If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that combines cheesy goodness and savory chicken in an absolutely irresistible presentation, look no further than the Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe. This festive ring is made by thoughtfully rolling up filled tortilla halves and arranging them like petals, creating a fun and flavor-packed dish that invites sharing and smiles. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual family dinners, this recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a visual and culinary delight that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward crafting this vibrant dish. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor balance, texture contrast, and overall visual appeal, making the Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe a delicious hit.
- 20 flour tortilla taco shells: These provide the perfect soft yet sturdy wrap for the filling, allowing the quesadilla ring to hold its shape beautifully.
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast: A tender, protein-rich base that pairs wonderfully with the cheeses and sauces.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of vibrant color that livens up the dish.
- 3/4 cup red onion (finely diced): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the other filling ingredients.
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (finely diced): Brings a milder onion flavor, balancing out the sharpness of the red onion.
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa: Injects a fresh, tangy zing with bits of tomato and pepper for extra texture.
- 1 cup taco sauce: Deepens the flavor with its savory, mildly spicy notes, tying the filling ingredients together.
- 4 cups Colby and Monterey Jack cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully to create a creamy, stringy texture inside each quesadilla cone.
- 4 cups cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and rich orange color, enhancing both taste and appearance.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish): A bright herbaceous touch that finishes the dish with fresh flavor and visual contrast.
How to Make Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and place a wide mouth jar or glass dish right in the center. This will serve as the mold for your beautiful quesadilla ring.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Filling Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced red and yellow onions, chopped red bell pepper, chunky salsa, and taco sauce. This combination develops a layered taste with smoky, tangy, and fresh notes mingling perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
Using a sharp knife, cut each tortilla in half. These halves will be filled and rolled, so slicing with care is essential to maintain their shape.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Sprinkle half a tablespoon each of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese onto one side of each tortilla half. Then add one tablespoon of the chicken filling on top. Carefully roll each filled tortilla half into a tight cone, making sure not to squeeze the filling out from the top.
Step 5: Assemble the First Layer of the Ring
Arrange the rolled cones upright on the prepared baking sheet, with their pointed ends touching the sides of the jar. Continue placing them side by side around the jar, forming the first circular layer.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Build Layers
Sprinkle a generous amount of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese over the first layer for extra cheesiness. Then, repeat the rolling and layering process to add the second layer of cones atop the first, followed by a topping of cheddar cheese. Finish with a third layer of cones and sprinkle with the remaining cheese for a melty, golden top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Carefully remove the jar from the center of the ring. Place the baking sheet with the assembled quesadilla ring into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the tortillas turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts to bubbly perfection.
Step 8: Garnish and Prepare to Serve
Using the parchment paper, gently transfer the hot quesadilla ring to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a fragrant and colorful finishing touch.
How to Serve Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness that balances the rich cheese and savory chicken wonderfully. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños for some extra zing and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This quesadilla ring pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetable sticks, guacamole, or a cool Mexican street corn salad. These sides add refreshing textures and flavors that complement the warm, cheesy ring perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, place the quesadilla ring on a colorful platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, and creamy chipotle sauce. It’s an eye-catching centerpiece that encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain freshness and keeps the flavors intact for easy reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked ring by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To revive the quesadilla ring’s crispy texture and melty cheese, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can result in a soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend according to your taste preference. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain that gooey texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of veggies or add beans like black beans or refried beans to the filling for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
What can I use if I don’t have a wide mouth jar for shaping the ring?
You can use any round heatproof object with a similar opening, such as a small mixing bowl or round measuring cup. Just make sure it’s oven-safe and sturdy enough to hold the shape during assembly.
Can I prepare the quesadilla ring ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the ring on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since the ingredients will be chilled.
What dipping sauces go best with the Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and creamy chipotle sauce are all fantastic choices. Their fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors complement the rich, cheesy quesadilla cones wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
The Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe is such a joyful twist on classic quesadillas that it’s guaranteed to bring energy and flavor to your table. Whether it’s for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe’s perfect combination of crunchy tortilla, melty cheese, and savory chicken is pure comfort food magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the burst of flavor and fun presentation in every delicious bite!
Print
Blooming Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Ring Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
The Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a creative and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring layers of rolled tortilla halves stuffed with seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, and three types of cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this ring is perfect for parties and gatherings, serving 10 generous portions.
Ingredients
Quesadilla Ring
- 20 flour tortilla taco shells
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 4 cups Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wide mouth jar or glass dish in the center to form the shape of the ring.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red and yellow onions, chunky salsa, and taco sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Cut Tortillas: Using a sharp knife, cut all the flour tortillas in half to create semicircle halves for rolling.
- Assemble Cones: Sprinkle approximately 1/2 tablespoon each of Colby Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese on one half of each tortilla. Add about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture atop the cheese.
- Roll Tortillas: Roll each tortilla half into a tight cone shape, being careful not to squeeze out the filling from the top.
- Form Bottom Layer: Arrange the rolled cones on the baking sheet around the jar with the pointed ends touching the jar to form a ring. Complete the bottom layer by filling the circle.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a generous amount of Colby Monterey Jack cheese over the bottom layer of cones.
- Form Second Layer: Repeat the rolling and arranging process for the second layer on top of the first. Once arranged, sprinkle this layer with cheddar cheese.
- Form Third Layer: Place the rolled cones to form the final third layer of the ring. Top this layer with the remaining mixed cheeses.
- Remove Center Mold: Carefully remove the wide mouth jar or dish from the center of the ring, leaving the cone structure intact.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas turn golden brown and the cheeses have melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Using the parchment paper, carefully transfer the quesadilla ring to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm with salsa or preferred dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked shredded chicken with cooked ground beef or beans for a vegetarian option.
- Make sure to roll tortillas tightly to prevent filling from spilling during baking.
- If you don’t have a wide mouth jar, use any round heat-safe object of similar size as a mold.
- Serving the ring with extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream enhances the flavor experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best results.
