A burrito covered in queso is commonly called a “quesarito”. Quesaritos are a popular Tex-Mex and Mexican-American fusion dish consisting of a burrito topped or smothered with melted cheese, usually a white Mexican cheese like queso fresco or queso chihuahua. The name “quesarito” is a portmanteau of “queso” (Spanish for cheese) and “burrito”. Let’s take a more in-depth look at what defines this cheesy, delicious stuffed tortilla treat.
What is a Quesarito?
A quesarito is made by taking a flour tortilla burrito filled with typical burrito fillings like rice, beans, meat, peppers, onions, etc. and then topping it liberally with melted cheese. The tortilla is able to hold all the delicious fillings because it is wrapped closed and often double wrapped. Once assembled, the entire burrito is placed under a broiler or salamander to melt the cheese into a delicious molten layer on top of the burrito.
The most common types of melted cheese used on quesaritos are:
- Queso fresco – A fresh, soft white Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk with a mild flavor.
- Queso chihuahua or queso menonita – A semisoft, melty, white cheese originally from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.
- Oaxaca cheese – A white, semihard cheese that melts very smoothly.
- Monterey jack – A white, semihard Californian cheese that melts well.
- Cheddar – For a more familiar flavor, cheddar cheese is often used too.
The cheese layer completely covers the top of the burrito and also melts down the sides a bit for plenty of cheesy coverage in each bite. The melted cheese takes the burrito to new levels of rich, comforting flavors.
History of the Quesarito
The quesarito has origins both in Mexican cuisine and American Tex-Mex tradition. Burritos have long been popular fare in Mexico, especially in the northern regions. They were likely invented in the Mexican states along the U.S. border sometime in the 19th century.
Burritos were traditionally made with small 8″ flour tortillas, filled with meat and other ingredients, then lightly pan fried. Northern Mexico and the American Southwest had an abundance of cheese like queso fresco and chihuahua, so it was natural to start topping simple burritos with some melted cheese. The dish grew in popularity when Mexican immigrants brought burrito culture to American cities like Los Angeles in the early 1900s.
American fast food chains and Tex-Mex restaurants eventually embraced the burrito, turning it into a staple offering. In the 1990s and 2000s, restaurants started getting creative with burrito toppings and larger burrito sizes. The quesarito was born when chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, Qdoba, Freebirds Burrito, and others started offering the option to add melted cheese on top of burritos.
The name quesarito is believed to have first been coined and trademarked by the fast food chain Taco Bell in 2013 when they introduced it to their national menu. However, smaller Tex-Mex chains were likely selling similar cheesy burritos before that. The quesarito has since become a burrito-lover favorite at both Americanized Mexican chains and authentic taquerias.
Popular Regional Styles of Quesaritos
While any burrito can theoretically become a quesarito with the addition of melted cheese, some regional styles are especially popular bases:
California Burrito Quesarito
Uses a flour tortilla burrito filled with carne asada steak, french fries, guacamole, pico de gallo, and other fresh toppings associated with California-style Mexican food. Oaxaca and jack cheeses are melted on top.
Breakfast Burrito Quesarito
Starts with a breakfast burrito filled with eggs, potatoes, bacon or sausage, etc. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese becomes the queso topping.
Bean and Cheese Burrito Quesarito
A simple vegetarian version with refried or black beans, rice, onions, peppers and then smothered in queso fresco or chihuahua cheese.
Tex-Mex Taco Burrito Quesarito
Uses a large super-stuffed flour tortilla loaded up with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole, beans, rice, etc. Monterey jack or a Mexican cheese blend provides the melted cheese layer.
How to Make a Quesarito
Quesaritos are easy to make at home with a few simple steps:
- Choose your burrito style and prepare the filling ingredients – meat, veggies, beans, rice, etc.
- Warm an 8-10 inch flour tortilla to make it pliable.
- Load up all the fillings into the tortilla and fold + roll to wrap it closed.
- Optional – Double wrap the burrito in a second tortilla for extra security.
- Place the wrapped burrito(s) seam-side down in an oven-safe dish.
- Shred or slice cheese and cover the top of each burrito.
- Set oven to broil on high and broil the burritos for 2-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a minute or two, then dig in!
Be careful not to over-broil or the tortillas can become too crispy. Keep an eye on them so the cheese melts perfectly without burning. Letting them rest a minute after broiling allows the molten cheese to thicken slightly.
For extra flavor, try sprinkling some taco seasoning or hot sauce on each burrito before topping with cheese. Serve with typical Tex-Mex sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, guacamole, and a cold beverage.
Where to Find the Best Quesaritos
Here are some top spots to find drool-worthy quesaritos, both in sit-down restaurants and chains:
Los Angeles, CA
- Leo’s Tacos Truck – Famous LA taco truck serving epic Cali-style quesaritos
- Roby’s Tacos – Popular for breakfast burrito quesaritos with chorizo
- El Tepeyac Cafe – Giant burritos smothered in oaxaca cheese
Austin, TX
- Veracruz All Natural – Their migas breakfast burritos get the quesadilla treatment
- Curra’s Grill – Tex-Mex style with avocado, beef fajita, queso, etc.
- Papalote Taco House – San Antonio-style with barbacoa or lengua (tongue)
San Francisco, CA
- El Farolito – Known for big mission-style super quesaritos
- Taqueria Cancun – Quesaritos with steak, shrimp, fish and more
- La Taqueria – Classic SF burritos smothered in queso fresco
National Chains
- Chipotle – Build your own or order one of their specialty quesaritos
- qdoba – Choose from steak, chicken or ground beef
- Taco Bell – The OG quesarito inventor still makes a tasty one
- Del Taco – Try their epic chicken quesarito
- Freebirds World Burrito – Quesaritos with extra cheese and secret sauce
Key Tips for Making the Perfect Quesarito
To take your homemade quesaritos to the next level, keep these tips in mind:
Use two tortillas
Double wrapping with two tortillas provides extra insulation and prevents cheese leaks.
Butter or oil the tortillas
Lightly buttering or oiling the tortillas makes them more pliable so they roll up tightly.
Keep the fillings chunky
Dice up any fillings like meat and potatoes so they don’t make the burrito too mushy inside.
Get the cheese pull just right
Use enough cheese to completely cover the top but don’t overdo it or the cheese can separate from the burrito.
Broil until bubbly
Make sure to broil the burritos long enough for the cheese to melt into that perfect bubbly consistency.
Creative Quesarito Topping Ideas
While traditional white Mexican cheeses are standard quesarito toppings, you can get creative with these fun ideas too:
- Pico de gallo – For fresh flavor and crunch
- Guacamole – Creamy, cool complement to the cheese
- Jalapeños – For some fresh spice and heat
- Sour cream – Cooling counterbalance to rich cheese
- Salsa – Any style from verde to roja will add flavor
- Cotija cheese – Sprinkle this firm Mexican cheese on before broiling
- Queso dip – For an extra cheesy queso explosion!
Unique Quesarito Variations to Try
While traditional cheese-smothered beef and bean burritos are a can’t-miss choice, consider trying out these fun quesarito ideas too:
Fried Chicken Quesarito
Crispy fried chicken thighs, maple hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese.
Hawaiian Quesarito
Ham, bacon, pineapple, Swiss cheese, teriyaki sauce.
Philly Cheesesteak Quesarito
Steak, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, provolone cheese, chipotle mayo.
Buffalo Chicken Quesarito
Shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, cheddar.
Greek Quesarito
Gyro meat, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion.
BBQ Pulled Pork Quesarito
Smoky pulled pork, bbq sauce, coleslaw, cheddar cheese.
Benefits of Quesaritos
What makes quesaritos so incredibly craveable? Here are some of their best benefits and selling points:
Mashup of Two Favorites
They combine two classic Mexican/Tex-Mex staples – burritos and melted cheese.
Endless Customization Options
You can stuff a quesarito with any fillings your heart desires.
Satisfying Mix of Textures
The crispy tortilla, melted cheese, creamy fillings, and other crunchy toppings provide diverse textures.
Next-Level Comfort Food
Melty cheese takes the burrito flavor to new heights of cozy, craveable comfort and decadence.
Easy for On-the-Go Meals
Quesaritos travel well for grabbing at restaurants or packing in lunches.
Crowd-Pleasing Party Food
These tasty stuffed tortillas make fun, shareable appetizers for game day or parties.
Endless Variety
There are infinite filling combinations so you’ll never get bored.
Nutrition Info for Quesaritos
A quesarito can deliver a good dose of protein, carbs, fiber, calcium, etc. But they can also be high in calories, sodium, and fat depending on the fillings. Here are the nutrition facts for some standard quesarito options:
Beef and Bean Quesarito
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 89g |
| Protein | 29g |
| Sodium | 1520mg |
Chicken and Cheese Quesarito
| Calories | 760 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbs | 104g |
| Protein | 42g |
| Sodium | 1910mg |
The cheese, tortilla, rice, beans, sauces, etc. all add calories, carbs, fat, and sodium that pile up fast. Going light on the fatty cheeses and salty sauces can help make quesaritos slightly more nutritious.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Quesaritos
With their big, burrito size, you’ll often have quesarito leftovers. Here are some tips for saving them:
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Use within 3-5 days.
- When reheating, wrap in foil and use oven or microwave to warm through.
- The tortilla may lose some crispiness but can be toasted up in a hot skillet.
- Add some extra cheese and broil to make leftovers extra delicious.
- Quesarito fillings also make amazing nachos or taco salads the next day!
Conclusion
With its winning combination of crispy burrito, gooey cheese, and endless variations, it’s easy to see why the quesarito has become a favorite modern Mexican-inspired food trend. This craveable mashup of two classics can be customized with your favorite fillings for the perfect on-the-go meal or shareable appetizer. Next time you’re at your favorite taqueria or Tex-Mex joint, be sure to try an ooey-gooey quesadilla wrapped burrito for the ultimate cheesy satisfaction.