Taco Bell Chalupas Recipe (Copycat)

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon table salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed

1 tablespoon melted butter

canola oil for frying▢.5tablespoon- baking powdertablespoon- melted but

Filling

the best taco meat

shredded cheese

chopped lettuce

sour cream

taco sauce

Instructions

Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl.

Stir in milk and melted butter.

Combine with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a minute or so until the dough becomes mostly smooth. The dough should feel tacky but it shouldn’t stick to your hands.

Cut dough into 8 equal size pieces. Roll each into a ball.

Use a rolling pin to gently roll out each dough ball into a circle about 6 inches wide and ⅛ of an inch thick.

Gently shake excess flour off. Add dough to the pot of oil, cooking one shell at a time. Let it cook on each side for about 5 seconds, then use a tongs to gently fold it in half.

Use the tongs to hold one half of the chalupa in the oil, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes. Then use tongs to hold the other half of the chalupa in the oil, cooking it for another minute or two.

Once it’s a golden brown color, use tongs to gently remove the shell from the oil and let the excess oil drip off.

Hang a wooden spoon over the center of a medium bowl. Place the cooked chalupa shell over the handle of the spoon to help form its shape as you cook the next chalupa shell.

Then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and continue cooking the remaining shells.

You may need to turn the heat down a bit as you cook. If the shells cook faster than 1 minute per side, turn the heat down.

Fill chalupa shells with the best taco meat recipe, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and diced tomatoes.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough for the chalupa shells is kneaded enough to become mostly smooth but still slightly tacky. This texture will yield a pliable dough that can be rolled out easily.

Frying Technique: Fry the chalupa shells one at a time, folding them over gently in the hot oil to create the characteristic shape. Use tongs to maneuver and ensure even cooking.

Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at a consistent medium heat. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent the shells from cooking too quickly or burning.

Shaping the Chalupa Shells: Use a wooden spoon handle over a bowl to help shape the chalupa shells as they cool. This technique helps maintain the distinctive chalupa form.

Filling Options: Customize the filling according to personal preference. Besides the suggested taco meat, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and tomatoes, experiment with other toppings like guacamole, salsa, or jalapeños.

Alternative Ingredients: While the recipe uses all-purpose flour, feel free to substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends for dietary variations.

Canola Oil Substitute: If preferred, substitute canola oil with other high-heat cooking oils like vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying.

Make-Ahead Preparation: Prepare the chalupa shells in advance and reheat them briefly in the oven before assembling to save time when serving.

Storage: Store leftover chalupa shells in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the oven to restore crispiness before use.

Customization: Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create unique variations of the chalupa, adapting the recipe to suit individual taste preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of flour for the chalupa dough?

While all-purpose flour is commonly used, you can experiment with alternatives like whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for dietary preferences.

Is there a substitute for canola oil in frying?

Yes, you can use other high-heat cooking oils such as vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying.

Can I make the chalupa shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chalupa shells in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling and serving.

How long should I knead the chalupa dough?

Knead the dough for about a minute or until it becomes mostly smooth.

The texture should be tacky but not overly sticky.

Can I freeze the chalupa shells?

Yes, you can freeze the chalupa shells after frying.

Ensure they cool completely, then store in a sealed bag or container.

Reheat in the oven when ready to use.

Can I use a deep fryer for making chalupa shells?

Yes, a deep fryer can be used instead of a large pot.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oil temperature and frying time.

What’s the ideal size and thickness for rolling out the chalupa dough?

Roll out each dough ball into a circle about 6 inches wide and ⅛ of an inch thick for the perfect chalupa shell.

Can I customize the fillings in the chalupa?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the chalupa fillings with your favorite ingredients such as different types of cheese, salsa, or additional veggies.

How do I store leftover chalupa shells?

Store leftover chalupa shells in an airtight container at room temperature.

Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.

Can I use pre-made taco shells for this recipe?

While the chalupa recipe calls for homemade shells, you can experiment with store-bought taco shells.

Adjust the filling ingredients accordingly for a tasty result.