Blooming Quesadilla Ring Appetizer (Printable)

Mini cheese quesadillas arranged in a stunning blooming ring, baked golden and perfect for party dipping.

# What you'll need:

→ 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 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Garnish and Dipping

12 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1 cup prepared salsa
14 - 0.5 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 bowl, combine cheddar, Monterey Jack, black beans, bell pepper, green onion, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Cut each 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 quesadilla triangles on prepared baking sheet with points facing inward and slightly overlapping to form a circular flower pattern.
06 - Brush the tops of all quesadillas with melted butter.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Carefully slide 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 in the center of the ring. Arrange lime wedges around the platter. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours but actually comes together in less time than most casseroles.
  • Everyone gets their own little quesadilla triangle, no awkward slicing or serving required.
  • The center becomes a natural dip station, so presentation and function happen at once.
  • You can prep the filling hours ahead and assemble right before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Do not overfill the tortillas or they will burst open in the oven and your ring will lose its shape.
  • Press the edges firmly but gently when folding, because loose triangles will unfold and spill cheese everywhere.
  • If your tortillas are cold from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes so they fold without cracking.
03 -
  • Use a pizza cutter to slice the tortillas quickly and evenly without tearing them.
  • Let the ring cool for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring it to a platter so the cheese sets slightly and holds its shape better.
  • Brush any leftover melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor on top.
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