Blooming Quesadilla Ring

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to serve quesadillas, this Blooming Quesadilla Ring is the perfect solution. Combining all the classic quesadilla ingredients into a blooming, pull-apart ring, this dish is not only tasty but also visually impressive. With layers of seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, this quesadilla ring is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Let’s dive into how to make this fun and flavorful appetizer!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 cup taco sauce
• 20 taco-size tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the quesadilla ring from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, chopped onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and taco sauce. Stir until everything is well mixed and the flavors are evenly distributed. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Tortilla Cones:
Cut each tortilla in half to make semi-circles. Take one half and add about 2 tablespoons each of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and the prepared chicken mixture. Roll each tortilla half into a cone shape, starting from the cut edge, being careful not to push the filling out.

4. Arrange the Tortilla Cones into a Ring:
Place a wide-mouth jar or glass in the center of your prepared baking sheet. Arrange about 13 tortilla cones around the jar in a circular pattern, with the pointed ends of the cones touching the jar. Once the first layer is in place, sprinkle some of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the cones.

5. Add More Layers:
Repeat the process with the remaining tortilla cones, creating 2 more layers on top of the first ring. After each layer, sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This ensures every layer has that perfect balance of melty cheese and crispy tortillas.

6. Bake the Quesadilla Ring:
Carefully remove the jar from the center of the ring before placing the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the quesadilla ring for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the quesadilla ring is baked to perfection, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Place your favorite dip—such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream—in the center of the ring, and garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro or diced tomatoes. Serve immediately for a warm, cheesy, and delicious appetizer!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serve Hot: The Blooming Quesadilla Ring is best served fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still melty and the tortillas are crispy. Place your favorite dip—such as guacamole, salsa, queso, or sour cream—in the center of the ring for easy dipping.
• Garnishes: Add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños to the top of the quesadilla ring for added color and flavor.
• Pairing: Serve the quesadilla ring with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal. It also pairs well with beverages like margaritas or cold soda.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the quesadilla ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts again and the tortillas become crispy.
• Freezing: While the quesadilla ring is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover portions. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual servings in the microwave, but note that the tortillas may not stay as crispy. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.

These tips will help ensure your Blooming Quesadilla Ring stays fresh and delicious, whether you’re serving it right away or storing it for later!

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Quesadilla Ring:
Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also add diced zucchini or spinach to increase the veggie content.

2. Spicy Quesadilla Ring:
Add more heat by including extra jalapeños or mixing in a few spoonfuls of hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the chicken filling. For an extra spicy kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.

3. Beef Quesadilla Ring:
Swap out the chicken for seasoned ground beef or shredded beef. Brown the beef with taco seasoning before mixing it with the other ingredients. This creates a flavor similar to traditional beef quesadillas.

4. BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Ring:
Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce instead of taco sauce for a smoky, tangy variation. You can even add diced red onions and cilantro for an extra BBQ flavor boost.

5. Cheesy Bacon Quesadilla Ring:
Incorporate crispy cooked bacon into the chicken mixture for a savory, smoky flavor. You can also sprinkle bacon bits on top of the quesadilla ring before baking.

6. Breakfast Quesadilla Ring:
Turn this into a breakfast dish by swapping out the chicken for scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and diced bell peppers. Add shredded cheese and bake for a savory breakfast treat.

7. Taco Quesadilla Ring:
Add seasoned taco meat (ground beef or turkey) to the filling, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the entire ring before baking. Serve with sour cream and salsa for a taco-inspired twist.

8. Mediterranean Quesadilla Ring:
Swap out the chicken and taco sauce for Mediterranean ingredients like seasoned ground lamb or beef, feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki sauce. This gives the dish a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

9. Shrimp Quesadilla Ring:
For a seafood twist, use cooked, chopped shrimp instead of chicken. Mix the shrimp with a squeeze of lime juice, taco sauce, and some diced avocado for a tropical, seafood-inspired version.

10. Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Ring:
Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing for a tangy, spicy variation. Top with extra cheese and bake, then serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing on the side.

These variations allow you to customize your Blooming Quesadilla Ring to suit different flavors and preferences, making it versatile for any occasion!

FAQs:

1. Can I make the Blooming Quesadilla Ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quesadilla cones with the filling and assemble the ring in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. What dips work best with the Blooming Quesadilla Ring?
Popular dips include guacamole, salsa, queso, sour cream, or even a spicy ranch dip. You can mix and match to cater to different preferences.

3. Can I use different types of tortillas?
Yes, you can use whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas if you prefer. Just make sure to use taco-size tortillas for the best fit.

4. How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling the tortillas with too much sauce, as this can cause sogginess. Also, serve the quesadilla ring immediately after baking to enjoy the crispiness of the tortillas.

5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe. Shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients, saving you time on prep.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover quesadilla pieces. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based meat alternative for a tasty vegetarian version of the quesadilla ring.

8. How can I make the quesadilla ring spicier?
To add more spice, you can increase the amount of jalapeños, use hot sauce or chipotle peppers, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the chicken mixture.

9. What can I serve alongside the quesadilla ring?
This dish pairs well with Mexican-inspired sides such as refried beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve chips and salsa for a complete meal.

10. How do I know when the quesadilla ring is done baking?
The quesadilla ring is ready when the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes in a 375°F oven.