Homemade Chalupa Taco Bell Copycat (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chalupa Bread

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1.5 tablespoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
05 - 315 ml full-fat milk
06 - Neutral oil for deep frying

→ Toppings

07 - 2 cups cooked black beans
08 - 2 cups chopped lettuce
09 - 1 cup chopped tomatoes
10 - 180 ml sour cream
11 - 180 ml queso sauce
12 - 80 grams grated pepper jack cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and melted butter in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Gradually pour in full-fat milk, mixing continuously to form a soft, cohesive dough. Knead briefly until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
02 - Divide the dough into 15 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten with a rolling pin to discs about 13 cm in diameter. Prick each disc several times with a fork to prevent inflation during frying.
03 - Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully slip a dough disc into the oil; it should float and puff instantly. Fry for 30 seconds, flip, and gently fold the disc in half to form a shell shape. Hold the shape with tongs as it fries for a further 30 seconds, then rotate to ensure even browning. Continue frying until golden, about 2 minutes total.
04 - Transfer fried shells to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Ensure they retain their taco-like shape. Repeat the process with remaining dough balls.
05 - Fill each chalupa shell with a generous layer of black beans, followed by sour cream, queso sauce, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and grated cheese. Serve immediately with preferred hot sauce.

# Notes:

01 - For authentic texture, use full-fat milk and avoid over-kneading the dough.