Taco Bell’s Test Kitchen Bringing Mexican Pizza Empanadas and More to the Menu
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Taco-Bell-Releases-030525-tout-9fddcf630349468aa5104ce2cc7fec90.jpg)
Taco Bell is stepping up its game in the kitchen with exciting new creations on the horizon. During the recent Live Más Live 2025 event, the popular Mexican food chain unveiled an array of innovative products that are set to tantalize customers’ taste buds. From quirky sauces to delightful desserts, Taco Bell is on a mission to keep its fan base engaged and satisfied.
Leading the charge at the event, hosted by Ashley Park of Joy Ride fame, was Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews and the Food Innovation Team. They delved into the latest culinary masterpieces that embody Taco Bell’s dedication to bold flavors and boundary-pushing creations, as outlined in a press release shared with PEOPLE.
The test kitchen’s offerings include a mix of sauces, food items, drinks, and desserts that blend new and classic flavors harmoniously. In an exciting collaboration, Taco Bell is teaming up with Brooklyn-based brand Bushwick Kitchen to craft Weak Knees Fire sauce, fusing Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha sauce with Taco Bell’s Fire sauce for a tantalizing, citrusy kick. Additionally, a partnership with Zab’s Hot Sauce will birth Zab’s Hot Ranch, marrying the slow burn of Datil Pepper with Taco Bell’s Spicy Ranch sauce.
Taking a deep dive into the menu, Taco Bell is introducing a range of delectable treats, such as the Queso Fundido Rolled Chicken Taquitos and tempura-battered fajitas for those who crave a crispy bite. Empanadas are making a grand entrance, featuring savory delights like the Mexican Pizza Empanada and sweet indulgences like the Salted Caramel and Toffee Cream Empanada Bite—a nod to the classic Caramel Apple Empanada with a twist.
Meat lovers are in for a treat with additions like the Short Rib Chile Relleno Burrito, Brisket Taco, and poutine fries topped with slow-roasted pork, gravy, and cheese curds. For those reminiscing about Taco Bell’s past offerings, the Mini Taco Salad—a cup-sized version of the iconic taco salad that was once on the menu from 1984 to 2017—makes a triumphant return with salsa verde and lime.
On the grander side of things, Taco Bell introduces the Tacodilla, an oversized, grilled taco bursting with carne asada, melted cheese, and guajillo and pepper sauce. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Ube Strawberry Cookie—a delightful confection filled with vanilla-flavored ube cream, strawberry pieces, and sprinkles—promises to hit the spot.
These tantalizing test kitchen creations are just the beginning of Taco Bell’s culinary innovations for the year. The brand has teased additional products set to debut throughout 2025, including Milk Bar Birthday Cake Churros, Flamin’ Hot Burrito, Steak and Queso Crunchwrap Sliders, and the Mountain Dew Baja Midnight.
With a mix of bold flavors, creative collaborations, and nostalgic nods to Taco Bell classics, the brand’s test kitchen is truly delivering exciting and mouth-watering additions to its menu. Keep an eye out for these delectable treats as they make their way to a Taco Bell near you.