Blooming Quesadilla Ring

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 cup taco sauce
• 20 taco-size tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, chopped onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and taco sauce. Mix until well combined.
3. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken mixture.
5. Place another tortilla on top and press down gently to seal the edges.
6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the stacked tortillas into quarters, then cut each quarter in half again, creating eight equal-sized wedges.
7. Arrange the wedges vertically in the prepared springform pan, standing them up on their edges in a circle around the pan, with the pointed ends facing outward.
8. Continue layering and arranging the filled tortilla wedges in a circular pattern until the pan is full.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the quesadilla ring to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan.
11. Serve the Blooming Quesadilla Ring warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.