Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas with Pineapple-Mango Guacamole

All the tropical, sweet-heat flavors—packed into the easiest, cheesiest quesadilla. Think caramelized pineapple, saucy BBQ chicken (or your fave protein), and a punchy mango guac that tastes like sunshine.

Perfect for weeknights, game day, or whenever you’re craving something fun and cozy with a little island vibe.

Why You’ll Love These

• Sweet, smoky, and a little spicy—melty and crispy in every bite.

• Weeknight-friendly; uses cooked/rotisserie chicken or leftover pork.

• Mango guacamole = fresh contrast that balances the BBQ sauce.

A few summers ago I went with my family back to Cleveland for a month to visit family and since we had nowhere to stay we stayed at a Residence Inn. Yes, a Residence Inn.

Specifically the Residence Inn in Westlake, Ohio. Right near Crocker Park, which meant lots of shopping. Which I was obviously very happy about.

Not my whole family was with us so it actually was not all that bad. Plus, it was one of those nice Residence Inns with a kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths and an outside pool, which in Cleveland in the summer is an awesome thing to have. It’s hot, humid and sticky. Nothing like Colorado where it can still be hot, but it’s never humid or sticky.

So this Residence Inn?

It was kind of an odd place, but in a good way.

Every morning we got free breakfast and it was not just cereal. No, it was way more. Eggs, bacon, WAFFLES, yogurt, fruit, the whole deal. Everyday.

It was nice. No cooking, no mess and a weekend breakfast everyday.

Yeah, really nice.

Then every Wednesday night they would do a themed dinner.

Yes, themed and yes, this was also FREE! They even had free beer and wine. I remember my dad taking a few beers back to our room.

I know, pretty good deal right? I kind of want to go back. No, wait I do. I totally do.

The dinner themes were good too. Italian one week, Asian the next. My very favorite though was the Hawaiian BBQ. They totally decorated the the pool area, complete with Hawaiian leis for the guests. They went all out, syrupy drinks for kids and all. I think they did some kind of Teriayaki chicken, but all I cared about was the grilled pineapple! Oh my gosh it was so good. Before then, I used to say I was not a pineapple fan. Well, right then an there I became a HUGE pineapple fan.

Really though, I just like the idea of Hawaiian BBQ.

For one, it is fun and I get to pretend I am in Hawaii sipping drinks with cute little umbrellas in them. Ah, yeah I am kind of obsessed with those umbrellas. I have been since I was 7 and HAD to have them for my birthday party. LIke had to, my mom actually order a whole box online.

It was awesome and I would KILL for that little box right now.

Two, I love the sweet and spicy combo. It never fails.

Okay, can we talk about this guacamole?!

It’s amazing and seriously tastes like it just came out of some tropical paradise. Pineapple and mangos make for some ridiculously awesome guacamole. Do the guacamole, it is the perfect dipper for these.

FAQ:

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes—drain very well and pat dry so it caramelizes instead of steaming. If it tastes very sweet, add a squeeze of lime to balance.

What cheese melts best for quesadillas?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone melt smoothly; pepper jack adds heat. Finely shredded cheese melts quicker and helps seal the edges.

Can I make these on a grill?
Yes—use medium heat and grill in a lightly oiled skillet or on a grill-safe mat to prevent sticking. Close the lid briefly to help the cheese melt, then finish open for crisp.

How do I keep quesadillas from getting soggy?
Keep fillings relatively dry, caramelize pineapple first, and cook over moderate heat so tortillas crisp. Rest 1–2 minutes before slicing to set the cheese.