For a long-time Taco Bell enthusiast, the chalupa holds a special place. My first encounter with Taco Bell’s menu involved the chalupa, back when it debuted in 1999. Nostalgia might play a part, recalling those commercials featuring the iconic Chihuahua, but the real draw was always the uniquely textured and satisfying chalupa shell. While my Taco Bell favorites have expanded to include the Cheesy Gordita Crunch and Crunchwrap Supreme, the original chalupa remains a beloved classic.
So, naturally, any new chalupa variation grabs my attention. The latest offering, the Cheesy Street Chalupa, was particularly intriguing. Was it an extra cheesy street food version? Or a chalupa inspired by cheesy streets? The name conjured up delicious possibilities, and the visuals were undeniably appealing. A Taco Bell run was definitely in order as soon as these hit the menu on July 18th.
Taco Bell has consistently delivered satisfying fast food experiences, and I had high hopes for this new creation. Spoiler alert: the Cheesy Street Chalupa has quickly become a top-tier special menu item for me.
The Cheesy Street Chalupas from Taco Bell offer a unique and cheesy twist on the classic chalupa, perfect for fast food lovers seeking bold flavors.
The presentation of the Cheesy Street Chalupas was a step above typical Taco Bell fare. The ornate wrapping initially made me hesitant, worried about a messy unwrapping process. However, they opened cleanly to reveal the chalupas nestled in individual paper sleeves.
The first thing I noticed was the size – these are adorably small. Yes, “adorable” is the word that comes to mind for a chalupa. Embrace it. They are essentially street taco-sized, approximately half the size of a standard chalupa. Thankfully, each order includes two, and trust me, you’ll be glad there are two. They are incredibly tasty.
These chalupa shells are generously filled with melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheese. You can see and taste the crispy, browned cheese edges right away with the first bite. If you’re a fan of the original chalupa shell, prepare to be amazed. These are hot, intensely cheesy, crispy yet delightfully chewy, and honestly, could be enjoyed on their own. But the addition of slow-roasted cantina chicken, creamy jalapeño ranch sauce, and fresh onions and cilantro elevates this dish to another level. It genuinely felt closer to eating at a Mexican restaurant than a fast-food chain – and that’s a compliment to Taco Bell.
I also sampled the Cheesy Street Chalupa with marinated steak. While also enjoyable, the cantina chicken version was the clear winner for me. The chicken complements the cheesy shell and other ingredients perfectly. Steak, while a decent option, isn’t something I typically crave from Taco Bell.
A pair of Cheesy Street Chalupas is priced at $5.49, and they are available for a limited time only. If you have any appreciation for Taco Bell’s creative menu items, make a trip soon. This Cheesy Street Chalupa might just be Taco Bell’s best special offering yet.
