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
Scale
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
