Chicharron and mushroom quesadillas with squash blossom

These quesadillas come together through contrast more than anything else. Crisp against soft, rich against delicate, everything layered in a way that feels intentional from the first bite. This chicharron mushroom quesadilla recipe leans into that balance, letting each ingredient hold its place while still working together.

The chicharrón brings the first layer. It’s crisp, slightly salty, and full of depth, adding that immediate richness. Then the mushrooms follow, softer, more grounded, carrying an earthy flavor that settles everything down. From there, the squash blossoms come in quietly, adding something lighter, almost floral, that shifts the dish without taking over.

Halfway through, it all starts to connect.

As the tortillas toast and the cheese melts, everything binds together. The edges crisp, the filling warms through, and the textures begin to layer in a way that feels complete. Because of this, each bite carries crunch, softness, and a balance of flavors that keeps evolving.

The tortillas hold everything together without becoming the focus. At the same time, a side of salsa or guacamole adds brightness, cutting through the richness and keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.

It’s a quesadilla, but it doesn’t feel simple. Served as a snack or part of a larger table, it holds attention without trying too hard. In the end, this chicharron mushroom quesadilla recipe delivers something layered, balanced, and just a little unexpected.

Category, , DifficultyIntermediate

 

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time35 mins

 Vegetarian chicharrón (made from wheat or soy, available at health food stores), chopped
 8 large flour tortillas
 2 cups Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella, shredded
 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
 1/2 cup squash blossoms, cleaned and roughly chopped
 1 tablespoon olive oil
 Salt and pepper to taste
 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
 Optional: Epazote leaves for an authentic Mexican flavor
 Salsa for serving
 Guacamole for serving

1

Cook the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until they're browned and have released their moisture. Add the vegetarian chicharrón and squash blossoms to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano (and epazote if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

2

Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the tortillas and sprinkle half with the shredded cheese. Distribute the chicharrón and mushroom mixture over the cheese, then top with a bit more cheese and the remaining tortillas.

3

Cook the Quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium heat. Place a quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.

4

Serve: Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa and guacamole on the side.

Ingredients

 Vegetarian chicharrón (made from wheat or soy, available at health food stores), chopped
 8 large flour tortillas
 2 cups Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella, shredded
 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
 1/2 cup squash blossoms, cleaned and roughly chopped
 1 tablespoon olive oil
 Salt and pepper to taste
 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
 Optional: Epazote leaves for an authentic Mexican flavor
 Salsa for serving
 Guacamole for serving
Chicharron and mushroom quesadillas with squash blossom

Perfect Beverage Pairing:

  • Mexican Craft Beer: A light, crisp Mexican craft beer can balance the richness of the quesadilla’s ingredients.
  • Chardonnay: For a non-beer option, a buttery Chardonnay pairs well with the earthy mushrooms and has the body to stand up to the robust flavors.
For more recipes, step into our guide A Journey Through Mexico, One Plate at a Time.

Author

  • Alberto is a Calgary-based hospitality professional and the founder of OvenSource. His background is rooted in restaurant operations, guest experience, and concept-driven dining, with years spent working closely inside hospitality environments where food, service, and atmosphere all matter equally.

    Through OvenSource, he brings together practical restaurant insight, a traveler’s perspective, and a deep personal interest in how food connects people to memory and place.

    View all posts Founder & Editor

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *