Taco Bell Cheez-It: 7 Ways to Recreate These Treats at Home

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Introduction

Have you been obsessed with the Taco Bell Cheez-It collaborations that seem to pop up as limited-time offerings? Those giant, cheesy squares that form the base of some truly mind-blowing Taco Bell creations have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of fast-food lovers everywhere! The only problem? Finding these special Taco Bell Cheez-It items can feel like hunting for treasure, with no guarantee of success. The good news is you don’t have to rely on Taco Bell’s unpredictable menu schedule anymore.

These crunchy, cheesy mashups combine the familiar, comforting taste of Cheez-It crackers with Taco Bell’s bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Did you know the giant Cheez-It used in these creations is actually 16 times larger than a regular Cheez-It cracker? That’s what makes these menu items so unique and Instagram-worthy!

The beauty of these Taco Bell Cheez-It recipes is that they’re surprisingly simple to recreate at home. With a few basic ingredients and some creative assembly, you can enjoy these limited-edition treats anytime a craving strikes. Much like our popular homemade Crunchwrap Supreme recipe, these Taco Bell Cheez-It copycat recipes will save you money and a trip to the drive-thru while delivering all that cheesy, crunchy goodness you crave.

What is Taco Bell Cheez-It?

Ever wondered what happens when two iconic American food brands decide to have a delicious love child? Well, the Taco Bell Cheez-It collaboration is exactly that – a beautiful marriage between Taco Bell’s Mexican-inspired flavors and the unmistakable cheesy crunch of Cheez-It crackers! But not just any Cheez-It – we’re talking about a supersized version that’s 16 times larger than the crackers in your snack cabinet.

Why call it Taco Bell Cheez-It? Because sometimes the most straightforward name is the most mouth-watering! These items feature giant Cheez-It crackers as the base for various Taco Bell toppings and fillings. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and Taco Bell certainly knows this well with these cheesy creations that have fans constantly asking when they’ll return to the menu. Ready to bring that drive-thru magic to your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Taco Bell Cheez-It Recipes:

1. The Ultimate Cheesy Crunch Experience

The star of any Taco Bell Cheez-It creation is undoubtedly that giant, supersized Cheez-It cracker. When you make these at home, you’ll be amazed at how the homemade version delivers that perfect balance of cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch. Each bite offers that distinctive Cheez-It taste but in a sturdier form that holds up beautifully under all your favorite Taco Bell toppings. The texture contrast between the crispy, cheddar-infused cracker and the soft, flavorful toppings creates an eating experience that’s simply irresistible.

2. Serious Money-Saving Potential

Let’s face it – fast food isn’t as cheap as it used to be! A trip to Taco Bell for specialty items like the Cheez-It Tostada or Crunchwrap can quickly add up, especially if you’re feeding a family. By recreating these Taco Bell Cheez-It items at home, you’ll spend a fraction of the cost while making enough to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Plus, you can customize the portions to be as generous as you like – no more wishing there was more beef or cheese on your creation!

3. Endless Customization Options

While the original Taco Bell Cheez-It items are delicious, making them at home opens up a world of customization possibilities. Want extra cheese? Go for it! Prefer spicier toppings? Add those jalapeños! You can adapt these recipes to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, something that’s much harder to do at the drive-thru. The versatility of these homemade Taco Bell Cheez-It recipes means you’ll never get bored, as you can keep reinventing them with different toppings and fillings.

Much like our popular homemade Chalupa recipe, these Taco Bell Cheez-It creations let you enjoy fast food flavors with the quality and customization of home cooking. Ready to impress your family and friends with these cheesy, crunchy treats? Let’s dive into the recipes!

How to Make Taco Bell Cheez-It Treats:

Quick Overview

Get ready to experience the magic of Taco Bell Cheez-It creations in your own kitchen! These recipes are surprisingly simple to make but deliver big on flavor and that distinctive cheesy crunch that makes the original so craveable. The giant homemade Cheez-It base is the secret star here – once you master that, you can build all sorts of delicious variations. Most of these recipes come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend snacks when those fast-food cravings hit.

What to Serve Taco Bell Cheez-It Treats With:

These homemade Taco Bell Cheez-It creations are satisfying on their own, but you can elevate your meal by adding some complementary sides:

1. Mexican Rice: A simple side of seasoned rice adds substance and soaks up any sauces that might drip from your Cheez-It creations.
2. Refried or Black Beans: A small side of beans adds protein and authentic Mexican restaurant vibes to your homemade fast-food feast.
3. Fresh Guacamole: The creamy, cool texture of homemade guacamole perfectly balances the cheesy crunch of these treats.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
5. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): For a more substantial meal, grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and chili powder makes an excellent side dish.
6. Frozen Margarita or Horchata: Complete your Taco Bell-inspired meal with a refreshing beverage – either a tangy margarita for adults or a sweet cinnamon horchata for everyone.

Top Tips for Perfecting Taco Bell Cheez-It Recipes:

1. Cheese Selection Matters: Use a high-quality, extra-sharp cheddar cheese for the Cheez-It base. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture, so grating your own will yield better results.
2. Temperature Control: Keep your butter cold when making the Cheez-It dough. Cold butter creates steam pockets when baking, resulting in a flakier, crispier texture.
3. Even Thickness: Roll your Cheez-It dough to an even thickness (about ¼ inch) to ensure consistent baking. Too thin, and they’ll burn; too thick, and they won’t get crispy.
4. Pre-Bake for Crunchwraps: When making the Cheez-It Crunchwrap, ensure your Cheez-It base is fully baked and cooled before assembly. This prevents it from getting soggy inside the wrap.
5. Layering Strategy: For tostadas and nachos, layer ingredients strategically. Put drier ingredients directly on the Cheez-It (like meat or beans) before adding wet ingredients (like sour cream or sauce) to keep the base crisp longer.
6. Customization Options: Don’t have taco seasoning? Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
7. Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
8. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the giant Cheez-It bases up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Refresh them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes before assembling your recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Giant Cheez-It Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the shredded cheddar, flour, butter, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing between additions, until the dough just comes together. You want it to hold together when pressed but not be sticky.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring it together.
5. Roll the dough into a square about ¼-inch thick. For individual servings, cut into 4-inch squares. For larger sharing sizes, make 6-8 inch squares.
6. Transfer the squares to your prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes in the center (similar to the pattern on real Cheez-Its) and score a light line around the edges.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before using.

2. Taco Bell Cheez-It Tostada:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add taco seasoning and water according to packet instructions. Simmer until thickened.
3. Place a giant Cheez-It square on a plate.
4. Layer with a scoop of seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Serve immediately while the Cheez-It base is still crisp.

3. Taco Bell Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme:

1. Warm a large flour tortilla to make it more pliable.
2. Spread a thin layer of nacho cheese sauce in the center, about the size of your giant Cheez-It.
3. Add a scoop of seasoned beef on top of the cheese sauce.
4. Place your giant Cheez-It on top of the beef.
5. Top with sour cream, lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
6. Place a small flour tortilla on top of the fillings (or cut a larger one to fit).
7. Carefully fold the edges of the large tortilla toward the center, creating the signature hexagonal Crunchwrap shape.
8. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the Crunchwrap seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and sealed.
9. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until crispy.
10. Cut in half and enjoy your homemade Cheez-It Crunchwrap!

4. Taco Bell Cheez-It Nachos:

1. Make several smaller giant Cheez-Its (about 2-3 inches each).
2. Arrange them on a plate like traditional nachos.
3. Top with warm seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
4. Serve immediately as a shareable appetizer.

5. Taco Bell Cheez-It Quesadilla:

1. Make two giant Cheez-It squares of equal size.
2. Place shredded cheese and a thin layer of seasoned beef on one Cheez-It.
3. Top with the second Cheez-It to create a sandwich.
4. Warm in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
5. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa for dipping.

6. Taco Bell Cheez-It Mexican Pizza:

1. Make two giant Cheez-It squares.
2. Spread a layer of refried beans on one Cheez-It.
3. Add seasoned beef and shredded cheese.
4. Top with the second Cheez-It.
5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle with more cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
7. Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Slice into quarters and serve hot.

7. Taco Bell Cheez-It Breakfast Crunch:

1. Make a giant Cheez-It square.
2. Brown breakfast sausage or chorizo in a skillet.
3. Scramble eggs and mix with the meat.
4. Place the egg mixture on the Cheez-It.
5. Top with shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
6. Serve as an open-faced breakfast treat.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing the Giant Cheez-It Bases: The homemade Cheez-It bases can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together or losing their crispness. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 1 month – just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Storing Assembled Items: Most assembled Taco Bell Cheez-It creations are best eaten immediately after preparation, as the toppings can make the Cheez-It base soggy over time. However, if you have leftovers:

• Tostadas and Nachos: These don’t store well once assembled. If possible, store components separately and assemble just before eating.
• Crunchwraps: Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The texture won’t be as crisp when reheated, but they’ll still taste good.
• Quesadillas and Mexican Pizzas: These can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. Wrap in foil and store in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven Method (Best for Preserving Crispness): Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the Taco Bell Cheez-It creation on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Skillet Method (For Crunchwraps): Reheat in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
• Avoid Microwaving: While convenient, microwaving will make the Cheez-It base soggy and chewy rather than crisp.

Armed with these recipes and tips, you’ll never have to wait for Taco Bell to bring back their limited-time Cheez-It collaborations again! These homemade versions let you enjoy that unique combination of cheese cracker crunch and Mexican-inspired flavors whenever the craving strikes. Plus, the ability to customize every aspect means you can create your perfect Taco Bell Cheez-It experience every time. Happy cooking!

Explore More Delicious Recipes!

Loved these homemade Taco Bell Cheez-It creations? You’re in for a treat because there’s so much more to discover on our website! If you enjoyed this copycat recipe, be sure to check out our Recipes for Fasting Mimicking Diet that’s been a reader favorite for months. For more cheese-loaded goodness, our Chocolate Brownies pairs perfectly with these recipes.