Taco Bell Empanadas at Home

When you think about the comforting warmth of a favorite childhood treat, it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Taco Bell’s empanadas capture that nostalgia perfectly, but have you ever considered making them in your own kitchen? With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can recreate that crispy, sweet experience at home. The process is straightforward, yet the results can vary—so what’s the secret to achieving that iconic flavor and texture?

Key Takeaways

• Use refrigerated pie crusts for a quick and easy pastry base, just like Taco Bell’s empanadas.
• For the filling, cook chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender.
• Cool the apple filling completely before assembling to prevent sogginess and breakage.
• Bake the empanadas at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, brushing tops with egg wash and sugar for a golden finish.
• Serve warm and consider pairing with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

History

Introducing the empanada to Taco Bell’s menu in 2004 marked a significant moment in the fast-food chain’s history. This item was launched as part of the Big Bell Value Menu and was described by The Palm Beach Post as a “sexier, Mexier” version of McDonald’s apple pie.

Key features of Taco Bell’s empanada included:
– A crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated fried pastry.
– A filling of apples and caramel.

Despite its popularity, the empanada was removed from the menu in 2019. Fans quickly expressed their disappointment, often claiming it was superior to McDonald’s offering, leading to a loyal following.

The strong demand for its return culminated in Taco Bell reintroducing the empanada on November 21, 2024, as part of the Decades Menu, celebrating classic items from the past. This limited-time offer is available while supplies last, making it a special treat for fans eager to enjoy the classic flavor once again.

The empanada’s comeback was met with enthusiasm, especially after its long absence. Customers could order it a la carte for a suggested price of $2.99, although prices varied by location.

This nostalgic item highlights Taco Bell’s commitment to honoring its history and responding to fan requests.

Recipe

Empanadas are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack, filled with a variety of ingredients. For this recipe, we’ll focus on a delicious apple filling, improved with caramel sauce, all wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. Using refrigerated pie crusts makes this dish not only easy to prepare, but also saves time in the kitchen. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these empanadas are sure to please any crowd.

To achieve the best results, it’s important to choose the right type of apples and allow the filling to cool before assembling. This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy and guarantee a crispy exterior. Best served warm, whether you choose to bake, air fry, or fry your empanadas, the result will be a deliciously satisfying treat that can be served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients:
– Refrigerated pie crusts
– Chopped apples
– Sugar
– Cinnamon
– Lemon juice
– Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
– Egg (for brushing)
– Additional sugar (for sprinkling)

To prepare the empanadas, first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, cooking until the apples are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.

Allow the mixture to cool before using. Next, roll out the pie crusts and use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture and a drizzle of caramel sauce in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

For the best results, let the apple mixture cool completely before filling the empanadas to avoid sogginess. You can also brush melted butter on the tops and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

If you’re looking to experiment, try using different apple varieties like Pink Lady or McIntosh for unique tastes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, and consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Final Thoughts

Regarding enjoying Taco Bell-style empanadas at home, the process is rewarding and straightforward. You’ll find that making these delicious treats offers ease and versatility. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

• Preparation Options: You can bake, air-fry, or deep-fry empanadas, making them a fast and easy dessert.

• Ingredient Control: You can use refrigerated or homemade pie crust, allowing for customization.

• Storage: They can be stored for up to three days and reheated when needed.

The taste and texture are also remarkable:

• Flavor Profile: The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and gooey caramel creates a delightful contrast. Additionally, using Kraft caramels ensures a consistent and delicious filling.

• Crispiness: The flaky crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the filling remains warm and gooey.

• Enhancements: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar improves the overall flavor.

Homemade empanadas allow for batch preparation, perfect for gatherings. You can even use leftover filling over vanilla ice cream for an added dessert option.

Remember to cool the filling before assembly to avoid breakage. With these tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying Taco Bell-style empanadas right at home.

FAQ

Curious about making Taco Bell-style empanadas at home? You might’ve some questions, so here’s a brief FAQ to help you out.

Why were empanadas discontinued? Taco Bell often removes popular items from their menu, including the Caramel Apple Empanada, which fans missed.

How do I store these? Keep your empanadas in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness. The Decades Menu is a great way to reminisce about past Taco Bell favorites!

Can I use different pie crust? While refrigerated pie crust is recommended for best results, you can experiment with homemade versions, but the texture may differ.

What if I’ve extra filling? If you’ve got leftover apple caramel filling, consider making more empanadas or use it as a topping for ice cream.

Are these empanadas safe for special diets? Unfortunately, these empanadas aren’t suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets, as they contain wheat and milk.

What cooking methods can I use? You can air fry at 330°F for 10 minutes, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F, or deep fry in canola oil for a crispy texture.