Unleash Your Inner Taco Bell Fanatic: The Ultimate Secret Menu Guide
Taco Bell, a haven for late-night cravings and customizable Mexican-inspired fast food, is more than just its standard menu. A world of culinary creativity awaits those who dare to venture beyond the familiar – the Taco Bell secret menu. While not officially acknowledged, this collection of fan-created and employee-tweaked items offers a chance to experience Taco Bell in a whole new way. Prepare your taste buds for an adventure as we delve into some of the best and most delicious Taco Bell secret menu items, providing you with detailed instructions on how to order them.
## What is the Taco Bell Secret Menu?
The Taco Bell secret menu isn’t a physical menu you’ll find hanging behind the counter. Instead, it’s a collection of customizations and combinations that have gained popularity over time. These items are often created by customers experimenting with existing ingredients or by employees sharing their own creations. The key to unlocking this hidden world is knowing the ingredients and how to ask for them specifically.
**Important Note:** Since these items are not officially on the menu, consistency can vary. It’s crucial to be polite, patient, and clear with your order. Be prepared to explain the components of the item you’re requesting, as some employees might not be familiar with every secret menu creation.
## Top Taco Bell Secret Menu Items and How to Order Them:
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and highly recommended Taco Bell secret menu items, along with step-by-step instructions on how to order them:
**1. The Cheesarito:**
This simple yet satisfying item is a classic for a reason. It’s a cheesy, oniony delight that’s been a fan favorite for years.
* **How to Order:** Ask for a cheese burrito, but with onions and extra cheese.
* **Ingredients:** A warm tortilla filled with melted cheese and chopped onions.
* **Customization:** You can add a creamy jalapeno sauce for a bit of kick or some ground beef for added protein.
* **Why it’s great:** It’s a cheap, quick, and comforting snack that hits the spot when you’re craving something cheesy.
**2. The Incredible Hulk Burrito:**
A green-themed burrito packed with flavor and healthy ingredients (relatively speaking, for Taco Bell!).
* **How to Order:** Order a five-layer burrito and ask to replace the nacho cheese with guacamole. Remove the sour cream and add rice.
* **Ingredients:** A flour tortilla, ground beef, guacamole (replacing nacho cheese), refried beans, rice (added), cheddar cheese, and a creamy jalapeno sauce.
* **Customization:** Add pico de gallo for freshness or steak for a heartier meal. You can also ask for it grilled for a crispy exterior.
* **Why it’s great:** The guacamole adds a creamy, rich flavor, while the rice helps balance the richness and adds a more substantial element.
**3. The Superman Burrito:**
A massive burrito loaded with everything but the kitchen sink. Be prepared for a food coma after this one!
* **How to Order:** Order a cheesy double beef burrito and add potatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and crispy fiesta strips.
* **Ingredients:** A flour tortilla, double portion of seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, potatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and crispy fiesta strips.
* **Customization:** Add jalapenos for heat or swap the beef for steak or chicken. You can also request different sauces to customize the flavor profile.
* **Why it’s great:** It’s a gut-busting, flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
**4. The Waffle Taco (Breakfast Secret):**
While the Waffle Taco was once on the official menu, it’s now considered a secret menu item in many locations. It’s a sweet and savory breakfast option that’s worth trying to recreate.
* **How to Order:** Ask if they can make a taco using a waffle as the shell and filled with sausage, egg, and cheese. Be aware that this is highly dependent on the location having the waffle iron and ingredients.
* **Ingredients:** A waffle (used as the taco shell), scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, and shredded cheddar cheese.
* **Customization:** Add hot sauce or syrup for extra flavor. If they can’t make the waffle taco, ask if they can add sausage and egg to a regular taco shell with cheese and syrup.
* **Why it’s great:** It’s a unique and delicious twist on breakfast that combines sweet and savory flavors in a satisfying package.
**5. The Chili Cheese Burrito (Enchirito Style):**
This is a classic combination that’s been a favorite among Taco Bell fans for decades. It brings back the beloved enchilada style burrito with chili, cheese, and onions.
* **How to Order:** Order a chili cheese burrito and ask for it “smothered enchirito style”. This means they’ll cover it in more chili and cheese with onions.
* **Ingredients:** A flour tortilla filled with chili and cheese, topped with more chili, cheese, and chopped onions.
* **Customization:** Add sour cream or jalapenos for extra flavor and spice.
* **Why it’s great:** It’s a warm, comforting, and nostalgic dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
**6. The Lava Burst:**
Remember the Volcano Menu? Bring back a bit of that fiery flavor with the Lava Burst. This involves adding Lava Sauce to your preferred item.
* **How to Order:** This relies on the location having Lava Sauce in stock (which is rare). Ask if they can add Lava Sauce to a beefy melt burrito, or any other item of your choice. You can also ask for a side of Lava Sauce if available.
* **Ingredients:** The item you chose (e.g., a beefy melt burrito) with Lava Sauce added.
* **Customization:** Add to anything your heart desires for a fiery kick!
* **Why it’s great:** It gives you a nostalgic fiery kick to your current favorite item.
**7. The Double Grilled Quesadilla:**
This simple modification enhances the texture and flavor of the already delicious quesadilla.
* **How to Order:** Order any quesadilla (cheese, chicken, or steak) and ask for it to be double-grilled.
* **Ingredients:** Your choice of quesadilla filling (cheese, chicken, or steak) grilled in a flour tortilla, grilled twice on the griddle.
* **Customization:** Add different sauces or ingredients to the quesadilla itself for further customization.
* **Why it’s great:** The double grilling creates a crispier, more flavorful tortilla that elevates the entire experience.
**8. The Spicy Chicken Crunchwrap Slider:**
This is a miniaturized version of the Crunchwrap Supreme, perfect for a quick and flavorful snack.
* **How to Order:** Order a chicken slider and ask for it to be prepared like a Crunchwrap Supreme with nacho cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a tostada shell inside.
* **Ingredients:** A small flour tortilla, seasoned chicken, nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, tomato, and a crispy tostada shell.
* **Customization:** Add sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess. You can also swap the chicken for beef or steak.
* **Why it’s great:** It’s a smaller, more manageable version of the Crunchwrap Supreme that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying snack.
**9. The Quesarito (Burrito Quesadilla):**
This item blurs the line between a quesadilla and a burrito, offering a cheesy and flavorful combination.
* **How to Order:** Order a burrito (your choice of filling) and ask for it to be wrapped in a cheese quesadilla instead of a plain tortilla. Some locations may not do this due to difficulty in wrapping. Be prepared to explain what you mean.
* **Ingredients:** Your choice of burrito filling wrapped inside a cheese quesadilla.
* **Customization:** Add extra cheese or different sauces to the quesadilla for added flavor.
* **Why it’s great:** The cheesy quesadilla wrap adds a layer of flavor and texture that elevates the burrito to a new level.
**10. The Cheesy Gordita Crunch with a Doritos Shell:**
Combine two Taco Bell classics for an ultimate crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful experience.
* **How to Order:** Order a Cheesy Gordita Crunch and ask for the Gordita shell to be replaced with a Doritos Locos Taco shell. This is a popular request, so most locations should be able to accommodate it.
* **Ingredients:** A Doritos Locos Taco shell, seasoned ground beef, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and pepper jack sauce wrapped in a flatbread.
* **Customization:** Add different sauces or ingredients to the Cheesy Gordita Crunch for further customization.
* **Why it’s great:** The Doritos shell adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
## Tips for Ordering from the Taco Bell Secret Menu:
* **Be Polite and Patient:** Remember, these items are not officially on the menu, so the employee might not know exactly what you’re asking for. Be patient and explain clearly.
* **Know the Ingredients:** Knowing the ingredients of the item you want will make it easier to explain your order and ensure that you get what you’re looking for.
* **Be Specific:** Use specific terms and descriptions when ordering. For example, instead of saying “Make it like a Crunchwrap,” say “Add nacho cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a tostada shell inside the [item name].”
* **Be Prepared for Rejection:** Not all locations will be able to make all secret menu items. If they can’t, don’t get discouraged. Try another location or choose a different item.
* **Consider Ordering Online (If Possible):** Some locations allow you to customize your order online, which can make it easier to create secret menu items.
* **Check Online Forums and Communities:** There are many online forums and communities dedicated to Taco Bell secret menu items. These are great resources for finding new items and getting tips on how to order them.
* **Start with Simple Modifications:** If you’re new to the secret menu, start with simple modifications to existing items, such as adding or removing ingredients.
## Why Explore the Taco Bell Secret Menu?
The Taco Bell secret menu offers a unique and exciting way to experience your favorite fast-food chain. It allows you to customize your meal to your exact preferences and discover new flavor combinations that you might not have considered otherwise. It’s a chance to be creative, experiment, and unleash your inner Taco Bell fanatic!
## The Ethics of Secret Menus:
It’s worth mentioning some considerations related to secret menus in general. Ordering from secret menus can put extra pressure on fast-food workers, especially during busy times. They might not be familiar with all the secret menu items, and the extra customization can slow down the service. It’s important to be patient and understanding when ordering from a secret menu, and to treat the workers with respect.
Furthermore, the consistency of secret menu items can vary greatly. Since they’re not standardized, the quality and taste might differ depending on the location and the employee preparing the food. This can be frustrating for customers who are expecting a specific experience.
Despite these potential drawbacks, secret menus can be a fun and creative way to explore the possibilities of fast-food cuisine. They allow customers to personalize their meals and discover new flavor combinations. However, it’s important to approach secret menus with realistic expectations and a respectful attitude towards the workers involved.
## Disclaimer:
Taco Bell does not officially endorse or recognize the “secret menu.” Availability of items and willingness to prepare custom orders may vary by location. Always be polite and respectful when ordering, and be prepared to explain your request clearly. Enjoy your Taco Bell adventure responsibly!
By exploring the Taco Bell secret menu, you’re not just ordering food; you’re embarking on a culinary adventure. So, grab your keys, head to your nearest Taco Bell, and prepare to unlock a world of flavor that’s waiting to be discovered. Happy Taco-ing!