The Ultimate Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme: Crispy, Cheesy & Easy to Make at Home
Do you ever find yourself craving that unmistakable, satisfying crunch of a Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme, but wish you could make a fresher, customizable version right in your own kitchen? You’re in luck! This homemade Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme recipe delivers all the iconic flavors and textures of the fast-food favorite, crafted with wholesome ingredients. It’s super crispy, loaded with savory taco meat, fresh veggies, gooey cheese, and a perfect blend of toppings, making it an ideal meal for any night of the week.
While Toronto boasts an array of fantastic Mexican restaurants, sometimes nothing hits the spot quite like a Taco Bell Crunchwrap. This copycat recipe is designed to replicate that unique craving, allowing you to enjoy a superior, homemade version whenever the mood strikes. Forget the drive-thru; your next favorite meal is just a few steps away.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe
This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the beloved flavors of Taco Bell right to your table, elevated with fresh ingredients and your personal touch. Here’s why this copycat Crunchwrap Supreme will quickly become a family favorite:
- Authentic Taco Bell Flavor, Elevated: This recipe is a perfect copycat, capturing the exact taste and texture of the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme. But unlike the fast-food version, yours will be made with high-quality, whole ingredients, offering a fresher and more satisfying experience. You get to control what goes in, ensuring a delicious meal free from preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Endless Customization Options: Making your own Crunchwrap Supreme at home opens up a world of possibilities for toppings and fillings. Whether you want to add extra spice, load it with different vegetables, or swap out the protein, you have the freedom to tailor each bite to your preference. It’s perfect for picky eaters or adventurous foodies alike.
- Crispy Perfection Guaranteed: The signature crispy shell is easy to achieve on your stovetop, providing that satisfying crunch in every single bite. The combination of a soft outer tortilla, a crunchy tostada shell in the middle, and flavorful fillings creates a delightful textural contrast that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Enjoy a delicious and filling meal that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank. Making Crunchwraps at home is significantly more cost-effective than buying them from a restaurant, especially when feeding a family or batch prepping for the week.
- Fun and Engaging to Make: Assembling Crunchwraps is a fun activity, whether you’re cooking solo or involving the whole family. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the process of building your perfect meal.
FREE Budget-Friendly Meal Plan!
Save thousands of dollars on food every year with my free budget-friendly meal plan ebook.
Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or pantry staples:
- Extra-Lean Ground Beef: This forms the hearty base of your Crunchwrap. Opting for extra-lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while still providing a rich, savory flavor.
- Substitution: For a lighter or poultry-based alternative, ground turkey or ground chicken work exceptionally well. They cook similarly and absorb taco seasoning beautifully, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Taco Seasoning: The secret to authentic taco flavor! A good taco seasoning blend ties all the savory elements together.
- Substitution: You can easily make your own homemade taco seasoning from scratch using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This allows you to control the spice level and sodium content. Alternatively, a high-quality store-bought blend is perfectly fine for convenience.
- Large Flour Tortillas: These are essential for wrapping your Crunchwrap. Their flexibility and size are key to achieving the iconic folded hexagon shape. You’ll need 8 large tortillas for 4 crunchwraps, as some will be cut smaller for the inner layer.
- Substitution: While flour tortillas are recommended for their pliability, you could experiment with corn or whole wheat tortillas. However, be aware that these alternatives might not fold as easily or maintain their structural integrity as well, potentially leading to cracks during assembly.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce: This adds that signature creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy kick, reminiscent of Taco Bell’s version.
- Substitution: If you don’t have nacho cheese sauce on hand, queso blanco or a simple homemade cheese sauce can be used. For a less processed option, simply use more shredded cheddar or a Tex-Mex blend to achieve a similar cheesy goodness.
- Tostadas: The “crunch” in Crunchwrap! A crispy tostada shell provides a satisfying textural contrast and helps separate the wet and dry layers.
- Substitution: If tostadas aren’t available, large, unsalted tortilla chips can be a good substitute. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of assembly without crumbling entirely. You could also lightly toast or air fry a smaller flour tortilla for a similar effect.
- Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy creaminess that balances the rich flavors of the meat and cheese.
- Substitution: For a lower-calorie or dairy-free alternative, light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be used. Greek yogurt offers a similar tang and creaminess with added protein.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a refreshing, crisp element to cut through the richness.
- Substitution: Shredded romaine lettuce or even a finely chopped cabbage slaw can work as alternatives, offering a similar crunch and freshness.
- Plum Tomato: Diced tomatoes add a burst of fresh, juicy flavor.
- Substitution: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, or just want to switch things up, consider diced beefsteak tomatoes, bell peppers (any color), or even a vibrant pico de gallo for an extra layer of flavor. Ensure they are deseeded and diced finely to prevent excess moisture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, contributing to the gooey, savory interior.
- Substitution: A Tex Mex blend, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese would also be fantastic options, adding different nuances of flavor and melt characteristics to your Crunchwrap.
- Cooking Spray: For browning the assembled crunchwraps in the skillet.
- Substitution: A light brushing of vegetable oil or butter can also be used for cooking.
- Experiment with Different Sauces: While nacho cheese and sour cream are classic, don’t hesitate to add your favorite sauces for an extra flavor kick. Try a drizzle of hot sauce for heat, chipotle mayo for smoky creaminess, a creamy avocado ranch, or even plain Greek yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lime for a healthier, tangy alternative.
- Always Warm Your Tortillas First: This is a game-changer for easier assembly. Briefly warming your large flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds makes them significantly more pliable. This prevents them from cracking or tearing when you try to fold them into that signature hexagon shape, ensuring a perfectly sealed Crunchwrap.
- Avoid Overfilling Your Wraps: While it’s tempting to load up on all the delicious fillings, overfilling can make it incredibly difficult to fold and seal the Crunchwrap properly. Keep your layers even and modest to ensure you can create a tight, secure package that won’t leak during cooking. Less is often more for a well-structured Crunchwrap!
- Seal with a Pan Press for Extra Crispness: For an exceptionally crispy and well-sealed Crunchwrap, use a heavy skillet or a sturdy spatula to gently press down on the Crunchwrap while it cooks in the pan. This direct contact with the heat helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust and ensures the seams are completely sealed.
- Make it Vegetarian-Friendly: Easily adapt this recipe for a meatless meal. Swap the ground beef for hearty black beans (either mashed or whole), seasoned lentils, or a savory meatless crumble. You can also load it up with extra vegetables like sautéed peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.
- Boost the Crunch Factor: If you love extra crunch, consider adding more texture. Besides the tostada, you can include crushed tortilla chips, or even air-fried smaller corn tortillas inside the wrap. This enhances the satisfying crispy element that makes a Crunchwrap so unique.
- Transform it into a Breakfast Treat: Craving a Crunchwrap in the morning? Use my Breakfast Crunchwrap recipe, featuring eggs, sausage, and cheese, for a delicious and freezer-friendly breakfast option you can grab on the go.
- Crispy Fries: Enhance the “Supreme” experience with a side of fries. Think delicious Sweet Potato Fries for a healthier twist or classic Nacho Fries for the ultimate Taco Bell-inspired indulgence.
- Fresh Salsas and Dips: A vibrant and fresh salsa can add a burst of flavor and acidity. Serve with classic pico de gallo, a chunky salsa, or a creamy Avocado Ranch dressing or dip. Guacamole is always a welcome addition too!
- Crunchy Sides: For even more texture, a simple bowl of tortilla chips is perfect for scooping up any stray fillings. Alternatively, try a refreshing and colorful Cowboy Caviar (also known as Texas Caviar) for a hearty, flavorful side dish.
- Light Salads or Slaws: Balance the richness of the Crunchwrap with a fresh, crisp side. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast.
- Mexican Rice or Refried Beans: For a more substantial meal, classic Mexican rice or a side of creamy refried beans can round out your plate perfectly, making for a truly authentic Tex-Mex experience.
- Skillet (Recommended for Crispiness): To bring back some of that coveted crisp, reheat your Crunchwrap in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through and the exterior is golden and crisp again.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: For a hands-off approach, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Crunchwrap directly on the rack or a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the tortilla begins to crisp.
- Microwave (Least Recommended): While convenient, microwaving will result in a soft, non-crispy tortilla. If you must use a microwave, heat for 60-90 seconds, or until warmed.
-
Cheesy Gordita Crunch Recipe
-
Easy Chicken Burrito Recipe
-
The Best Homemade Big Mac Recipe
- Glass Meal Prep Bowls: If you’re planning to turn this delicious Crunchwrap recipe into your weekly lunches or dinners, high-quality glass meal prep bowls are indispensable. They are perfect for storing individual portions of your cooked components, keeping them fresh and ready to assemble.
- Butcher Box for Quality Meats: For consistent quality and convenience, consider sourcing your grass-fed ground beef from Butcher Box. Their service delivers high-quality, humanely raised meats directly to your door, conveniently frozen, ensuring you always have premium ingredients on hand for your recipes.
- Ready-Made Nacho Cheese: Save time and ensure that classic Taco Bell flavor by stocking up on jarred nacho cheese. It’s a quick and easy way to add that gooey, savory element without having to make a cheese sauce from scratch.
- Large Non-Stick Skillet: A good quality non-stick skillet is crucial for frying your Crunchwraps to golden perfection without sticking. It ensures even browning and easy flipping, contributing to that desirable crispy exterior.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For efficient preparation of your fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and any other veggies you choose to add, a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are kitchen staples.
- 1/2 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup jarred nacho cheese sauce or queso optional; could use more cheese instead
- 4 tostadas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 plum tomato deseeded and diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Cooking spray
-
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and taco seasoning, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat before setting it aside.
-
To prepare your inner tortillas, stack 4 of the large flour tortillas. Place a tostada in the middle of this stack, then use kitchen scissors to cut around the tostada, leaving about 1/2 an extra inch of room. This will give you 4 smaller flour tortillas, perfect for the inner layer of your Crunchwrap.
-
Begin assembling by laying one of the remaining large flour tortillas flat. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cooked beef mixture into the center, leaving a generous amount of room around the sides for folding. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce or queso, then carefully top with a tostada. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream over the tostada, then add a layer of shredded lettuce and diced tomato. Finish this layer with about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, then place one of your smaller, trimmed flour tortillas on top.
-
Repeat the layering process with the 3 remaining large tortillas and fillings. While assembling, spray a large skillet with cooking spray and begin heating it over medium heat, preparing for cooking.
-
To create the signature Crunchwrap fold, carefully fold the edges of the large flour tortilla over the smaller tortilla and the fillings, working your way around to form a hexagon shape. Ensure the folds are tight and overlapping to seal the wrap. Quickly and carefully flip the assembled Crunchwrap seam-side down onto the heated frying pan. Repeat with your other Crunchwraps. Depending on your pan’s size, you might be able to cook 2 at once, or you may need to cook them individually.
-
Cook each Crunchwrap for 2-3 minutes per side, or until both sides are beautifully golden brown and lightly crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once cooked, remove from the pan, let rest for a minute, then cut each Crunchwrap in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell-style Crunchwrap Supreme!
With these versatile ingredients and substitutions, you can confidently create a Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme that’s perfectly tailored to your taste!
How to Make a Taco Bell Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme from Scratch
Making your own Crunchwrap Supreme at home is simpler than you might think! Follow these detailed steps to assemble a perfectly crispy, flavor-packed meal that rivals the original. The key is in the layering and the iconic fold.
Step 1: Prepare Your Flavorful Ground Beef
Begin by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add your extra-lean ground beef to the hot pan. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef begins to brown, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Continue to sauté the beef for about 7-8 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat from the pan to prevent your Crunchwrap from becoming greasy. Set the seasoned beef aside.
Step 2: Custom Cut Your Tortillas
For the unique Crunchwrap structure, you’ll need one smaller tortilla to act as an inner lid. To create these, stack four of your large flour tortillas. Place one tostada shell in the center of the stacked tortillas. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, carefully cut around the tostada, leaving about half an inch of extra room around its perimeter. This will give you four smaller flour tortillas, perfectly sized to cover the tostada layer within your Crunchwrap. These smaller tortillas are crucial for creating a complete seal when folding.
Step 3: Layer the Hearty Beef and Gooey Cheese
Now, it’s time to assemble your Crunchwrap! Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about ¼ cup of your seasoned ground beef mixture directly into the center of the large tortilla, making sure to leave ample space around the edges for folding later. Drizzle approximately 1-2 tablespoons of nacho cheese sauce or queso over the beef. This creamy layer will add moisture and flavor. Carefully place a crispy tostada shell directly on top of the beef and cheese layer, centering it as much as possible.
Step 4: Pile on Your Favorite Toppings
Once your tostada is in place, spread about 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream evenly over the tostada. Next, add a generous layer of shredded iceberg lettuce and diced plum tomato. Finish this layer with about ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This strategic layering ensures that the fresh, wet ingredients are separated from the crispy tostada, preserving its crunch until the very last bite. Finally, take one of the smaller, trimmed flour tortillas and place it on top of all the fillings, acting as a final lid before folding.
Step 5: Master the Signature Hexagon Fold
This is where the Crunchwrap gets its iconic shape! Begin folding the edges of the large flour tortilla over the top of the smaller tortilla and the filling, working your way around the circle. You’ll aim to create a series of small, overlapping pleats that eventually meet in the center, forming a neat hexagonal shape. Ensure each fold is tucked snugly over the previous one to create a tight seal. A warm tortilla will be more pliable and less likely to tear, so briefly warming your large tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds beforehand can be very helpful.
Step 6: Fry to Golden, Crispy Perfection
Once all your Crunchwraps are assembled, it’s time to cook them. Lightly spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat. Carefully place the first assembled Crunchwrap into the heated pan, seam-side down. Cooking it seam-side down first helps to seal the folds and prevent the wrap from unraveling. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Depending on the size of your skillet, you might be able to cook two at a time, or you may need to cook them individually. Once cooked, remove from the pan, slice each Crunchwrap in half, and serve immediately to enjoy that ultimate crispy, cheesy, and savory experience!
Recipe Tips & Variations for Your Copycat Crunchwrap
Achieve the best Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme every time and get creative with these helpful tips and exciting variations:
Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme
Here are some common questions to help you master your homemade Crunchwrap Supreme and ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
How much filling should I add per Crunchwrap?
Achieving the perfect balance of fillings is key to a well-structured and delicious Crunchwrap. For each supreme, aim for approximately ¼ cup of seasoned ground beef, a generous 1 tablespoon of nacho cheese sauce (or queso), 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream, about ¼ cup of shredded iceberg lettuce, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Remember not to overfill, as this can make folding challenging and lead to leaks during cooking.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, you absolutely can! While pan-frying delivers the crispiest results, baking is a great alternative if you prefer. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled Crunchwraps seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep in mind that baked Crunchwraps might be slightly less crispy than pan-fried ones, but still incredibly delicious.
How do I stop the filling from leaking out?
Preventing leaks is all about careful assembly and a good seal. First, always keep your filling centered on the large tortilla, leaving enough space around the edges for folding. Layer your ingredients strategically: place “wetter” ingredients like sour cream and tomatoes further away from the edges, or sandwich them between dryer components like the tostada and cheese. When folding, ensure the pleats are tight and overlap securely. Finally, when cooking, place the Crunchwrap seam-side down first in the hot pan to help seal the folds immediately as it begins to brown.
How do I get the perfect hexagon fold?
The hexagon fold is what makes a Crunchwrap so unique! Start by warming your large tortilla to make it more pliable (microwave for 10-15 seconds). Place your smaller tortilla on top of all the fillings in the center. Then, take one edge of the large tortilla and fold it inward towards the center, over the smaller tortilla. Continue to make small, overlapping pleats around the circumference of the larger tortilla, always folding towards the center. Aim for 5-7 folds to create a neat hexagon. Once folded, immediately transfer the Crunchwrap to a heated pan, seam-side down, to help the folds adhere and seal.
What to Serve with This Delicious Dish
These homemade Crunchwraps Supreme are incredibly filling on their own, offering a complete meal experience. However, pairing them with a few complementary sides can elevate your feast and truly complete the meal. Here are some fantastic options:
How to Store and Reheat Your Copycat Crunchwrap
While Crunchwraps are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, you can definitely make components ahead of time for easy meal prep. For cooked Crunchwraps, proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining flavor and some crispiness.
To Store Cooked Crunchwraps: Allow any leftover cooked Crunchwraps to cool completely to room temperature. Wrap each individual Crunchwrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they won’t be as crispy as fresh, the flavors will still be delicious.
For Optimal Meal Prep (Recommended): The best way to enjoy fresh-tasting Crunchwraps throughout the week is to prepare the filling in advance and store it separately. Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also chop your lettuce and tomatoes ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and cook the wraps fresh on the skillet just before serving. This method ensures maximum crispiness and flavor.
To Reheat Cooked Crunchwraps:
More Fast Food Copycat Recipes You’ll Love
Can’t get enough of your favorite fast-food flavors recreated at home? Explore these other popular copycat recipes that bring restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
Essential Meal Prep Tools for Your Kitchen
To make your cooking experience smoother and to help you tackle meal prep like a pro, here are a few recommended tools:
Having these tools will not only simplify the process of making your Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme but also enhance your overall meal prepping capabilities.
Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe
Print
Pin
Rate
SEND ME MY PLAN
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
To reduce the calorie count, opt for low-fat sour cream and swap out the jarred nacho cheese sauce for a lighter option like extra shredded cheddar or a homemade light queso.
If you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with savory refried beans, seasoned black beans, or a plant-based meat crumble.
For convenient meal prep, cook the ground beef in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the beef in a skillet and assemble your fresh Crunchwraps.
Nutrition
