Quesadillas look simple. Cheese and add-ons are where the margin disappears.
This guide shows how to cost tortillas, cheese, and protein add-ons so every size stays profitable.
Quick Summary
- Cheese ounces drive most of the cost
- Tortilla size must map to price
- Protein add-ons need their own price tier
- Sauce cups should be fixed per order
- Combos raise ticket and protect margin
Why Quesadillas Lose Margin
- Cheese portions drift in a rush
- Tortilla size not tied to price
- Add-ons priced too low
- Sauce cups given away
Core Cost Formula
Quesadilla cost = Tortilla + Cheese + Protein + Sauce cups + Packaging
Target price = Quesadilla cost ÷ Target food cost %Portion Standards (Example)
- Tortilla: 10-inch or 12-inch (priced separately)
- Cheese: 3 oz (10-inch) / 5 oz (12-inch)
- Protein add-on: 3 to 4 oz cooked
- Sauce cups: 1 to 2 per order
Market Check (BLS)
Food-away-from-home prices rose 4.1% over the 12 months ending Dec 2025. Quarterly price reviews keep quesadilla margins stable.
Source: BLS CPI Detailed Report (Dec 2025)
Checklist
- Cheese ounces fixed by size
- Tortilla size mapped to price
- Add-ons priced by cooked ounces
- Sauce cup count standardized
- Packaging included
Do This Now
- Standardize all portion sizes in grams or ounces
- Calculate food cost for your top 5 menu items
- Set up a weekly price check for key ingredients
- Document your current yield percentages
- Create a pricing review calendar for the next 12 months
Related Guides
- US Burrito Bowl Cost Guide
- US Taco Truck Cost Guide
- US Fish Taco Cost Guide
- US Combo Meal Pricing Guide
KitchenCost prices quesadillas by size, add-on, and sauce in one workflow.