I would never have thought I would be typing these words, but today’s recipe is inspired by Taco Bell! Well, Taco Bell and every other brother and cousin in my life. My family has been begging me to recreate the Crunchwrap for well over a year. And after some serious convincing over Christmas, I caved in. I know, I know. Everyone loves the Crunchwrap. it’s such a thing, but honestly? I’ve never had one. I was that very, very strange child that really didn’t care for fast food…other than Dairy Queen that is, which I of course loved. I was a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Cookie Dough Blizzard kind of girl. How about you? I’ve been told that I really missed out on the cookies n’ Cream Blizzard… Anyway, I wasn’t much into fast food, but thankfully I have brothers and cousins. A few of whom, have really expressed the need for me to create this recipe. So here we are. And you know something? I’ve got to say, this homemade version is pretty darn good. I guess I can’t say it tastes just like the Taco Bell original, but it passed the test of every last family member, and they always tell it like it is. The final word? Better than the original.
All the details on making a healthier crunchwrap…
I had to do a bit of research on these, but after making well over three dozen Crunchwraps, I kind of developed my own method. First though, the recipe. I wanted these to be similar to a Crunch, but with more flavor, more color, and less grease. I also wanted a bit more crunch in the center. For the taco meat, I used my chipotle chicken taco seasoning mix because it’s always everyone’s favorite. You can make these using ground beef or chicken, I’ve done it both ways now and both are equally delicious. Once the meat is made, the rest is really just assembling.
The “Doritos” Seasoned Tostada
Well, actually, you need to make the tostadas! They are the crunchy, cheesy middle layer, and trust me, you need them. I oven-baked mine to keep them a bit healthier, then seasoned them up two ways. First with plenty of lime zest and flaky sea salt. And second, with a simple “Doritos” seasoning blend, which is a simple as mixing garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder with salt. It. Is. DELICIOUS when sprinkled on the warm tostada. And only just a little bit addicting…
The layers are as follows…
Large Burrito Size Tortillas…I love to use Siete Foods Grain Free Burrito Size Tortillas, which I usually just order online or pick up at Whole Foods. Not only are these healthier, but I actually prefer the taste and texture over a regular flour tortilla. Taco Meat…but homemade, of course. Nacho Cheese Sauce…instead of a heavy cheese sauce, I use a mix of Mexican cheeses and poblano peppers. So. Delicious. Extra Crunchy Tostadas…but oven-baked and very well seasoned. Sour Cream…I swapped in Greek yogurt, but if you love sour cream, go for the sour cream! Lettuce and Tomatoes…go heavy on these. They add crunch and keep things a little more balanced. Small Taco Size Tortillas…again, I love to use these smaller Grain Free Tortillas. But whole wheat tortillas are another great option!
Now we can assemble
Here is what I will say, these take a second to assemble because of the multiple l layers, tacking, and then some folding at the end. BUT trust me, the extra effort is going to be worth it in the end. I took as many photos of the stacking and wrapping as I could to help give you some visuals, but basically, you’re just layering everything up, then enclosing it all in one giant tortilla. Your first Crunchwrap will be the trickiest to assemble, but by the second, you’ll have it all figured out. And really, it’s pretty easy! You can add in any additional sauces or more cheese, or keep it classic. I want heavy on the cilantro and lettuce and the cheese and peppers too! Cook the Crucnhwraps in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, then serve them up with your favorite toppings. I ad avocado mashed up with lime and sea salt, plus hot sauce. My brothers do extra sour cream, hot sauce, and a little dip in some salsa too. The Key? Serving these hot off the skillet so the tortillas are crispy and the cheese inside is warm and melty. SO. GOOD. Better than the original because you can taste the flavor and not just lots of grease! If you’re looking for a fun family dinner, try these! Not only are they delicious, but you can make a night out of it and get everyone in the kitchen to help assemble the CrunshWraps. They’ll be able to customize them to their liking too! And for the adults, maybe add a nice margarita tas well. My current favorite is the very wintery frosted mistletoe margarita, but this spicy cucumber margarita is another great option! So you see? The perfect January Wednesday night at home. Homemade Crunchwraps and a margarita in hand. Hard to beat that.
Looking for fun takeout favorites recipes? Here are my favorites: Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles Lastly, if you make this Healthier Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
