Crispy Pan-Seared Cheese Fajitas with Hot Sauce Crema

Forget everything you know about fajitas-these crispy cheese fajitas are a game-changer. Instead of meat, we use grilling cheese that gets pan-seared until it develops a deep brown crust while the inside turns warm and melty. It’s like queso in fajita form!

Pile the golden cheese into warm flour tortillas with a tangle of charred peppers and onions, then drizzle with a zesty hot sauce crema and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Every bite is a perfect balance of crispy, creamy and spicy. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vegetarian dinner will become a weeknight favorite.

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Ingredients

1 unit Green Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Hot SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Grilling CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fajita Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 unit Flour TortillasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Core, deseed and thinly slice the bell pepper. Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves and tender stems.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and hot sauce (adjust to taste). Stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency. Season with salt.
3. Slice the grilling cheese into 6 equal pieces. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with half the fajita spice blend. Rub to coat evenly.
4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, remaining fajita spice and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to char, about 8 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the grilling cheese pieces and sear until browned, 1-2 minutes per side. (If needed, cook in two batches.)
6. Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high until warm, about 30 seconds. Divide tortillas among plates. Top each tortilla with one piece of grilling cheese, then add the sautéed veggies, a drizzle of crema and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

What is grilling cheese?

Grilling cheese is a firm, semi-hard cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it perfect for pan-searing. It becomes warm and melty inside without melting completely.

Can I use a different cheese?

You can try halloumi or queso blanco, as they have similar high melting points and will sear nicely.

How do I make the crema less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a mild hot sauce. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.