America's Second-Largest Burger Chain Just Released These 2 New Menu Items

The "Made to Crave" lineup at America's second-largest burger chain just got a whole lot more craveable. Wendy's new Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger is now available at select locations, with a nationwide rollout expected early this month.

The official release comes a few weeks after news of the "first-of-its-kind" menu item leaked on Reddit. A memo detailing the new "Big Bacon Cheddar" line made the rounds on the online forum—and generated a fair amount of speculation in the process. (Related: 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet)

An image from an employee training video indicated that the Big Bacon Cheddar line would include not only a new cheeseburger but also a new chicken sandwich. It seemed like an unusual move, considering Wendy's already had two chicken sandwiches on offer. But recent press coverage has confirmed that the Big Bacon Cheddar chicken sandwich does actually exist.

Meanwhile, both Big Bacon Cheddar menu items recently landed on Wendy's online menu, allowing customers to take a closer look at their ingredients and nutritional information. The Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger weighs in at 1,120 calories, and it can be upgraded to a "double" or "triple" patty version. The slightly healthier chicken sandwich has about 300 fewer calories, and it comes in both "grilled" and "spicy" versions.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Both premium sandwiches are stacked with layers of classic Wendy's ingredients, including fresh-cooked Applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, and crispy onions. But in true to "Made to Crave" fashion, there's also plenty of culinary innovation happening. On the condiment front, there's a brand new, semi-sweet bacon sauce and a slightly tangy cream cheese spread. All of that innovation (and bacon and cheddar) comes sandwiched in between a "first-of-its-kind" cheddar bun.

Related: America's Second-Biggest Burger Chain Is Making a Major Upgrade to Its Fries

John Li, Wendy's vice president of culinary innovation, views the new Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger as an attempt to raise the bar in the bacon cheeseburger category. "As the home of the No. 1 bacon cheeseburger, we had a desire to dial-up what we do best and create a flavorful, pub-fare style sandwich featuring more bacon, more cheddar, and more innovation," he said in a statement. "The result is an unexpected, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich with huge craft flavors that deliver on our promise of always being craveable and affordable."

Wendy's "Made to Crave" menu items are usually limited-time offers, so fans would do well to jump on this deal quickly . . . before it goes the way of the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger.

For more news about Wendy's, check out:

• The #1 Worst Breakfast to Order at Wendy's
• 8 Secrets Wendy's Doesn't Want You to Know
• Wendy's Is Discontinuing This Fan-Favorite Item
• 3 Controversial Secrets About Wendy's Food, Former Employee Says

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