Blooming Quesadilla Ring Recipe
Introduction
The Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a fun and flavorful twist on classic quesadillas. Packed with shredded chicken, melted cheeses, and a hint of spicy Buffalo sauce, this appetizer is perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar (about 8 oz.)
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack (about 8 oz.)
- 24 small flour tortillas
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and sliced scallions. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Cut each tortilla in half. On one tortilla half, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Add about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center. Starting from the cut edge, fold the bottom quarter of the tortilla into a triangle shape, then continue rolling it into a cone. Repeat this process with the remaining tortilla halves, chicken, and cheese mixtures, reserving some cheese for topping.
- Step 3: Place a 3-inch-wide cup or bowl in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the rolled tortillas around the cup with the smaller, pointed ends facing the cup to form a ring. Sprinkle reserved cheese evenly over the top. Add two more layers of rolled tortillas on top, sprinkling cheese over each layer. Carefully remove the cup from the center once the ring is complete.
- Step 4: Bake the quesadilla ring in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.
- Step 5: Pour ranch dressing into a small ramekin about 3 inches wide and place it in the center of the quesadilla ring before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut that saves time.
- Swap Buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce to create a milder, smoky flavor.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
Storage
Store any leftover quesadilla ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the tortillas to become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the quesadilla ring ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ring a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use if I don’t have small flour tortillas?
If small tortillas aren’t available, you can cut larger tortillas into smaller halves or thirds to get a similar size for rolling.
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Blooming Quesadilla Ring Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 individual quesadilla cones 1x
Description
This Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. Featuring a savory blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, spicy Buffalo sauce, scallions, and a melty mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, wrapped in mini flour tortillas arranged in a beautiful ring shape. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s served with cool ranch dressing for dipping, combining creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 oz)
Assembly
- 24 small flour tortillas
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and sliced scallions. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix until well combined.
- Prepare the cheese mixture and tortillas: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Cut each small flour tortilla in half. For each tortilla half, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture over it. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of the tortilla half. Starting from the cut edge, fold the bottom quarter of the tortilla into a triangle, then continue rolling it into a cone shape. Repeat this process for all tortilla halves, using remaining cheese and chicken mixtures and reserving some cheese for topping.
- Assemble the quesadilla ring: Place a 3-inch-wide cup or bowl in the center of your parchment-lined baking sheet as a guide. Arrange each rolled tortilla with the smaller, pointed end against the cup, forming a circular ring around it. Once the first layer is arranged, sprinkle some of the leftover cheese mixture over the tops of the tortillas. Repeat layering two more times to build up a three-layered ring. Remove the cup from the center carefully once the ring is complete.
- Bake the quesadilla ring: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the tortilla edges are slightly golden. This will ensure the center is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Pour ranch dressing into a 3-inch ramekin and set it in the center of the quesadilla ring. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to dip their cheesy, spicy quesadilla cones into the cool ranch.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a roast, rotisserie, or leftovers to save time.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control the heat level—use mild or hot sauce according to taste.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing for easy blending.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Quesadilla ring, buffalo chicken appetizer, party appetizer, baked quesadilla, cheesy chicken cones
