Blooming Quesadilla Ring Appetizer (Printable)

Mini cheese quesadillas arranged in a stunning blooming ring, baked golden and served with dipping sauces.

# Ingredient List:

→ Quesadillas

01 - 16 small flour tortillas, 5-6 inches diameter
02 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
04 - 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
06 - 1 small green onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Garnish and Dipping

12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1 cup prepared salsa
14 - 1/2 cup sour cream
15 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
16 - Lime wedges (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onion, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
03 - Cut each flour tortilla in half to create 32 semicircles.
04 - Place 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture on each tortilla semicircle. Fold the straight edge over the filling to form a triangle, pressing gently to seal edges.
05 - Arrange filled quesadilla triangles on the prepared baking sheet with points facing inward and slightly overlapping to create a tight blooming flower shape.
06 - Brush the tops of all quesadilla triangles with melted butter using a pastry brush.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Transfer the blooming ring onto a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the entire arrangement.
09 - Place salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices in small bowls positioned in the center of the ring. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours arranging it, but it only takes 20 minutes of prep and some clever folding.
  • Everyone can grab their own portion without utensils, making it perfect for casual gatherings or game nights.
  • The crispy edges and gooey melted cheese hit every texture craving at once.
02 -
  • Don't overfill the tortillas or they'll burst open in the oven, and you'll lose that neat triangle shape.
  • Overlapping the triangles tightly is key, otherwise the ring can fall apart when you transfer it to the platter.
  • Brush the butter on generously, it's what makes the difference between pale tortillas and beautifully crisp, golden ones.
03 -
  • Use parchment paper instead of greasing the pan, it makes transferring the ring so much easier and prevents sticking.
  • Let the ring cool for just a minute or two before moving it, the cheese will set slightly and hold everything together better.
  • If you want extra crunch, broil the ring for the last 1 to 2 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
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