Quesadilla
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A quesadilla is a tortilla folded over a cheese (often a Mexican-style soft farmer's cheese such as Queso Fresco), cooked meat and/or bean filling, which is then fried, deep fried or toasted using a broiler, griddle, or open fire, and sometimes spiced with salsa. The term can also be used for a pair of tortillas, with the cheese and other fillings between them, similarly cooked. Quesadillas are sometimes cut into strips before being served as an appetizer to a meal of Mexican food.
In areas near Mexico City, cheese can be, and usually is, omitted, its place being taken by any of a variety of foods.
The Quesadilla vs. The Taco
The differences between a taco and a quesadilla consist of shape, kinds of filling and the order of filling and cooking.
A taco is rolled around the filling, while a quesadilla is flat, sandwiching its filling.
Quesadilla fillings are usually based on cheese (hence its name, from the Spanish queso), and are generally of a pasty consistency and considered appetizers. Taco fillings are usually based on meat or animal products, with a chunky consistency, and considered an entree.
Quesadillas are filled and cooked afterwards, tacos are a still-pliable tortilla wrapped around its filling. The usual case where tacos are cooked after filling is when making a flauta (Spanish for "flute," because of its shape). See taco for an explanation of taco shells.
Quesadillas are cut into wedges or strips in restaurants outside of Mexico, where they are often served as an appetizer. In authentic Mexican restaurants, and in people's homes, quesadillas are generally eaten whole, and two to four of these often constitute a light meal. Another variation found outside of Mexico is a "whole" quesadilla - made of two tortillas sandwiched with the filling between rather than one folded over.