If you are on the hunt for a fabulous and fun twist on a classic favorite, this Quesadilla Cones Recipe is going to steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine all the cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and colorful veggies packed snugly inside a crispy cone that’s easy to hold and even easier to devour. It’s the perfect appetizer or snack to bring a little fiesta to any gathering or just spice up your weeknight dinners. The combination of melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, seasoned chicken, and hints of sweet corn and bell pepper wrapped in a golden tortilla cone creates a mouthwatering bite every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to making this dish so delightful. Each component plays a key role — from richness, texture, to vibrant colors — resulting in quesadilla cones that are anything but ordinary.
- 6 large flour tortillas: The sturdy yet flexible base that crisps in the oven and shapes perfectly into cones.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein with a tender bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp flavor and a beautiful orange hue.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers mild creaminess and excellent melting qualities.
- ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained): Adds a soft texture and earthy taste while boosting protein and fiber.
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Sweet bursts that balance the savory flavors.
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper: Provides a pop of color and fresh crunch.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Delivers subtle sharpness that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning: Infuses warm spices like cumin and chili powder for that authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ensures everything melds beautifully and keeps the filling moist.
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole: Classic dipping options that complement and elevate the cones.
How to Make Quesadilla Cones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, combine the shredded chicken, both cheeses, black beans, corn, bell pepper, green onions, taco seasoning, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated, blending textures and flavors into one irresistible filling.
Step 2: Shape the Tortilla Cones
Take each large flour tortilla and cut them in half. Now comes the fun part — gently mold each half into a cone shape by overlapping the cut edges. Secure these with a toothpick to hold the shape as they bake. This simple step is key to creating that delightful handheld experience everyone will love.
Step 3: Fill and Position the Cones
Carefully spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the flavorful filling into each cone, making sure it’s nicely packed but not overstuffed. Then place the filled cones upright in a muffin tin. This clever trick keeps the cones steady and ensures they bake evenly, with a crispy outside and melty filling inside.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cones in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the tortillas to turn golden and crispy and the cheese inside to bubble with deliciousness. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully taking out the toothpicks to avoid any mishaps.
How to Serve Quesadilla Cones Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of chunky salsa, or creamy guacamole on the side instantly elevates these quesadilla cones, bringing a creamy contrast that balances the crunchy and cheesy textures. You can also sprinkle a little fresh cilantro or chopped tomatoes on top for a colorful, fresh finish.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal or party platter, pair the quesadilla cones with a simple Mexican rice, zesty pico de gallo, or a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette. These sides add freshness and variety, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the quesadilla cones upright in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment for a fun, casual look that invites everyone to dig in. Or try stacking them on a colorful platter garnished with sliced limes and jalapeño rings for a festive and vibrant presentation. The handheld nature of the cones makes them a winner for any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist eating them all at once), store the quesadilla cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing their delightful crispness too much.
Freezing
You can freeze the filled but unbaked quesadilla cones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring leftover or frozen quesadilla cones back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and the tortilla is crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the Quesadilla Cones Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken and add extra black beans or your favorite sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini. This keeps the dish hearty, flavorful, and perfect for vegetarians.
What can I use if I don’t have a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use an oven-safe dish or stand the cones upright by placing them carefully on a lined baking sheet, using crumpled foil to prop them up gently so they don’t tip over while baking.
How spicy is this Quesadilla Cones Recipe?
The recipe has a warming mild spice from the taco seasoning, making it kid-friendly and approachable. If you love heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for an extra kick.
Can these be made ahead for parties?
You can assemble the filled cones ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking just before your guests arrive. This saves time but still delivers fresh and crispy results right from your oven.
What’s the best way to serve these quesadilla cones with dips?
Serving the quesadilla cones with a trio of dips such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole provides a wonderful variety, catering to different tastes and making every bite a little adventure in flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Quesadilla Cones Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired comfort food with a playful twist. Whether for a casual snack, a party appetizer, or a family dinner, these cones bring incredible flavor, satisfying textures, and a ton of fun to the table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover this easy, scrumptious recipe sooner!
Print
Quesadilla Cones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 quesadilla cones
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Quesadilla Cones are a fun and delicious handheld appetizer featuring crispy baked flour tortillas filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, melted cheeses, black beans, corn, and veggies. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they’re served warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the quesadilla cones.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, taco seasoning, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat ingredients.
- Shape Tortillas: Cut each large flour tortilla in half. Then form each half into a cone shape by overlapping the cut edges and securing with a toothpick.
- Fill Cones: Carefully fill each tortilla cone with about 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared filling mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the filled cones upright in a muffin tin to hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until tortillas are golden and crispy and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cones cool slightly, then remove toothpicks. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- For a spicier flavor, include chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the filling mixture.
