Spicy Food News: Smash Burger Adds Scorchin’ Lineup, Freddy’s Adds Taco Burger, and More

Smash Burger Has a Scorchin’ New Menu

The fast casual chain known for its smash burgers is turning up the heat this winter with some scorchin’ new offerings. The chain’s founder Tom Ryan has the following to say about the new lineup:

These new creations bring the bold heat and flavor our guests expect, giving them the ‘Burn with Benefits’ experience by enjoying the kick of our signature spices along with the rich, satisfying flavor that defines Smashburger at a price that works for them.

Here is the rundown of the Scorchin’ menu from the press release:

Scorchin’ Cheesy Mac Smash®: Smashburger’s signature Certified Angus Beef® burger with American cheese, a crispy Scorchin’ hot cheesy mac patty, and spicy chipotle mayo all on a Kerry Butter toasted bun.

Scorchin’ Big Dog®: A quarter pound 100% Angus Beef hot dog atop a crispy, smashed Scorchin’ cheesy mac patty and finished with spicy chipotle mayo. The cheesy mac patty is smashed directly on the grill, conforming to the bun and delivering a rich, cheesy crunch in every bite.

Scorchin’ Chicken Smash®: A Scorchin’ seasoned ground chicken burger, pepper jack cheese, pickles, and mayo, on a butter-toasted bun.

The lineup also includes Scorchin’ Fries, Scorchin’ Tots, Scorchin’ Chicken Tenders, the Scorchin’ Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and a cup of Scorchin’ Cheesy Mac. There is no indication that this is a limited time offering, but that just means that it will stick around as long as sales are good.

Freddy’s Adds Smash Burger Taco to the Menu

And speaking of smash burgers, the national chain known for its steakburgers is adding a taco/burger hybrid that promises to bring a bit of a kick. Here is the description from the press release:

Freddy’s new Smash Burger Taco takes everything our guests love about our signature steakburger and reimagines it into a craveable and perfectly snack-sized option for your midday cravings – a premium quality thin-pressed patty with deliciously crispy edges, melted American cheese, lettuce, and zesty Jalapeño Fry Sauce all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

This is a limited-time item and sells for $3.49 (prices will vary by region).

Taco Bell Turns Up the Heat with the Volcano Quesarito

The Bell continues to add new items to its menu, and it is bringing some heat to the lineup with the New Year. The Quesarito already came back in December, and now they are amping that up with their new Volcano Sauce which they describe as “a creamy, craveable sauce made with a blend of cheese and flavorful spices, delivering on the heat legacy of Lava Sauce that fans know and love”. Here is the description of the new Quesarito from the press release:

Volcano Quesarito: a fan-demanded legend returning with a kick that stacks seasoned beef, seasoned rice and reduced-fat sour cream, all burrito-wrapped inside a grilled quesadilla packed with melted cheese, Nacho Cheese sauce and the all-new Volcano Sauce.

In addition, they will be kicking up more menu items with the new Volcano Sauce:

Volcano Crunchy Taco: A classic crunchy taco layered with seasoned beef, crisp shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and Volcano Sauce.

Volcano Crunchwrap®: The iconic mainstay stacked with seasoned beef, Nacho Cheese sauce, Volcano Sauce, cool reduced-fat sour cream, shredded lettuce and tomatoes – all wrapped, sealed and grilled to perfection.

Volcano Cheesy G: A warm, melty flatbread layered with three-cheese blend and wrapped around a crunchy taco loaded with seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and finished with Volcano Sauce.

Volcano Steak Fries: Seasoned fries piled high with steak, Nacho Cheese sauce, cheddar, pico de gallo and a drizzled finish of Volcano Sauce kick and crave.

Volcano BellGrande®: Nacho chips loaded with seasoned beef, refried beans, Nacho Cheese sauce, Volcano Sauce, reduced-fat sour cream and fresh tomatoes.

This is, of course, a limited-time offering, and those tend to disappear sooner rather than later from Taco Bell, so you will want to pay a visit soon if the new items sounds tempting.

KFC Brings Back Its Bowls, and Two of Those Have a Kick

Yet another national chain that is bringing some heat this winter as KFC has added some new bowls, two of which bring some burn. Here is the rundown from the press release:

Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl: Homestyle mac & cheese with nuggets, a three-cheese blend.

Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl: Mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, nuggets and a three-cheese blend finished with Nashville Hot Sauce.

The other bowls that they are offering are Matty’s Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, Mac & Cheese Bowl, and Mashed Potato Bowl, and all of these priced at $5 (though that will vary by region). This is a limited-time deal and may disappear once the weather warms up.