secure the filling.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Cream Topping

In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and freshly grated lime zest. Set aside for serving.

Step 4: Crisp and Golden Cooking

Brush one side of each quesadilla with melted butter. Heat a sauté pan over medium flame. Place the buttered side down and cook until golden and crispy. Brush top side with additional butter. Flip and cook other side until equally golden and crisp.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Cut each quesadilla into 4 to 6 wedges. Plate immediately with zesty sour cream on the side. Optional: Garnish with delicate salmon roe for extra elegance.

Quesadilla Tips for That Smoky Finish

• Soften Cream Cheese Smartly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing, creating a silky-smooth texture that blends effortlessly with salmon.
• Distribute Filling Like a Pro: Spread the salmon-cream cheese mixture edge to edge on tortillas, guaranteeing each delectable bite bursts with consistent flavors.
• Heat Pan to Perfection: Warm your sauté pan on medium-high heat before adding quesadillas, ensuring a restaurant-quality golden-brown crunch that'll impress everyone.
• Butter for Culinary Magic: Generously brush melted butter on both tortilla sides, transforming ordinary quesadillas into crispy, golden delights that slide perfectly onto plates.
• Master Batch Cooking: Give quesadillas breathing room in the pan, cooking in small batches to maintain that satisfying crispness and prevent unwanted steaming.

How to Store Quesadillas Without Losing Crispness

• Freeze: Seal cooled quesadillas in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stack them carefully with parchment paper between each quesadilla for easy separation. Frozen quesadillas maintain peak quality for 2 months, offering a convenient make-ahead meal option.
• Refrigerate: Transfer quesadillas to sealed glass containers with tight-fitting lids to preserve freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep chilled for maximum 3 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture when stored properly.
• Reheating: Restore crispy edges by using a skillet over medium heat instead of a microwave. Place quesadillas directly on the pan, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts and tortilla turns golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even heating and prevent sogginess.

Fun Additions to the Classic Quesadilla

• Spicy Salmon Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty, heat-packed version that sparks excitement in every bite.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap dill for chopped fresh mint, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend to create a Mediterranean-inspired quesadilla with bold, authentic flavors.
• Herb Garden Blend: Replace scallions with a mix of fresh chives, parsley, and tarragon to introduce a vibrant, garden-fresh profile that elevates the classic smoked salmon combination.
• Luxe Seafood Upgrade: Incorporate small pieces of crab meat or cooked shrimp alongside the smoked salmon for a decadent seafood medley that transforms the original recipe into an elegant appetizer.

Wrap-Up for Smoky Quesadilla Fans

Smoked salmon quesadillas emerge as culinary magic, blending Ina Garten’s signature elegance with Mexican-inspired comfort.

Mediterranean flavors dance through creamy cream cheese and delicate dill, creating unexpected harmony on your plate.

Pacific Northwest smoked salmon adds luxurious depth to each crispy tortilla layer.

Weekend brunch or spontaneous gathering could not ask for a more sophisticated yet approachable dish.

Complex ingredients merge seamlessly, promising delightful texture and rich taste sensation.

Passionate home chefs: share this recipe, engage with fellow culinary enthusiasts, and spread gastronomic joy across social platforms – your followers will thank you for this delectable discovery.

Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Quesadillas Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Quesadillas blend creamy cheese, delicate salmon, and crisp tortillas into a gourmet Mexican-inspired appetizer. Quick and elegant, this dish elevates simple ingredients into a sophisticated snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 ounces (85 grams) thinly sliced smoked salmon, chopped
• 3 ounces (85 grams) grated Monterey Jack or yellow Cheddar cheese
• 6 (8-inch or 20 cm) flour tortillas

Supplementary Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 grams) chopped scallions (white and green parts from 2 scallions)
• 2 tablespoons (6 grams) minced fresh dill (plus extra for serving)
• ¾ cup (180 grams) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 to 3 ounces (55 to 85 grams) salmon roe (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened cream cheese, finely chopped scallions, flaked smoked salmon, fresh chopped dill, grated aged cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the filling achieves a smooth, well-integrated consistency.
2. Arrange three large tortillas on a clean, flat work surface. Distribute the salmon-cheese mixture evenly across each tortilla, ensuring complete and consistent coverage from edge to edge.
3. Carefully place the remaining tortillas on top of the spread mixture, gently pressing down to secure the layers and create a compact quesadilla structure.
4. Whisk together tangy sour cream and fragrant lime zest in a small serving bowl, creating a bright, zesty accompaniment. Set the dip aside until serving time.
5. Melt unsalted butter and use a pastry brush to coat one side of a quesadilla with a thin, even layer of fat.
6. Preheat a 10-inch (25 centimeters) sauté pan over medium heat. Carefully transfer the buttered quesadilla, butter-side down, into the heated pan.
7. Brush the exposed side of the tortilla with additional melted butter. Allow the quesadilla to cook for approximately 2 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a slight blistering texture.
8. Using a wide spatula, delicately flip the quesadilla and cook the opposite side for an additional 2 minutes until uniformly crisp and golden.
9. Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board. Repeat the buttering and cooking process with the remaining quesadillas.
10. Slice each quesadilla into 4 to 6 triangular wedges. Plate the warm quesadillas alongside the prepared lime-zest sour cream and optional garnish of luxurious salmon roe.

Notes

• Softened cream cheese creates a velvety smooth filling without pesky lumps, guaranteeing a creamy texture in every bite.
• Golden-brown exteriors come from buttering both tortilla sides, which prevents sticking and adds a delicious crispy crunch.
• Preheating the sauté pan ensures quick, even cooking and transforms ordinary quesadillas into perfectly seared delights.
• Strategic batch cooking prevents overcrowding, allowing each quesadilla to develop a beautiful crisp without steaming.
• Careful spreading of the salmon and cheese mixture guarantees balanced flavors and consistent texture throughout the quesadilla.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (of 6)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 690 milligrams
• Fat: 24 grams
• Saturated Fat: 11 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 14 grams
• Cholesterol: 85 milligrams