Loaded Chicken Bacon Cheese Cones

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Craving comfort food? Try these loaded waffle cones! Fill crispy cones with shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, melted cheddar, creamy ranch, and green onions. Bake until golden and bubbly. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

For the best texture, use fresh waffle cones. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. Swap bacon for turkey bacon or sausage for variation.

Bake upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sogginess. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Casey
Updated on Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:06:06 GMT
A plate of food with a waffle on it. Pin it
A plate of food with a waffle on it. | cookingwithcasey.com

This handheld meal is my ultimate secret weapon for game days and casual get togethers, turning a simple, savory chicken dip into a fun, edible cone everyone loves. They are the first thing to disappear from the table every single time.

I first made these for a neighborhood potluck, and they were gone in minutes. Now, people specifically ask me to bring them to every single gathering we have.

Ingredients

  • Waffle cones: you need six of them and it is best to find fresh, crisp ones so they hold up to baking
  • Cooked chicken: shredded about two cups a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time saver and adds amazing flavor
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: two cups of it because the sharp tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the ranch and bacon
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon: a half cup for that essential salty smoky crunch
  • Ranch dressing: you will need a half cup use your favorite brand for that classic creamy herby flavor
  • Cream cheese: four ounces softened to room temperature this is the secret to a rich cohesive filling
  • Green onions: a quarter cup chopped for a mild fresh bite that cuts through the richness
  • Salt and pepper: just a bit to taste to bring all the flavors together

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Workspace:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting the oven fully hot ensures the cones bake evenly and get crispy without the filling making them soggy. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Create the Savory Filling:
In a medium sized bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and ranch dressing. Mix them together until they are smooth. Then, add the shredded chicken, two cups of shredded cheddar, the crumbled bacon, and the chopped green onions. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated in that creamy, cheesy mixture.
Carefully Stuff the Cones:
Now for the fun part. Gently spoon the chicken mixture into each of the six waffle cones. You want to pack it in firmly enough so it is full, but be careful not to be too aggressive or you might crack the cone. I like to tap the bottom of the cone lightly on the counter to help the filling settle all the way to the bottom.
Bake Until Golden:
Stand the filled cones upright on your prepared baking sheet. It helps to leave a little space between them for air to circulate, which helps them crisp up. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cones to turn a beautiful golden brown and for the cheese on top to be melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes as the edges of the cones can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cones cool for at least a few minutes. They will be incredibly hot, and this cooling time allows the cheesy filling to set up a bit, making them easier to handle and eat.
A plate of food with a waffle and meat on it. Pin it
A plate of food with a waffle and meat on it. | cookingwithcasey.com

The softened cream cheese is truly the star player here. It acts as the delicious glue that holds everything together, ensuring the filling is unbelievably creamy and not dry at all. I’ll never forget my son’s face the first time he bit into one of these, the pure joy was priceless.

Storing and Reheating Your Cones

If you have any leftovers, which is rare, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The biggest challenge is preventing the cone from getting soft. The best way to reheat them is in a toaster oven or an air fryer at around 350 degrees for a few minutes until the filling is warm and the cone is crisp again. I strongly suggest avoiding the microwave, as it will turn that wonderfully crisp cone into a soft, chewy disappointment.

Fun Ingredient Swaps and Variations

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize. Don't love cheddar? Try a Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack for a little kick. You can swap the bacon for crumbled cooked sausage or even diced ham. For a lighter take, you can use low fat cream cheese and substitute half of the ranch dressing with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy protein boost.

Serving Suggestions

These cones are a meal in themselves, but they also play well with others. I love serving them with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. They are also fantastic with a side of celery and carrot sticks for dipping, or even a small bowl of marinara or buffalo sauce if you want to get extra creative.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best way to keep the waffle cones from getting soggy?

Bake the cones upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overfilling them with wet ingredients. Serve shortly after baking for optimal crispness.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese would be delicious alternatives to cheddar. Consider the flavor profile you're aiming for.

→ What kind of chicken works best in these cones?

Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient and tender option. You can also use shredded chicken breasts that have been baked, boiled, or grilled.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the cones just before serving to prevent sogginess.

→ What's a good substitute for bacon?

Turkey bacon or crumbled cooked sausage are great alternatives. You can even use vegetarian bacon substitutes.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best results. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the cones soggy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Loaded Ranch Chicken Bacon Cones

Chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch-filled waffle cones! A delicious and easy handheld meal perfect for parties or a fun dinner. (117 chars)

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
33 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Yield: 6 Servings (6 individual cones)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling Components

01 350g (2 cups) shredded cooked chicken
02 240g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
03 60g (1/2 cup) crumbled cooked bacon
04 120ml (1/2 cup) ranch dressing
05 115g (4 ounces) softened cream cheese
06 60ml (1/4 cup) chopped green onions
07 Kosher salt, to taste
08 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

09 6 standard waffle cones

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal baking temperature.

Step 02

In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preferred taste. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are cohesively blended.

Step 03

Carefully pack the prepared chicken mixture into each waffle cone, filling it completely to the brim without overstuffing. Gently tap the base of each cone on your countertop to help settle the filling securely.

Step 04

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the filled waffle cones upright on the prepared sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each cone to facilitate even heat circulation and baking.

Step 05

Bake the cones for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the waffle cones achieve a desirable golden-brown crispness and the cheese within the filling is visibly melted and bubbling. Maintain close observation during the final minutes to prevent any burning.

Step 06

Allow the freshly baked cones to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes prior to serving. This cooling interval permits the filling to set and the cones to become more manageable for handling.

Notes

  1. For the finest texture and structural integrity, utilize fresh and crisp waffle cones.
  2. Convenience and tenderness can be enhanced by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  3. Customize the flavor profile by selecting either sharp or mild cheddar cheese according to personal preference.
  4. Consider substituting cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an alternative taste experience.
  5. Turkey bacon or cooked crumbled sausage are viable alternatives to conventional bacon.
  6. To reduce caloric content, opt for low-fat cream cheese and substitute full-fat ranch dressing with Greek yogurt.
  7. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for optimal crispness; microwave reheating is not advised as it can lead to sogginess.
  8. Prevent soggy cones by baking them upright and avoiding excessive filling with wet ingredients. Serve promptly after baking for the best experience.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (present in cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and ranch dressing)
  • Gluten (typically found in waffle cones)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 25 g