We Tried Taco Bell’s New Toasted Cheddar Chalupa, and Here’s What We Really Thought

I always find it difficult to resist a unique addition to the Taco Bell menu, and their new Toasted Cheddar Chalupa is no exception.

The item dropped on their menu today, so of course I made plans to visit my local Taco Bell to order one and find out if could truly taste as good as it sounds. Turns out, it lives up to the hype.

The Chalupa

The Toasted Cheddar Chalupa is an update on the classic, baking aged cheddar cheese into their signature thick, chewy shell. Like the O.G. Chalupa, it's then filled with a choice or beef, chicken or steak and topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, grated cheddar cheese and sour cream, with all of those flavors enhanced by crispy cheddar flavor. It's available today in Taco Bells across the country, and starts at $2.49 per Chalupa.

(via Taco Bell)

 

 The Experience

Though my real-life Toasted Cheddar Chalupa didn't exactly resemble the one in Taco Bell's official photos, I thought it still looked incredibly tasty. The toasty cheese on the Chalupa shell looked crisp and inviting, and once I'd snapped a couple of photos I couldn't help but dig right in.

The thick shell had a nice crispy bite to it, and the toasted cheddar flavor was deliciously sharp up front, before making way for the flavors of its contents—primarily the beef and sour cream. However, I was delighted to find that once those tastes faded, the cheddar flavor resurfaced as a delightfully cheesy aftertaste. The shell remained crisp and maintained a great texture throughout the experience, and even though the taste of cheddar seemed to get weaker over time, I didn't start enjoying it any less. It was also the perfect size, and I felt satisfied, but not overstuffed, when it was gone.

 

Bottom Line

If you like rich, sharp cheese flavors, and you enjoy Taco Bell, you're going to love the Toasted Cheddar Chalupa. Chalupas are already one of the most beloved items on the menu, and this creation makes them even more delicious with the addition of crispy, toasted cheese. In my opinion, it's an improvement on the original. I hope Taco Bell decides to keep it around.

 

Want to document your own Toasted Cheddar Chalupa experience? Click HERE for some deliciously cheesy captions for your Taco Bell pics.