Vegan Baked Quesadillas | Healthy School Lunch Ideas

These Vegan Baked Quesadillas are one of my favourite healthy kids school lunch box ideas that’s packed with iron, protein and veggies.

It’s back to school season, mamas and dads, and you’ve probably already hit a bit of a lunch box inspiration plateau. I got you. If the kiddos are super DONE with sandwiches and wraps, slide one of these Crispy Vegan Baked Quesadillas into their lunch boxes and get ready to get it back EMPTY.

Now, I know what you’re thinking “my kid is NOT down with vegan food”. I totally get your skepticism. But the Crispy Vegan Baked Quesadillas are super “meaty” tasting and yet will absolutely fit the bill for your next Meatless Monday.

key ingredients to make these baked quesadillas 

Whole Wheat Tortillas – I prefer to use whole wheat tortillas to add a little fibre boost, but feel free to use any tortilla you have on hand. 

Veggie Ground Round – To make these quesadillas vegan, I use veggie ground round to add some plant-based protein. You can also use black beans or baked tofu. If you don’t need to make these vegan, you can use ground meat or grilled chicken, as well. 

Yellow Bell Pepper -This gives the quesadillas a delicious and healthy crunch. You can also use red or green bell pepper in this recipe and/or any veggies you have on hand that you need to use up!

Tomato – in my opinion, you just cant do quesadillas without some tomatoes. I use cherry tomatoes in this recipe but you can use any tomato variety instead. 

Shredded Cabbage –  this will also add some extra veggies and texture to the quesadilla 

Vegan Cheese – because what is a quesadilla without some deliciously melted cheese?

Salsa – for dipping and extra flavour! 

What Makes these Vegan Baked Quesadillas High Protein?

I know a lot of families are trying to incorporate more plant based meals in their week, but not all vegan meats are created equal. I have always liked Yves Veggie Ground round in any recipe that calls for ground beef. I love that it has no artificial preservatives and it’s low in fat, and honestly tastes great. Baby E loves it, and my hubby (a beef man), had NO clue it wasn’t meat. One serving (1/3 cup) has 9 grams of protein and only 0.5 grams of fat plus 3 grams of fibre and 20% of your recommended iron for the day!

How to Make Vegan Baked Quesadillas Crispy

Yes! You CAN make quesadillas crispy without pan-frying them, saving you calories and a HUGE headache. I don’t know about your quesadilla flipping skills in an awkward frying pan but the struggle is REAL. Simply heat your oven to 400 F, grease the baking sheet with olive oil, and let it sit in the oven while you assemble the quesadillas. Then once it hits the pan, the vegan baked quesadilla will get a nice crispy crust immediately! I also give them a little spritz with olive oil in an oil atomizer.

faq about this recipe

Can You Pan-Fry these Vegan Quesadillas?

Of course! I’m just such a pan-frying struggler – all of the filling always falls out and I end up with a crazy mess (and burnt fingers) crying to re-assemble it.

Can You Make these Crispy Vegan Baked Quesadillas in Advance?

Yep! I bake off a big batch and they will last in the fridge for two days, stacked in a lunch box with parchment between the layers.

Can You Make these Baked Quesadillas Vegetarian?

Of course! If you eat cheese, simply use cows milk cheese!

do you have any other lunch box recipe ideas for kids?

If you need some back to school lunch inspo, here are some of my favourite recipes: