Description
This Blooming Quesadilla Ring is a fun and delicious appetizer featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and Buffalo sauce, wrapped in small flour tortillas with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to melty perfection, it’s perfect for parties or game day gatherings, served with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 oz)
Other Ingredients
- 24 small flour tortillas
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken Mixture: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and sliced scallions. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble Tortilla Cones: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Cut each tortilla in half. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center. Starting from the cut edge, fold the bottom quarter of the tortilla up into a triangle and then continue rolling it into a cone shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and chicken mixture, reserving some cheese for topping the ring.
- Form the Quesadilla Ring: Place a 3-inch wide cup or bowl in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the rolled tortillas around the cup with the smaller, pointed ends facing inward against the cup, forming a ring. Sprinkle some of the reserved cheese mixture over the tops of the tortillas. Add two more layers of rolled tortillas on top, each time sprinkling additional cheese over them. Once done, carefully remove the cup from the center to leave a hollow ring in the middle.
- Bake: Bake the quesadilla ring in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the centers of the cones are heated through.
- Serve: Pour ranch dressing into a small 3-inch ramekin and place it in the center hole of the quesadilla ring for dipping. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use small flour tortillas to create manageable rolls that crisp up nicely.
- You can substitute Buffalo sauce with your favorite hot sauce or mild sauce for less heat.
- For variation, add cooked bacon or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: quesadilla ring, Buffalo chicken appetizer, party food, baked quesadilla, finger food, chicken and cheese, ranch dip
