Pancarrè Cones: The Perfect Appetizer Starter With Just 4 Ingredients

Pancarrè cones are a fun and elegant appetizer made with simple pantry staples like sandwich bread, tuna, and fresh tomatoes. These crispy, golden cones are filled with a creamy and savory tuna salad—perfect for serving at dinner parties, holidays, or even as a quick weekend starter. Whether you're entertaining or just feeling creative, this easy recipe will definitely impress.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Creamy Combo: Toasted bread cones meet a creamy tuna filling.
• Quick and Easy: Made with only 4 ingredients in about 15 minutes.
• Perfect for Parties: Fun shape, bite-sized, and great for sharing.
• Customizable: Fill them with your favorite salad or spread.
• Kid-Approved: Finger food that even picky eaters love!

What Are Pancarrè Cones?

Pancarrè cones are an Italian-inspired appetizer made by shaping white sandwich bread (known as pancarrè in Italy) into cone shapes and baking them until golden. Once crisp, they’re filled with savory mixtures—here, a creamy tuna and tomato salad. Think of them as the Mediterranean version of savory ice cream cones—only better!

Pro Tips for the Best Pancarrè Cones

• Use Thin Sandwich Bread: Easier to roll and crisps up nicely.
• Seal the Edges Well: Use a bit of mayo or egg wash to hold the shape if needed.
• Let Them Cool Slightly before filling to avoid sogginess.
• Try Other Fillings: Chicken salad, egg salad, or veggie cream cheese all work great.
• Serve Immediately for best texture—warm cone, cool filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the bread cones and the filling in advance, but fill them just before serving to keep the cones crispy.

What’s the Best Bread to Use?

Use standard white sandwich bread (pancarrè). Avoid thick-cut or artisanal bread as it’s harder to shape.

Can I Use a Different Filling?

Absolutely! Anything from hummus to crab salad or even guacamole works beautifully.

Do I Need a Cone Mold?

No mold needed—just roll into a cone and secure with a toothpick.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, swap the tuna for mashed chickpeas, roasted peppers, or a veggie spread.

Are These Served Hot or Cold?

Serve the cones slightly warm or room temperature, filled with a chilled or room-temp salad.

How to Store

If you have leftover components, store the bread cones and the filling separately. Keep the cones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to retain crispness. Store the filling in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed container.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the bread cones lose their texture and the mayonnaise-based filling does not freeze well.

How to Make Pancarrè Cones

Roll out each slice of bread with a rolling pin. Cut diagonally to form triangles, then shape each into a cone and fasten the edges with a toothpick.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the cones on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Let cool.

In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, smoked tuna, and mayonnaise. Mix until creamy.

Gently remove the toothpicks, then fill each bread cone with the tuna mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!