If you thought you’d seen every take on nachos, think again. These Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken & Waffle Cone Nachos flip the script with spicy shredded chicken, melty cheese, cool blue cheese dressing, and crushed waffle cones for a sweet-savory crunch that’s wildly irresistible. It’s the kind of bold mashup that gets people talking (and eating), perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you want to shake things up in the snack department.
Why I Love This Recipe
It hits all the right notes: spicy, creamy, crunchy, and unexpectedly sweet thanks to those crushed waffle cones. The heat from the buffalo sauce is balanced beautifully by the richness of the blue cheese and cheddar, while the cones add a nostalgic waffle-y sweetness that’s surprisingly perfect with the savory toppings. It’s fast, fun, and a guaranteed conversation starter — and best of all, it’s baked in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 waffle cones, crushed
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use your preferred heat level — medium or hot, or even mix in a little honey for sweet heat.
- Blue Cheese: Not a fan? Swap it for ranch dressing and mozzarella.
- Waffle Cones: Choose cones without added chocolate or sugar glaze. Crushed stroopwafels or sweet crackers could work for adventurous spins.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the Chicken
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Mix the Cheeses
In a separate bowl, stir together blue cheese dressing, crumbled blue cheese, and shredded cheddar.
4. Assemble the Nachos
Spread the crushed waffle cones evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Layer the buffalo chicken mixture on top, then spoon the cheese mixture evenly over everything.
5. Bake
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melty.
6. Finish & Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve hot, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Bake: The cones can go from crisp to too hard if overbaked — keep an eye on them.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste your buffalo sauce blend — if it’s too sharp, a drizzle of honey can mellow it out.
- Get Creative: Add chopped celery, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of ranch for extra layers of flavor and crunch.
- Presentation Tip: Serve in individual paper cones or mini cast-iron skillets for a fun party look.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish brings bold energy, so pair it with equally punchy sides and sips:
- Serve with This Crockpot Nacho Dip for a full-blown snack spread
- Add These Totchos for a creative nacho twist
- Pair with This Beer Cheese Dip and pretzels
- Serve with a light slaw or crisp celery sticks to cool the heat
- Round out with This Dorito Casserole if you’re turning snack night into dinner
- Need to feed a crowd fast? These Sheet Pan Quesadillas have your back
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Best Fresh: Like most nachos, these are best enjoyed immediately for max crunch.
- Short-Term Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a toaster oven, though the cones may soften.
- Make Ahead: Prep all components separately and assemble just before baking.
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken & Waffle Cone Nachos take everything you love about classic bar food and turn it into something playful, unexpected, and utterly addictive. Sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy — all in one glorious bite.
Give them a try and let me know how you make them your own! And don’t forget to follow along at ChefManiac for more bold, creative recipes you’ll be proud to serve.
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