Got leftover BBQ sitting in the fridge? These leftover pulled pork quesadillas are hands-down one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to turn it into something totally new.
We're talking crispy golden tortillas stuffed with saucy pulled pork, melty cheese, a little crunch from fried onions, and just the right kick from jalapeños. It's quick, it's satisfying, and honestly, it might be even better than the original meal.
Serve it with fresh spicy guacamole with tortilla chips for a Mexican feast, or beer battered onion rings to lean into the Americana aspect of the dish.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect way to use up leftover pulled pork
- Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside
- Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside
- Quick, easy, and ready in minutes
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
- Pulled Pork: Tender, smoky, and packed with flavor, it makes these quesadillas hearty and satisfying.
- BBQ Sauce: Coats the pork in sweet, smoky goodness and keeps everything juicy.
- Mozzarella & Cheddar: Melt everything together into that gooey, cheesy goodness. Cheddar adds flavor, and mozzarella brings the stretch.
- Pickled Jalapenos: Add a tangy heat that cuts through the richness and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Bring that crunchy texture and a little extra savory punch.
Variations
- More BBQ Goodness: Add creamy coleslaw inside for a BBQ twist.
- Brisket Quesadillas: Use pulled oven-baked beef brisket in place of pork.
- Ground Beef Quesadillas: Use hamburger to make ground beef quesadillas.
- Extra Spicy: Swap cheddar for pepper jack to add extra heat.
- Add Sauce: Kick things up with a drizzle of ranch or chipotle sauce.
- Homemade Crispy Onions: Try these fried onion strings for a homemade version.
How to Make Leftover Pulled Pork Quesadillas
Step 1: Cook the BBQ sauce and pork until heated through. Then, mix in the jalapenos and green onions. Set aside.
Step 2: Add a tortilla to a large skillet. Top half the tortilla with cheese, pork, more cheese, and crispy onions.
Step 3: Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden on both sides.
Step 4: Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Use low heat so the tortillas crisp without burning.
- For easy flipping and to keep your filling inside the quesadillas, don’t overfill the tortillas.
- Mix cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Pulled Pork Quesadillas FAQs
Yes! Store-bought pulled pork works just as well as homemade, making this recipe even quicker and more convenient.
You can prepare the pulled pork filling ahead of time, but it's best to cook the quesadillas fresh, so they stay crispy.
A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar works great for both melt and flavor, but you can substitute with pepper jack or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet for best results.
Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy. The microwave works, but the tortillas may soften.
Great Sides for These Pulled Pork Quesadillas
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Leftover Pulled Pork Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover pulled pork
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup diced pickled jalapeños
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 cups French crispy fried onions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 flour tortillas
Instructions
- Add the BBQ sauce and pulled pork to a medium sized pan over medium heat.
- Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced jalapenos and green onions, and mix until just combined.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large flat bottom skillet over low heat, add one tortilla, 1⁄4 cup cheese, some of the hot pulled pork mixture, another 1⁄4 cup of cheese, and top with crispy fried onions.
- Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half moon shape, and cook over low heat until golden brown on both sides, and the cheese has melted.
- Cut into halves or thirds and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low heat so the tortillas crisp without burning.
- For easy flipping and to keep your filling inside the quesadillas, don’t overfill the tortillas.
- Mix cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Nutrition
This was a fantastic way to use over my leftover pulled pork! It made such tasty quesadillas, looking forward to making this recipe again.
These came out so good! This is a great recipe for any leftover meat you have. Easy and cheesy..the family will love it!
I tried this and it’s such a genius way to use up leftover pulled pork the flavors come together so well. Crispy, cheesy, and super satisfying it feels like a totally new meal with almost no effort.
Tried them today and they turned out great. Easy and really satisfying!
Such a clever and tasty way to use leftovers. They were cheesy, savory, and came together so quickly for a perfect weeknight meal.
I can’t think of a better way to use up pork than this.
These are so good! I make smoked/BBQ’d pork and brisket all summer long, so I’m all about this!