Sweet and Spicy Reuben Quesadillas – Recipe!

Quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal, snack or appetizer and these Sweet and Spicy Reuben Quesadillas are my twist on a classic sandwich.

I love love love Mexican food and I could eat it almost everyday, and this recipe tastes similar to a reuben sandwich, but in quesadillas form.  I opted out of Russian dressing, which is usually the sauce in a Reuben, and went with avocado mayonnaise, which I always prefer, and sweet and spicy pickled jalapeno for a tangy kick to creates the right heat for a quesadilla.  Thinly sliced pastrami is hardy enough to hold Swiss cheese and more pickled peppers, along with a good whole-grain tortilla.

A bit of butter to toast them up beautifully and for consistent browning offers the crispiest of crusts.  I like to slice then into quarters and pile them up on a wooden board for serving.  These quesadillas make fun party food or a delightful meal in a pinch.  I served them with more pickled jalapenos, but you could go with a dab of salsa or sour cream too.

Ingredients

8 whole-grain tortillas

1/3 cup good mayonnaise

1/2 cup sweet and spicy pickled jalapenos

1 pound pastrami, sliced

1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

2 tablespoons butter, divided

(Serves 4)

To Prepare:

1. Spread mayonnaise on half the tortillas on one side and begin to layer with 4-6 pickled jalapenos, 3 slices pastrami and 2 slices Swiss cheese and top with a tortilla.
2. Add half the butter to a non-stick skillet and place over medium heat.  Swirl to melt butter and add 1-2 quesadillas to pan.  Turn heat to medium-low and cover with lid.
3. After 3 minutes, flip quesadillas and cook for 3-4 minutes.  Remove and place on board.  Repeat with remaining quesadillas.
4. Slice into quarters and serve hot.  Enjoy!