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
Scale
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.
