The Comfort Spoon

 

***

Shrimp Mac & Cheese Cones: The Viral Sensation You HAVE to Try!

Hey there, friend! Have you seen those utterly irresistible, totally genius Shrimp Mac & Cheese Cones taking over your social media feed? I know I have, and let me tell you, my curiosity was officially piqued. Creamy, dreamy mac and cheese—the ultimate comfort food—gets a seriously fun upgrade with tender, savory shrimp, and it’s all served in a crispy, handheld waffle cone. It’s a little bit fancy, a whole lot of fun, and 100% guaranteed to be the star of any party, game day spread, or “just because” Tuesday night.

I’m a firm believer that food should be an adventure, and this recipe is exactly that. It takes something familiar and cozy and turns it into a conversation-starting, show-stopping masterpiece. I know what you might be thinking: “Mac and cheese… in a cone? Is that even good?” Trust me, my fellow foodie, it’s more than good. It’s a textural dream come true. The creamy, cheesy pasta and juicy shrimp are a match made in heaven, and the waffle cone adds this wonderful, subtle sweetness and an incredible crunch that just… works. It’s the kind of unexpected magic I live for in the kitchen.

So, are you ready to break the internet from the comfort of your own home? Grab your favorite apron and your sense of culinary fun. We’re about to cook up something truly amazing, and I’ll be right here with you, cheering you on every step of the way. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a kitchen story waiting to happen. Let’s make some memories, one delicious cone at a time!

The Day Comfort Food Got a Fun New Vessel

Print

This recipe instantly transported me back to summers at the beach with my family. We’d always stop at this little boardwalk stand that sold the most incredible savory waffle cones filled with seafood salads. It felt so luxurious and fun to be eating something so delicious out of a cone, like an ice cream treat for dinner! That memory of salty sea air, laughter, and the joy of a handheld meal has always stuck with me.

When I first saw the concept of mac and cheese in a cone pop up online, it was like a lightbulb went off. That childhood feeling of whimsy came rushing back. I knew I had to put my own spin on it, to create a version that felt both nostalgic and excitingly new. Adding shrimp was my natural first move—a nod to those boardwalk days. The result is this recipe, a dish that perfectly blends the cozy, heartwarming feeling of my mom’s best mac and cheese with the pure, unadulterated joy of eating something fun and a little bit silly. It’s a reminder that some of the best kitchen creations come from happy memories and a willingness to play with our food!

Gathering Your Magical Ingredients

This is where the magic starts! The ingredient list is beautifully simple, but each component plays a starring role. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this viral wonder.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked – The classic choice! Its small, curved shape is perfect for scooping and fits wonderfully in the cone. Chef’s Insight: Be sure to cook it just to al dente—it will continue to cook a bit in the cheese sauce, and we don’t want mushy pasta!
• 2 tablespoons butter & 2 tablespoons flour – Our dynamic duo for the roux, the base of our luxuriously smooth cheese sauce. This simple mixture thickens the sauce beautifully without any lumps.
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest sauce, but 2% works great, too! I don’t recommend skim, as the sauce might be a little thin.
• 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The flavor powerhouse! Sharp cheddar has a bold taste that stands up to the shrimp and the cone. Pro Tip: For the love of all things cheesy, shred your own! Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. A block of cheese and a box grater are your best friends here.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – This is our secret weapon for a deep, savory background note that doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Don’t be shy! Season in layers. A little in the shrimp, a little in the sauce—it makes all the difference.
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped – I use medium-sized shrimp for this. Chopping them into bite-sized pieces ensures you get a little shrimp in every single bite. Substitution Tip: No shrimp? Diced, cooked chicken or even lump crab meat would be fabulous here!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a touch to sauté our shrimp to juicy perfection.
• 6–8 waffle cones – The showstopper! You can use standard sweet ice cream cones. The sweet-and-salty contrast is divine. For a more neutral base, look for “savory” or “plain” waffle cones online or at specialty stores.
• Chopped chives or paprika for garnish (optional) – A sprinkle of fresh green chives adds a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor, while a dash of paprika gives a lovely color and a subtle smoky warmth.

Let’s Build Our Masterpiece: Step-by-Step!

Okay, team! Aprons on, let’s do this. I’ll walk you through each step with all my favorite chef hacks to ensure your Shrimp Mac & Cheese Cones are absolutely flawless.

1. Cook Your Pasta & Prep Your Shrimp: First things first, get your elbow macaroni cooking in a large pot of well-salted water according to the package directions for al dente. While that’s bubbling away, pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel—this is key for getting a nice sear instead of steaming them. Chop them into hearty, bite-sized pieces. Chef’s Hack: I like to toss the chopped shrimp with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper before cooking to season them from the inside out.
2. Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection: Heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until they’re pink, opaque, and beautifully curled. Do not overcook them! They will continue to warm through when we mix them into the sauce. Transfer them to a plate and set them aside. We’re building layers of flavor here, my friend!
3. Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce (The Heart of the Dish!): Now, for the main event—the cheese sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s foaming, whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour. Keep whisking for about a full minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates our roux. Chef’s Hack: A constant, steady whisk is your best friend here to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Incorporate the Milk: Now, slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly. I mean it—don’t stop whisking! This will feel like an arm workout, but it’s the secret to a silky-smooth sauce. Keep cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Bring on the Cheese! Turn the heat down to low. Now, gradually add your glorious, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, whisking until it’s completely melted and incorporated before adding the next. This patience pays off in a perfectly emulsified, non-greasy sauce. Once all the cheese is melted in, stir in the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a try! Does it need more pepper? A pinch more salt? Make it yours.
6. The Grand Finale: Combine Everything: By now, your pasta should be drained and your shrimp are ready. Add the cooked macaroni and the sautéed shrimp (and any juices from the plate!) into the beautiful cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until every single piece of pasta and shrimp is enveloped in that cheesy goodness. Take it off the heat.
7. The Fun Part: Fill Those Cones! Here’s a crucial tip: let the mac and cheese mixture cool for about 5-7 minutes before you scoop it into the cones. If it’s piping hot, it can make the cones soggy too quickly. Use a large spoon or a small ice cream scoop to carefully fill each waffle cone. Don’t pack it down too tightly—a gentle fill does the trick. Chef’s Hack: Stand your filled cones upright in a tall glass or a muffin tin to keep them stable while you finish the rest.
8. Garnish and Serve Immediately: For that final, professional touch, sprinkle your finished cones with a little chopped fresh chives or a dusting of paprika. Then, serve them right away with big smiles! The combination of the warm, creamy filling and the crispy, sweet cone is an experience you have to taste to believe.

How to Serve These Show-Stopping Cones

Presentation is part of the fun with this dish! I love to stand them upright in a tall jar, a pretty pitcher, or even line them up in a muffin tin for a casual, serve-yourself setup. They are the ultimate handheld appetizer, perfect for a party where people are mingling. For a more substantial meal, serve two cones per person alongside a simple, crisp green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. No matter how you plate them, get ready for a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs”!

Make It Your Own: Delicious Recipe Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it.

• Bacon & Cheddar: Swap the shrimp for 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon. A classic combo that never fails!
• Lobster Mac & Cheese Cone: Feeling decadent? Use chopped, cooked lobster meat instead of shrimp for the ultimate luxury experience.
• Spicy Southwest: Add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the shrimp while sautéing, and use a blend of Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese.
• Truffle Twist: Stir in 1 teaspoon of truffle oil into the finished mac and cheese for an incredibly elegant, earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cones. For the sauce, use a gluten-free flour blend and your preferred unsweetened non-dairy milk and cheese shreds.

Anna’s Chef’s Notes & Kitchen Stories

This recipe has had quite the journey in my own kitchen! The first time I tested it, I was so excited that I filled the cones *immediately* after making the mac and cheese. Let’s just say we had a bit of a structural integrity situation—a delicious, but slightly messy, situation. That’s how I learned the vital “cool slightly” step. It makes all the difference in keeping your cone crisp for that perfect first bite.

I also love how this recipe encourages playfulness. My kids now beg to help fill the cones, and it’s become one of our favorite “fun food Friday” activities. It’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, the most memorable meals are the ones that make you laugh, get a little messy, and break all the rules. This dish has evolved from a viral trend into a staple in our home for creating joy, and I hope it does the same in yours.

Your Questions, Answered! (FAQs & Troubleshooting)

I’ve gotten so many wonderful questions about this recipe! Here are answers to the most common ones to help you feel like a total pro.

Q: My cheese sauce turned out grainy. What happened?
A: This is usually caused by two things: using pre-shredded cheese (which has starches that can seize up) or adding the cheese to a sauce that is too hot. Always shred your own cheese and add it to the sauce off the heat, or with the heat turned very low. If it does get grainy, a splash of fresh milk and a vigorous whisk can sometimes bring it back together!

Q: Can I make the mac and cheese filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese (with shrimp) up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen it up, let it cool for a few minutes, and then fill your cones. I don’t recommend filling the cones ahead of time, as they will get soft.

Q: The cones are getting soggy too fast. Any tips?
A> Yes! This is the key to success. First, make sure your filling has cooled for 5-7 minutes before filling. Second, serve them immediately after assembling. They are meant to be enjoyed right away for the best textural contrast. Think of it like a taco shell—it’s best when freshly filled!

Q: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A> Of course! Small pasta shapes like cavatappi, shells, or even ditalini would work wonderfully. Just stick with something small that will fit nicely into the cone and hold the sauce well.

Quick Nutritional Breakdown

Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown per cone, calculated using the ingredients listed. Values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Estimated per cone: Calories: 410 | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 32g | Protein: 20g

Final Thoughts

These Shrimp Mac & Cheese Cones are pure, playful comfort food at its best. They take a classic, beloved dish and turn it into something unexpected, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy—without sacrificing any of that creamy, cheesy goodness we all love. Whether you’re serving them at a party, surprising the kids on a Friday night, or just indulging in a whimsical weeknight treat, these cones are guaranteed to bring smiles, compliments, and maybe even a little healthy kitchen chaos.

The best part? They’re flexible. Swap the shrimp for lobster, bacon, or a veggie twist, and you’ve got a new variation every time. Just remember the key steps—cook the pasta al dente, sauté the shrimp perfectly, and let the mac and cheese cool slightly before filling the cones—and you’ll have a show-stopping, handheld masterpiece every time.

So go ahead, embrace the fun, break a few culinary rules, and enjoy every gooey, crunchy, cheesy bite. This recipe isn’t just food—it’s a moment of joy on a cone.