Corn Tortillas Vs. Flour: Which Is Better For Quesadillas?
Quesadillas are a scrumptious, flavor packed dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A typical quesadilla can be filled with cheese, meats, veggies, sauces, and more, all crisped to perfection (via Kroger). According to the Food Network, quesadillas are a perfect outlet for easy culinary creativity — with all the different ingredient and tortilla combinations, the possibilities are endless.
Depending on what you want out of your quesadilla, either corn or flour tortillas will better fill your cheesy needs. The Kitchn explains the simple difference between corn and flour tortillas: one is made from — you guessed it — corn, and the other from flour. Wheat flour and nixtamalized corn (which the Food Network defines as "corn that has been treated with mineral lime") are the most common ingredients when it comes to making tortillas, but they can really be made out of almost any type of flour.
If you accidentally go home with the wrong bag of tortillas, while it won't mess up the meal you planned, it will offer a different experience. However, The Kitchn posited that this may be a good thing, forcing you to try a kind of tortilla you aren't used to.
Choose corn tortillas for vibrant, crunchy quesadillas
The Food Network notes that corn tortillas were originally made by the Mayas, Aztecs, and other native peoples. They share that in Mexico, you'll usually find corn tortilla quesadillas, adding that corn tortillas are typically much smaller and crunchier than flour ones. Corn tortillas offer more versatility, as they can be used for soft tacos when fresh, or fried for hardshell tacos, taquitos, or corn chips (via The Kitchn ).
There are also a few health differences between the two tortilla types, according to Healthline. Compared to flour, corn tortillas have "less sodium, carbs, fat, and calories." The outlet stated that they feel "corn tortillas tend to outshine flour tortillas as the healthier option."
The Food Network says another fun thing about corn tortillas is that they can come in different colors depending on which kind of corn flour they're made with, so if you're looking for a smaller, crunchier, more vibrant quesadilla that can handle all your fillings, it is safe to say a corn tortilla may be what you are looking for.
Flour Tortillas may be easier to find
Just like corn, flour tortillas have a rich history. The Food Network explains that, while you might not think of flour tortillas as being authentic part of Mexican cuisine, the ingredient "reign[s] supreme in Northern Mexico, which is where quesadillas are believed to have originated." Flour tortillas are also the ones you're most likely to spot outside of Mexico, making them likely easier to find in most locations. With low-carb and gluten-free options, the possibilities are endless, although they come with downsides.
Healthline states that flour tortillas tend to pack more fat, as they're often made with lard or shortening. The outlet said they do, however, provide more iron than their corn brethren.
The Kitchn recommends flour tortillas for their softer bite and sweeter flavor, which gives you the option for other foods such as burritos, softer-style tacos, and enchiladas. If you are looking for a softer, mightier quesadilla or the filling to really shine, we suggest you opt for a flour quesadilla.