Taco Bell has revolutionized the fast-food breakfast scene with its innovative menu items. Since launching its breakfast offerings, the chain has attracted early risers seeking a hearty start to their day. The Mexican-inspired breakfast options provide a flavorful alternative to traditional morning fare.
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu features several standout items that make getting up early worthwhile. From breakfast burritos to unique twists on classic dishes, there’s something to satisfy various taste preferences. These morning meals offer a blend of protein, carbs, and flavors designed to fuel customers for the day ahead.
1) Breakfast Crunchwrap
The Breakfast Crunchwrap stands out as a top choice among Taco Bell’s morning offerings. This innovative item combines classic breakfast ingredients with the chain’s signature Crunchwrap format.
Inside the grilled tortilla, customers find a hearty mix of scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, and a crispy hash brown. The addition of creamy jalapeño sauce adds a zesty kick to wake up the taste buds.
The Crunchwrap’s portable design makes it an ideal option for those eating on the go. Its hexagonal shape helps contain the fillings, reducing mess and making it easy to eat with one hand while commuting.
Taco Bell’s Breakfast Crunchwrap has gained popularity among fast food enthusiasts. Many consider it one of the best drive-thru breakfast items available, praising its satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
For those seeking a filling start to their day, the Breakfast Crunchwrap delivers. Its substantial portion size often keeps diners full well into the afternoon, making it a practical choice for busy mornings.
2) Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito
The Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito is a popular morning option at Taco Bell. This handheld meal combines fluffy eggs, nacho cheese sauce, and a choice of fillings wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
Customers can select from three varieties: bacon, sausage, or potato. The potato version features crispy potato bites as the main protein, catering to vegetarian preferences.
Each burrito is grilled to achieve a lightly toasted exterior, adding a pleasant crunch to complement the soft interior. The nacho cheese sauce provides a creamy, savory element that ties the ingredients together.
Priced affordably at around $1.29 to $1.99, depending on location and filling choice, the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito offers a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Its portable nature makes it an ideal option for those seeking a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
The combination of warm, cheesy goodness and hearty fillings aims to provide a comforting start to the day. With its balance of flavors and textures, this breakfast item has earned its place as a Taco Bell morning favorite.
3) Grilled Breakfast Burrito
The Grilled Breakfast Burrito is a standout item on Taco Bell’s morning menu. This handheld delight packs a flavorful punch in a convenient package.
Filled with scrambled eggs, seasoned breakfast potatoes, and melted cheese, the burrito offers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. Customers can choose to add bacon, sausage, or steak for extra protein.
The tortilla is grilled to perfection, creating a slightly crispy exterior that enhances the overall eating experience. This cooking method also helps keep the ingredients warm and intact.
One of the burrito’s strengths is its portability, making it an ideal choice for those eating on the go. Its compact size fits easily in one hand, allowing for hassle-free consumption during the morning commute.
The Grilled Breakfast Burrito is also a budget-friendly option, offering good value for its price point. It provides a filling meal that can keep hunger at bay until lunchtime.
For those looking to customize their breakfast, Taco Bell offers the option to add various sauces or swap ingredients to suit individual preferences.
4) Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito
The Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito stands out as a morning favorite on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. This hearty option combines crispy hash browns with savory breakfast ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Available in bacon, sausage, and potato varieties, the burrito caters to different tastes. The bacon version is particularly popular, offering a satisfying blend of smoky flavors and textures.
Inside the toasted burrito, customers find a mix of scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and their choice of protein. The addition of crispy hash browns provides a delightful crunch with each bite.
Taco Bell offers this burrito as part of a combo meal, which includes a drink and an additional hash brown on the side. The combo presents good value for those seeking a filling breakfast.
At around $5 for the combo, the Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito offers an affordable and convenient morning meal option. Its portability makes it suitable for those on the go.
5) Breakfast Quesadilla
Taco Bell’s Breakfast Quesadilla offers a satisfying start to the day. This handheld meal combines scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and a choice of protein inside a grilled tortilla.
Customers can customize their quesadilla with bacon, sausage, or steak. The three-cheese blend provides a gooey, flavorful base that complements the eggs and meat.
The Breakfast Quesadilla is a popular menu item due to its portability and taste. It’s easy to eat on-the-go, making it ideal for busy mornings.
At around 500-600 calories, depending on the protein choice, this quesadilla offers a substantial breakfast. It provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to fuel the morning.
For those looking to reduce calories, ordering the quesadilla without meat is an option. The cheese and egg version still delivers a tasty, filling meal with fewer calories.
The crispy, grilled exterior of the tortilla adds a pleasant texture contrast to the soft, warm filling. This breakfast item appeals to those who enjoy classic Mexican-inspired flavors in the morning.
6) Cinnabon Delights
Cinnabon Delights are a standout item on Taco Bell’s breakfast menu. These bite-sized treats feature a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center filled with Cinnabon® cream cheese frosting.
Available in packs of 2 or 12, Cinnabon Delights offer flexibility for different appetites. The 2-pack is perfect for a quick morning indulgence, while the 12-pack is ideal for sharing or satisfying a larger craving.
Priced at $2.39 for 2 and $7.19 for 12, these sweet morsels provide an affordable breakfast option. Their unique combination of textures and flavors sets them apart from traditional breakfast pastries.
Cinnabon Delights can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a breakfast combo. Some customers opt to replace hash browns with an extra 2-pack of Cinnabon Delights in breakfast box deals for added value.
While primarily associated with breakfast, these cinnamon-sugar treats also serve as a dessert option throughout the day. Their popularity has made them a signature item at Taco Bell, comparable to cookies at Subway or apple pies at McDonald’s.
7) Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla
The Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla offers a unique twist on traditional breakfast fare. This menu item features a Gordita flatbread wrapped around a savory filling of sausage crumbles, eggs, and a three-cheese blend.
The flatbread provides a soft yet sturdy base for the hearty ingredients inside. Its texture complements the melted cheese and crumbly sausage, creating a satisfying contrast in each bite.
Taco Bell’s incorporation of flatbread into their breakfast menu aligns with current food trends. This choice adds variety to their morning offerings and appeals to customers seeking alternatives to standard breakfast sandwiches.
The three-cheese blend enhances the flavor profile of the quesadilla, melding with the sausage and eggs to create a rich, comforting taste. This combination of proteins and dairy provides a filling start to the day.
For those who enjoy a classic breakfast flavor pairing, the Sausage Flatbread Quesadilla delivers a familiar taste in a convenient, portable format. It’s a practical option for customers looking for a quick, handheld breakfast on busy mornings.
8) Grande Scrambler
The Grande Scrambler is a hearty breakfast option from Taco Bell that packs a flavorful punch. This substantial burrito combines fluffy scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes, and a choice of bacon, sausage, or steak.
A generous helping of cheese adds richness, while pico de gallo brings a fresh, zesty kick. The burrito is finished with a dollop of cool sour cream, creating a balanced blend of textures and tastes.
Wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, the Grande Scrambler offers a satisfying meal to start the day. Its sizeable portion makes it ideal for those with bigger appetites or looking for a filling breakfast on the go.
The customizable protein options allow diners to tailor the Grande Scrambler to their preferences. Whether opting for the smoky bacon, savory sausage, or hearty steak, each version delivers a unique flavor profile.
This menu item stands out for its combination of classic breakfast ingredients with Taco Bell’s signature Tex-Mex flair. The Grande Scrambler provides a convenient and tasty way to fuel up for the day ahead.
Nutritional Benefits of Taco Bell Breakfast Items
Taco Bell’s breakfast menu offers some nutritious options for those seeking a quick morning meal. Several items provide a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to start the day.
Protein-Packed Options
The Breakfast Crunchwrap packs 21 grams of protein, making it a solid choice for muscle maintenance and satiety. Egg-based items like the Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with Sausage deliver 15 grams of protein. For a leaner option, the Soft Grilled Chicken Taco Fresco Style contains 11 grams of protein with only 130 calories.
Customizing orders can boost protein content. Adding extra egg to any breakfast item increases protein by about 6 grams. Opting for steak instead of bacon or sausage in burritos or quesadillas also enhances the protein profile.
Low-Calorie Choices
The A.M. Grilled Taco with Egg offers a lighter start at 230 calories. The Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito with Potato contains 340 calories and can be made even lighter by removing cheese. For the most calorie-conscious option, the Mini Skillet Bowl provides just 180 calories.
Reducing calories is easy with simple modifications:
- Remove cheese: saves 50-100 calories
- Choose “Fresco style”: replaces cheese and sauces with pico de gallo
- Opt for “al fresco”: removes dairy and replaces with lettuce and tomatoes
These tweaks can significantly reduce calorie content while maintaining flavor and satisfaction.
The History of Taco Bell’s Breakfast Menu
Taco Bell’s journey into breakfast began in the 1980s, evolving into a full-fledged menu that revolutionized fast-food morning offerings. The chain’s innovative approach and unique flavors quickly gained popularity among consumers seeking alternatives to traditional breakfast fare.
Launch and Evolution
Taco Bell first experimented with breakfast items in 1983, introducing a limited selection to test the waters. However, it wasn’t until March 27, 2014, that the chain officially launched its nationwide breakfast menu. The initial lineup featured creative options like the Waffle Taco, A.M. Crunchwrap, and Cinnabon Delights.
These offerings set Taco Bell apart from competitors by focusing on portability and customization. The menu catered to on-the-go consumers and those looking for a unique twist on morning dining.
Customer Favorites Over the Years
While some initial items like the Waffle Taco didn’t stand the test of time, others became instant classics. The A.M. Crunchwrap and Cinnabon Delights remain popular choices on the current breakfast menu.
Taco Bell continued to innovate, introducing breakfast burritos and other items to meet customer demands. The chain’s commitment to bold flavors and creative combinations has kept its breakfast offerings fresh and exciting.
Notably, Taco Bell extended its breakfast hours beyond the typical 10:30 a.m. cutoff, providing a later option for morning meal seekers. This flexibility has further cemented its place in the competitive fast-food breakfast market.