Transform your next gathering with a visually stunning and irresistibly tasty Blooming Quesadilla Ring, a creative twist on classic Mexican cuisine. This recipe combines the savory goodness of chicken, cheese, and vegetables with the convenience of tortillas for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply spicing up a family dinner, this quesadilla ring is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
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
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and taco sauce. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Prepare Tortillas: Cut each tortilla in half to make two semi-circles. On each tortilla half, evenly distribute about 2 tablespoons each of the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and the prepared chicken mixture.
Form Cones: Roll each filled tortilla half into a cone shape, starting from the cut edge. Be careful to keep the mixture inside.
Assemble the Ring: Place a wide-mouth jar or glass in the center of your prepared baking sheet. Arrange about 13 tortilla cones around the jar, with the points facing inward, to form the first layer of the ring. Sprinkle some of the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over this layer.
Build Layers: Repeat the process with the remaining tortilla cones to create two more layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
Bake: Carefully remove the jar from the center, then bake the quesadilla ring in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas have turned crispy and golden at the edges.
Serve: Transfer the blooming quesadilla ring to a serving platter. Fill the center with your choice of dip (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.), and add any desired garnishes (fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced olives).
Tips and Variations:
Customize Your Filling: Feel free to adapt the filling ingredients based on your preferences. Vegetarian options or different meats (pulled pork, beef) can work great too.
Adjust the Heat: Control the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño, or by using a milder or hotter taco sauce.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for new flavors. Pepper Jack or queso fresco are excellent choices.