Blooming Quesadilla Ring

The Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a fun, flavorful, and visually impressive appetizer that combines all the delicious elements of a quesadilla in a unique, shareable ring shape. Layers of melted cheese, seasoned chicken, and a blend of spices are nestled between crispy tortillas and baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion where you want to serve something a little different than the usual appetizers. It’s delicious, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Interactive: The blooming ring shape makes it a unique and engaging dish that’s perfect for sharing.
• Full of Flavor: With melty cheese, seasoned chicken, and a touch of salsa and sour cream, this dish is packed with flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it an easy go-to appetizer or snack.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings to your liking, adding veggies, beans, or swapping chicken for beef or shrimp.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 flour tortillas (large size)
• 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup salsa (or more for topping)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for dipping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the ring)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken with the taco seasoning, salsa, and both shredded cheeses (cheddar and mozzarella). Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated and the cheese is evenly distributed. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

2. Assemble the Quesadilla Ring:

Place one large flour tortilla flat on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the tortilla. Top it with another tortilla. Repeat the process until all four tortillas are stacked, ensuring that the chicken mixture is evenly distributed between each tortilla layer.

3. Cut the Ring:

Use a sharp knife to cut a small hole in the center of the stacked tortillas (this will create the “blooming” effect). Then, carefully cut the stacked tortillas into wedges—about 8 wedges per tortilla. Do not cut all the way through the ring; leave the outer edges intact.

4. Bake the Ring:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the tortilla ring with olive oil to help it get golden and crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the outer edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

Once the quesadilla ring is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully pull the wedges apart to reveal the “blooming” effect. Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping, and garnish with chopped cilantro and extra salsa if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables as the filling instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Beef or Shrimp: Swap out the chicken for cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or even shrimp for a different protein.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling for more color and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover quesadilla ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave individual wedges for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would work great in this dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the quesadilla ring and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cream cheese, but it adds a nice creamy texture. You could substitute with sour cream or more cheese if you prefer.

Can I use smaller tortillas?

If using smaller tortillas, you may want to adjust the number of layers and the size of the ring. You could also make smaller, individual quesadilla rings for a fun twist.

How can I make it more customizable?

Feel free to add other fillings like olives, green chilies, or even shredded chicken with BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Blooming Quesadilla Ring is the ultimate appetizer that’s fun, delicious, and easy to share. With its crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and savory chicken filling, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering or family dinner. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just craving something comforting, this quesadilla ring will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Print