The Beloved Mexican Pizza's Origin Story and Triumphant Return

The History of Chi-Chi's Mexican Pizza

Chi-Chi's was a popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain that was founded in 1975 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. By the mid-1990s, Chi-Chi's had grown to over 200 locations across the United States, serving up Tex-Mex favorites like sizzling fajitas, nachos, and their signature Mexican pizza.

The Origins of the Chi-Chi's Mexican Pizza

The Chi-Chi's Mexican pizza became one of their most iconic menu items. This crispy flatbread was topped with Chi-Chi's custom taco meat sauce, loads of melted cheese, freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, black olives, and jalapeños. It was then cut into wedges and served with sides of sour cream and salsa.

According to company lore, the Chi-Chi's Mexican pizza was created by accident in the mid-1980s. As the story goes, one night a cook inadvertently dropped a tostada shell meant for nachos into a pan of taco meat. Rather than throw it out, the cook decided to add cheese, tomatoes, and other taco toppings. The result was a crispy, pizza-like concoction that became an instant hit at that location.

The Mexican Pizza Goes Nationwide

Word of mouth about the Mexican pizza spread to other Chi-Chi’s locations and it was soon added to menus chainwide in 1986. With its crispy and sturdy tostada base, zesty taco meat topping, and freshly chopped vegetable garnishes, this Mexican-inspired pizza became one of Chi-Chi’s most popular menu items.

Throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, the Chi-Chi’s Mexican pizza gained an almost cult-like following. Special menus and coupons would offer deals on Mexican pizzas to lure in customers. Vegetarian versions with beans substituted for the meat also became menu staples. To this day, many Chi-Chi’s fans still reminisce about this signature pizza.

The Return of the Mexican Pizza

After the closure of Chi-Chi’s in the early 2000s, fans mourned the loss of the beloved Mexican pizza. However, in September 2022 Taco Bell announced they would be resurrecting their own Mexican pizza after removing it from their menu in 2020.

Taco Bell Brings Back the Mexican Pizza

Originally introduced in 1985, the Taco Bell Mexican pizza has many similarities to the Chi-Chi’s version. It consists of two fried flour tortillas layered with taco meat, cheese, tomatoes, and various toppings. This pizza-taco fusion was a menu staple for nearly 40 years at Taco Bell.

However, in 2020 Taco Bell suddenly discontinued their Mexican pizza to streamline their menu during the pandemic. After two years of fan outrage and petitions, Taco Bell finally relented. They announced the return of the Mexican pizza in September 2022, to the joy of fast food fans across the nation.

Fans Rejoice for the #MexicanPizza Movement

On social media, the return of the Taco Bell Mexican pizza sparked celebratory memes, emoji reactions, and the trending hashtag #MexicanPizza. Fans posted #TacoBell and #TacoBellHack videos about customizing their reborn favorite.

Some devoted patrons even posted photos posing with stacks of Mexican pizza boxes stockpiled in their freezers. Other customers lamented ingredient shortages causing some locations to be unable to meet demand for the suddenly viral menu item.

What the Future Holds for the Mexican Pizza

It remains to be seen whether the resurrected Taco Bell Mexican pizza will reach the same legendary status as the original Chi-Chi’s version. However, one thing is clear: this south-of-the-border pizza has an enduring appeal that cannot be extinguished.

More Restaurant Chains Jump on the Bandwagon

Since the Taco Bell Mexican pizza relaunch, other restaurants have started testing out their own takes. Regional burger chain Jack in the Box released a Mexican pizza-inspired Chicken Tostada Pizza with salsa, chicken, and cheese. Trendy build-your-own pizza chain Blaze Pizza added a Mexican Chorizo topping as a protein option.

As more restaurants try to capitalize on the Mexican pizza hype, this southwestern spin on an American classic seems poised to become a new fast food staple. Combining the portability of pizza with taco flavors and toppings just seems to strike a chord with consumers.

Frozen Mexican Pizzas Hit Grocery Stores

The renewed interest in Mexican pizzas may also impact the frozen food aisle. Brands like El Monterey, Amy’s, and Digiorno have previously released Mexican-style pizzas for home cooking. These products could receive renewed interest from shoppers longing for restaurant-quality Mexican pizza experiences at home.

As brands test innovative recipes and toppings, the supermarket frozen Mexican pizza category has major growth potential in the years ahead. Before long, home cooks may be able to whip up gourmet Mexican pizzas rivalling the Chi-Chi’s original or the Taco Bell version.

FAQs

What are the key ingredients in a Chi-Chi's Mexican pizza?

The original Chi-Chi’s Mexican pizza contained a crispy tostada shell base topped with their custom taco meat sauce, shredded cheese, tomatoes, onions, black olives, jalapeños, salsa, and sour cream.

How did the Chi-Chi's Mexican pizza become so popular?

The pizza was created by accident in the mid-1980s when a cook dropped a tostada shell in taco meat. It became a customer favorite. The unique flavor combo made it one of Chi-Chi's most iconic dishes over the next two decades.

Why did Taco Bell bring back the Mexican pizza?

After removing the Mexican pizza in 2020, Taco Bell endured over 2 years of fans demanding its return. With the #MexicanPizza movement going viral, Taco Bell announced the pizza's comeback in September 2022.

Are there frozen Mexican pizzas available for home cooking?

Yes, brands such as El Monterey, Amy's, and DiGiorno sell Mexican-style pizzas at grocery stores. Interest may rise thanks to the Taco Bell relaunch sparking more consumer enthusiasm for Mexican pizzas.