Blooming Quesadilla Ring Appetizer (Print Version)

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

# 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 - 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, 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 tortilla semicircle. Fold the straight edge over the filling to form a triangle, pressing gently to seal.
05 - Arrange quesadilla triangles on baking sheet with points facing inward and slightly overlapping, forming a tight blooming flower shape.
06 - Brush the tops of all triangles with melted butter.
07 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is melted.
08 - Slide onto a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
09 - Place salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices in small bowls at the center of the ring. Serve with lime wedges.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but it comes together in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom.
  • Everyone pulls their own wedge, so there's no awkward slicing or serving, just happy grabbing and dipping.
02 -
  • Don't overfill the tortillas or the cheese will leak out everywhere and make a mess on the pan, less is more here.
  • Let the ring cool for just a minute or two before moving it, otherwise it might fall apart and you'll be left with a pile of delicious rubble.
03 -
  • Use a pizza cutter to slice the tortillas fast and clean, it's way easier than a knife.
  • Brush the butter on generously, that's what makes the tops crispy and golden, not just pale and dry.
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