This Easy, Cheesy Recipe Hack Will Forever Improve Your Quesadillas

When you have cheese, tortillas, and every desire for a fuss-free meal, a quesadilla is your best friend. It’s crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, and it takes no longer to make than it does to eat. Not much can improve a classic cheese quesadilla — except for more cheese, specifically a slightly salty cotija variety on the outside of each tortilla.

The Method

1. Simply spread room-temperature butter on one side of two tortillas, then evenly sprinkle about 2 heaping tablespoons of cotija cheese on each tortilla. Cacique Queso Cotija Grated Cheese, which is already finely grated for you, works wonders.

2. Lay the first tortilla cheese-side down on a skillet over medium heat, sprinkle your choice of cheese on top, and follow with the second tortilla, cheese-side up.

3. Press it down with a spatula and cook until the cotija cheese is golden brown, about 1 minute.

4. Flip, and cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. You’ll end up with a quesadilla that’s extra crispy, colorful and, of course, cheesy.

Hard cotija cheese works best for this hack because it crumbles so finely and browns perfectly in butter — just like Parmesan on the outside of a grilled cheese. Cotija’s salty flavor also works wonderfully with Mexican foods, so it will taste good with whatever fresh items you add to your quesadilla, such as sautéed veggies or pico de gallo.

Want to try this at home? Tag us in your quesadilla pics on Instagram!

(Photos via Sara Cagle/Brit + Co)

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Mastering flavorful sauces is the easiest way to add some oomph to your usual dinners. You’re probably familiar with pesto, an Italian sauce that can be made with all sorts of fresh herbs, and then used to make your meals shine. Homemade salad dressings deliver extra flavor to everything from tasty Mediterranean bowls to fried chicken.

But you should also add Argentinean chimichurri to your repertoire — it’s a vinegary sauce made from herbs including parsley, oregano, and cilantro, and bold ingredients like garlic and red chili peppers. Try out these 17 chimichurri recipes to erase boring meals from your menu.

Yummy Chimichurri recipes to add to the menu this month

1. Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

Half Baked Harvest

Enjoy this delicious skirt steak that gives each mouthful the right amount of bite.

2. Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri

Half Baked Harvest

Dive into this delicious chimichurri recipe that will satisfy all of your cravings.

3. Chimichurri Tomato Salad

A Spicy Perspective

Salads don’t have to be a side dish. Add some extras, like a flavorful sauce and a handful of fresh herbs to make them a star entree.

4. Caribbean Grilled Lamb Chops with Wasakaka

A Spicy Perspective

These lamb chops are deliciously rich, which is why it’s great when paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce. (via A Spicy Perspective)

5. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Feel Good Foodie

Cauliflower is even better when it’s loaded with mouth-watering chimichurri.

6. Sweet Corn Chimichurri Butter Shrimp with Polenta

Half Baked Harvest

The key to making great shellfish food is using bold ingredients, like chimichurri.

Chimichurri Chicken

The Girl On Bloor

Juicy chicken and potatoes is always a delightful pairing. Along with roasted pepper and chimichurri, this meal is a a perfect dinner recipe. (via The Girl on Bloor)

8. Chimichurri Potato Salad

Salt and Lavender

Flecked with herbs and garlic, this potato salad is the perfect side dish for warm weather dining.

9. Grilled Chimichurri Scallops

Most Hungry

Quick-cooking scallops is a great weeknight option. Instead of making scallops wrapped in bacon, switch up the flavors and try this recipe instead.

10. Chimichurri Shrimp Bowls

Cozy Cravings

Spice up your favorite bowls with a fresh-tasting kick thanks to a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce.

11. Surf and Turf: Steak and Lobster with Spicy Roasted Garlic Chimichurri Butter

Half Baked Harvest

Once you learn to make a classic chimichurri sauce, you’ll have a secret ingredient on hand that can the best surf and turf meal.

12. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chimichurri

Two Spoons

You can’t go wrong with a classic! Serve these delicious smashed potatoes paired with creamy chimichurri.

13. Chimichurri Curry Summer Ramen

Chef Bai

This ramen has everything you want in a meal. There’s plenty of protein, lots of fresh veggies and a dressing you’ll want to drink straight from the bottle. (via Chef Bai)

14. Chimichurri Sauce

Two Sppons

Chimichurri is anything but boring in this recipe. This pesto-adjacent is saturated with flavor and will make any meal pop.. (via Two Spoons)

15. Jacket Potatoes With Spicy Baked Beans And Chimichurri Sauce

Vikalinka

Love eating baked beans? Spice them up with smoked paprika, cumin and a homemade chimichurri sauce! You'll always want to add these toppings to your potatoes!

16. Grilled Chimichurri Salmon

Averie Cooks

This yummy recipe proves you haven't eaten salmon in every possibly way. It only takes 20 minutes to for the bold flavors of cilantro, garlic, and red wine vinegar to blend together. Once you add the chimichurri sauce on top? You'll be saying "That's good eating!"

17. Crispy Chicken Thighs With Charred Green Onion Chimichurri

The Original Dish

We never need an excuse to eat chicken, but this charred green onion chimichurri mix might replace our go-to variations soon!

Let us know whichrecipe you try!

Find all of the best recipes on Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

February has been a great month for my bookshelf, between the books by black authors I've been reading and the new releases that have been rolling in. TBH, it's like someone knew January was the longest year ever and I needed a break. If you're looking for an escape from news so you can "well rest yourself" (minus Count Orlok from Nosferatu's creepy intentions), there are plenty of new books that are still debuting in February to pick up! From a new Jojo Moyes book to Chelsea Handler's latest memoir, here's what I'm most excited about reading!

Scroll to see the most-anticipated books to read in February!

Amazon

The Rules of Fortune by Danielle Prescod

The Carter family finds themselves forced to deal with their patriarch's death right before a celebratory weekend. It sets off a chain of events that reveal secrets about the matriarch and her kids that challenge the stories they've believed all their lives. However, nothing surprises them more than confronting an external threat that makes the Carters rally together.

Amazon

The Matchmakerby Aisha Saeed

Nura Khan's a successful matchmaker whose business in Atlanta is doing excellent. She's been able to help her clients find love while pretending that she's happily engaged to Azar, her best friend. Though their engagement is a ruse, Nura's hidden feelings for him aren't.
Still, business is going great and she doesn't have much to complain about...until one her clients' wedding is sabotaged. Even worse, someone's hellbent on taking her down and she'll have to exhaust all her resources to figure out who it is.

Amazon

This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer

Abe and Jane's love story spans five decades, leaving them with years of love, frustration, and more under their belts. The one place they've always found solace at is Central Park, and it's become a tradition for them to venture there.
But Jane's life is coming to a close and Abe is doing his best to help her remember everything. However, there are different POVs that shape This is a Love Story that will change how readers think about themselves, love, and life.

Amazon

First-Time Callerby B.K. Borison (A Brit + Co Favorite)

Aiden Valentine is the host of the Heartstrings radio segment on a hit Baltimore radio station, but he doesn't exactly believe in love anymore. He's become cynical and it's costing the station big time, something his boss and best friend have not-so subtly told him.

Yet when a pre-teen calls in to ask if he can help her mom, Lucie Stone, find love, he's introduced to a fiery, beautiful, and witty woman who chips away at his tough exterior. The more they pretend they're helping Lucie find the man of her dreams, the more they realize love has a way of orbiting around us if only we'd pay attention and give it a chance.

Amazon

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

Lila Kennedy's tired from a loveless marriage, being a mom, and the busy home she's not sure she knows what to do with anymore. Even her career has taken a nose dive. But things shift when her biological dad appears to reconnect with her, showing that forgiveness can hold the key to the beautiful parts of life.

Amazon

Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Termsby Nicola Slawson

Journalist Nicola Slawson's just written the single girl's manifesto and she's unapologetic about it. Based on her newsletter The Single Supplement and her own experiences, she's sure single women aren't looking for another how-to book that belittles them.

She's ready to offer her personal insight about the highs and lows of being single from watching friends find their version of happily ever after to the stigma placed on single women past a certain age.

Amazon

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (A Brit + Co Favorite)

Stuck in a passionless marriage, Lenore wonders if there's something greater out there and finds her answer during a trip with her husband Henry to the British moorlands. A scary accident introduces them to Carmilla, a woman whose appearance and influence keeps changing by the day. It's not lost on Lenore that she feels drawn to Carmilla in inexplicable ways, but she's also aware something isn't right about her.
The more young girls are filled with a never-ending appetite, the more Lenore's suspicions grow. But it may be too late now that Carmilla's been invited into her home.

Amazon

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (February 25, 2025)

In 2000, Berkeley student Percy Marks finds herself thinking about music and whether it's moving or not. Her ideals happen to catch the attention of songwriter Joe Morrow who thinks she's brilliant. As they entertain each other, they fall into a collaboration that takes them from young students to successful artists who need to figure out who they are without relying on each other.

Amazon

The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (February 25, 2025)

When Jane's psyche is threatened after her child's first birthday, those around her seek out what triggered a breakdown, disappearance, and memory loss. Baffled by her revelations, a psychiatrist's assured nature is shaken when even he's unsure about the validity of what's 'real' and what isn't.

Amazon

I'll Have What She's Having by Chelsea Handler (February 25, 2025)

Chelsea Handler's known for her comedic timing, but she's also full of wisdom that's actually fairly good. From her days as an enterprising child to the time she got friendly with a governor, she's seen and done it all. However, there's more to Chelsea than the world has seen or heard about.
She's the true definition of loyal and knows that self-care goes deeper than some of us would like to admit. In I'll Have What She's Having, readers get to see a side of her that's not always shared.

Amazon

Greenteenth by Molly O'Neill (February 25, 2025)

When a new town minister causes Temperance's village to put her life in danger, she experiences confusion, fear, and a sharp determination that's aided by something that saves her. Waiting in the lake she was thrown into is a ravenous beast that never shows mercy to anyone who dares to step foot in her waters. But in Temperance, Jenny Greenteeth feels like she's not meant to harm her.
Despite her lack of experience with humans, Jenny forms an alliance with Temperance so they can figure out how to save what they cherish.

Amazon

The Younger Woman by Cate Ray (February 25, 2025)

Gabby's shocked when she discovers her contempt for her husband Fred in light of no longer having children in their home. It feels swift, but it takes root once she gets clear about her feelings and it causes her to make an awful confession to a stranger named Ellis. Unfortunately, Ellis may know more about the married couple's life than expected which leads Gabby on a dark, twisted search for the truth.

Amazon

The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page (February 25, 2025)

Widowed Emma has lost her desire to be among others and prefers to seek comfort among the beautiful flowers in the shop she spends her days at. She's all but stopped participating in life which doesn't seem to bother her. However, an invitation to the Titanic sparks her interest and she finds herself engrossed in the ship's rich history when the floral arrangement onboard catches her attention.

Amazon

Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon (February 25, 2025)

Cat Bohannon's Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution is here to answer women's burning questions about how our bodies work. You'd think we be more privy to insider information, but things are a little more complex than we've been afforded the information to learn about. It turns out that Bohannon's research stems from 200 million years and it provides answers to things women are often wondering about.
This book calls for the world to stop pretending that women's bodies are shameful so we can start talking about health in a way that leaves us all informed.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

During bouts of cold weather, nothing warms you down to your toes quite like a good soup. From spicy soup recipes to more mild creations, soup is nourishing, warming and often packed with nutritious ingredients. Tomato soup recipes are a classic choice here in the U.S., but maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more… exotic. Lucky for you, soup is a staple in all corners of the globe. Try these 22 soup recipes from around the world next time you feel like jetting off to new (and perhaps warmer) climates.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This one-pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is so simple and the perfect bowl to spice things up with salsa verde, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and shredded chicken. Taco seasoning and ground cumin top it off with amazing flavor. Add salty tortilla chips and even lime zest for a magical soup to cozy up to mid-winter. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Homemade Wonton Soup

Though the concept of making homemade wontons may seem intimidating, this delicious soup is actually pretty easy to pull together. Ready in just 40 minutes, it boasts the flavors of authentic pork dumplings, shrimp and fresh veggies. (via Jessica Gavin)

New England Clam Chowder

For something a little closer to home, whip up a bowl of New England clam chowder. You’ll need bacon, pork, potatoes, an array of spices and, of course, clams. The fresher the fish, the better — but if you live somewhere without access to fresh clams, you can sub in canned clams instead. (via A Family Feast)

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Alternatively, you could try Manhattan’s version of clam chowder if you’re craving a yummy seafood stew. The difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowders lies in the soup itself — New England chowder features a white, cream-based soup, while Manhattan style is broth-based. (via Baker by Nature)

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Curb your cravings for a cozy comfort soup with this well-rounded meal that nourishes with tender chicken, fluffy cooked dumplings, and a flavorful creamy broth. (via Real Food Dietitians)

Turkish Tarhana Soup

Mix things up with this popular Turkish soup made with fermented dough and a tomato base, mint, and garlic. (via Give Recipe)

15-Minute Curry Noodle Soup

Curries are popular throughout Asia, particularly in countries like India and Thailand. This quick and easy curry soup is ready in just 15 minutes, and features rice vermicelli noodles. (via The Woks of Life)

Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian-American soup is often served at all manner of Italian restaurants here in the states, but its name is misleading. It’s not traditionally served at weddings in particular… instead, the name refers to the “marriage” of greens and broth. (via Jo Cooks)

Hearty Mulligatawny Soup

This simpler version of the famous mulligatawny soup is made with leftover roast chicken or turkey. Part Indian, part British, this soup is aromatic, mildly spicy, and so comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Vegan Tortellini Soup

This hearty, delicious soup won't take more than 45 minutes and is packed with vegetables, cheesy tortellini, spicy plant-based sausage and lots of flavor! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Spanish Bean Soup

This traditional Spanish soup is made with chickpeas, andouille sausage, onion, olive oil and red potatoes. If you’re more in the mood for spicy chorizo, substitute that instead. Either way, this soup will be nourishing, mildly spicy and *packed* with flavor. (via The Noshery)

French Onion Soup

Is there anything more delicious than a rich French onion soup topped with crunchy croutons and tons of cheese? We think not! This recipe showcases the flavors of French onion soup to delicious effect. We recommend using gruyere, asiago, Swiss or mozzarella cheese (or any combo of those four). (via Gimme Some Oven)

Easy Mexican Pozole

Pozole is a Mexican soup boasting the flavors of hominy and pork. There are red versions and green versions. This particular version is made with red sauce and is super easy to whip up in a jiff. (via The Spice Kit Recipes)

Turkey Avgolemono Soup

This traditional Greek recipe is made with turkey, rice and a little bit of lemon, making for a delicious comfort food that’s both warming and totally invigorating. In fact, you only need five ingredients to make this delicious, authentic soup. That’s right, FIVE. (via The Kitchn)

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Healthy and hearty, this black bean soup is graced with the flavors of black pepper, olive oil and garlic, and comprised of ham and black beans. It’s as nourishing as it is tasty, and can easily be garnished with Greek yogurt in lieu of sour cream in order to make it even healthier. (Of course, that will take away the authenticity of the dish, but we’ll let you decide.) (via The Kitchn)

Creamy Coconut Soup With Cauliflower

This soothing soup is a great way to get veggies into your day in a healthy and hearty way. (via Clean Cuisine)

Ribollita

Now, if you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, this Tuscan soup recipe isn’t for you — it takes roughly three days to make if you want to go the traditional route. Ribollita literally means “reboiled,” so this is a great recipe to make ahead of time and then reboil right before you’re ready to serve it. (via 31 Daily)

Hot and Sour Soup

This traditional Chinese recipe is warming, tasty and packed with nutritious ingredients. We particularly recommend adding kimchi on top, as it’s fermented and therefore contains natural probiotics. Pro tip: To make this vegan, just use veggie broth. (via The Kitchn)

Locro de Papa

Locro de Papa is an Ecuadorian cheesy potato soup that will warm you to your toes and fill you right up. It features annatto, a regional spice that you’ll have to find in an ethnic or Mexican grocery store. But trust us — it will be worth the extra effort. (via Curious Cuisiniere)

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is often steeped for *days* in order to get the best broth flavor. However, you can make it much more quickly by taking a few shortcuts. In terms of beef, the best cuts for this noodle soup are sirloin steak, round eye or London broil. (via The Kitchn)

One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Got 30 minutes? This soup version of the Italian classic is the perfect, hearty, comfort food with ground beef, noodles, a tomato-based broth, and a delicious three-cheese topping. (via Averie Cooks)

Easy Homemade Ramen

Last but not least is perhaps America’s most beloved ethnic soup: ramen. Once you’ve made a homemade savory ramen with fresh veggies, noodles and boiled eggs, you’ll never go back to the instant store-bought version. EVER. (via Damn Delicious)

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In The Z-Suite, Lauren Graham stars as Monica Marks, an advertising CEO who finds herself replaced by a Gen Z marketing team after a campaign gone wrong. But just because she's resigned to working from her home office (which is an exact replica of her original office FYI) doesn't mean she's giving up. And in our exclusive clip, she proves she's will to do whatever it takes to stay in the business.

Watch our The Z-Suite exclusive clip, starring Lauren Graham & Nico Santos.

Lauren Graham's Monica puts up a fight in 'The Z-Suite.'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In our exclusive ahead of this week's episode release, Monica and Doug (Nico Santos) give Matt (Evan Marsh) a somewhat friendly heads up that Atelier's previous clients are following them to their new business...AKA they're poaching them.

This proves Monica is willing to do whatever it takes to be considered competition, and also low-key proves Monica and Lorelai Graham are not one in the same — Lorelai isn't necessarily cunning, even if she is determined!

“There are no similarities [between Lorelai Gilmore and The Z-Suite character Monica Marks] and I hope [Gilmore Girls fans] come along for this ride,” Lauren Graham told The Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t do that. I can never replicate the beauty and the magic of that character and that writing and that time, so I might as well not try. This is something very different, but she’s fun and kooky and the show has a spirit to it that I think has a coziness to it, but it’s very different character.”

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

But would Lorelai fit into the workplace culture of The Z-Suite? "Lorelai would not do well," Lauren told Brit + Co exclusively. "She would be bored by the world of the office and I think would relate way more to the Gen Z people cause in her mind, she's always kind of one of the kids. But the office culture, she'd bring them coffee and then leave."

Can I get a latte?

Watch new episodes of The Z-Suite on Tubi every Thursday!

Sigh. There’s yet another Trader Joe’s recallto be aware of. The chain just announced that anyone who purchased one particular frozen meal should discard it out of an “abundance of caution” for potential plastic contamination.

Scroll on to learn more about the latest Trader Joe’s product recall.

Trader Joe's

On February 14, 2025, Trader Joe’s posted a recall warning to their website, noting that the Trader Joe’s Organic Acai Bowls may contain “foreign material” – noting that the foreign material in question is indeed plastic.

Trader Joe's

The grocer urged customers to discard the acai bowls or return them to their local Trader Joe’s store for a “full refund.”

Reddit

Trader Joe’s has since removed the product listing for their Organic Acai Bowls from their website, removed the product from their freezers, and posted in-store notices about the recall.

Reddit

The frozen bowls became popular for being a convenient breakfast or mid-afternoon snack option. They contained a puree made from acai, bananas, and berries that turned into a smoothie-like texture after a good microwave thaw. The bowls also came complete with packets of granola and coconut flakes for topping and texture.

Trader Joe's

As of February 19, Trader Joe’s is the only entity that’s announced the recall of the Organic Acai Bowls. The FDA’s recall website does not list the item, but does mention the recall of specific canned tuna products that were included in a February 10 recall due to “manufacturing defects,” which impacted several more major retailers like Walmart and H.E.B.

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