From my earliest memories, the Taco Bell chalupa has always held a special place in my heart. My inaugural Taco Bell order? You guessed it – a chalupa, back when they first graced the menu in 1999. Truth be told, as a wide-eyed 9-year-old, the iconic Chihuahua commercials likely captivated me more than the crispy, fried tortilla shell itself. However, it was the divinely textured chalupa shell that truly cemented Taco Bell’s position as my ultimate fast-food haven. While the Cheesy Gordita Crunch and Crunchwrap Supreme have since become my steadfast favorites, the original chalupa remains a nostalgic and cherished classic.
So, naturally, any new chalupa variation from Taco Bell immediately piques my interest. The latest creation, the Cheesy Street Chalupa, sparked an even greater curiosity. Were these street-style chalupas simply extra cheesy? Or were they chalupas inspired by cheesy streets? Intriguing questions aside, the promotional images of the new chalupa looked incredibly appealing, and I knew a Taco Bell run was imminent upon their release on July 18th.
Taco Bell has consistently delivered satisfying fast food experiences, and I had a strong feeling this new offering would be no exception. Spoiler alert: the Cheesy Street Chalupa has quickly become my favorite limited-time menu item in recent memory.
First Impressions: Size and Presentation
The Cheesy Street Chalupas boasted a more elaborate wrapping compared to typical Taco Bell fare. So much so, that I was initially concerned about unraveling them without causing a mess. However, they unwrapped cleanly, revealing the chalupas nestled within individual paper sleeves.
My immediate impression was their size – undeniably petite and utterly charming. Yes, I just used “charming” to describe a chalupa, but these street taco-sized delights are truly adorable. Being about half the size of a standard chalupa, they are perfectly portioned. Thankfully, each order includes two chalupas, and trust me, you’ll definitely want both. They are, without a doubt, incredibly delicious.
The Cheesy Shell: A Textural Masterpiece
These Cheesy Street Chalupa shells are generously stuffed with melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheese. Visible crispy, golden-brown bits of melted cheese adorn the shell, delivering an immediate cheesy burst with every bite. If you appreciate the classic chalupa shell, prepare to be completely captivated by these. They were served hot, boasting a delightful cheesy flavor, a satisfying crispness, and a pleasant chewiness all at once. Honestly, they were so flavorful I could have happily eaten the shells on their own.
However, the addition of slow-roasted cantina chicken, creamy jalapeño ranch sauce, and fresh onions and cilantro elevated this dish to another level. The combination of flavors and textures was so harmonious that it genuinely felt like a step above typical fast food, almost like dining at a casual Mexican restaurant – with all due respect to the beloved Bell, of course.
I also sampled the Cheesy Street Chalupas featuring marinated steak. While also enjoyable, the cantina chicken filling resonated more with my palate. The chicken was exceptionally flavorful and juicy, whereas steak, while decent, isn’t my go-to protein at Taco Bell.
Price and Limited Availability
A pair of Cheesy Street Chalupas is priced at $5.49, and this exciting menu item is available for a limited time only. If you have even a slight fondness for Taco Bell, I urge you to head to your nearest location and give these a try. In my opinion, the Cheesy Street Chalupa could very well be the best special menu item Taco Bell has ever created.
