Blooming Quesadilla Ring Appetizer (Printable)

Mini cheese quesadillas arranged in a stunning blooming ring, baked golden and served with dips for parties.

# What You Need:

→ Quesadillas

01 - 16 small flour tortillas, 5 to 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 Make It:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours when it really takes less than forty minutes from start to finish.
  • Everyone gets their own crispy little triangle without fighting over the last bite.
  • You can prep the filling ahead and assemble right before guests arrive.
  • The center becomes a built in serving station for all your favorite dips.
02 -
  • If your tortillas are stiff or cold, they'll crack when you fold them, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes first.
  • The ring will look loose before baking but the cheese melts and fuses everything together, so don't panic if it seems wobbly going in.
  • Serve this hot from the oven because once it cools the cheese firms up and the tortillas lose that crispy edge.
03 -
  • Press the edges of each triangle firmly after folding or the cheese will leak out and glue them to the pan.
  • If you want extra crunch, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray in addition to the butter before baking.
  • Let the ring rest for two minutes after it comes out of the oven so the cheese sets just enough to hold its shape when you transfer it.
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