Introduction
The Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a visually stunning and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a quesadilla with a fun and interactive presentation. It’s ideal for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something unique and tasty. The ring shape allows for easy pulling apart and dipping, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salsa, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Guacamole, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, cooked chicken (if using), black beans, corn, diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Assemble the Quesadilla Ring:
- Cut each flour tortilla into quarters, resulting in 16 triangle-shaped pieces.
- Place a spoonful of the filling onto the wide end of each tortilla triangle.
- Roll each triangle from the wide end towards the point, encasing the filling, and arrange them in a circular pattern on the prepared baking sheet, with the points facing inward and slightly overlapping each other to form a ring.
- Brush with Butter:
- Brush the tops of the rolled tortilla pieces with melted butter to help them turn golden brown and crispy while baking.
- Bake the Quesadilla Ring:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Carefully transfer the blooming quesadilla ring to a serving platter. Place bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole in the center of the ring for dipping.
Conclusion
The Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy quesadillas, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of gooey melted cheese, savory chicken (if using), and the satisfying crunch of baked tortillas makes this dish irresistible. The ring presentation is not only eye-catching but also practical, allowing everyone to easily pull apart a piece and dip it into their favorite sauces.
This recipe is highly customizable; you can add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste. Try different types of cheese, add sautéed vegetables, or even use ground beef instead of chicken. No matter how you make it, the Blooming Quesadilla Ring is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy this creative and delicious twist on a classic dish!
