These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos. With a crispy golden crust, melty cheese, and seasoned taco meat, they make a perfect appetizer, snack, or dinner idea. Serve with your favorite dips for an extra delicious treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Cheesy & Savory – Packed with taco-flavored beef and gooey cheese.
- Great for Dipping – Pairs perfectly with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – 1 pound, cooked and seasoned.
- Taco seasoning – 1 packet, for bold Mexican flavors.
- Refrigerated pizza dough – 1 tube, for an easy, flaky crust.
- Colby jack cheese sticks – 5 sticks, halved.
- Melted butter – ¼ cup, for brushing on top.
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon, for extra flavor.
- Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon, for garnish.
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Turn oven to 425°F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Brown the ground beef in a pan, drain the fat, then mix in the taco seasoning.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before handling.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 10 equal rectangles by slicing in half lengthwise, then cutting each half into 5 pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
- Place taco meat and half a cheese stick in the center of each rectangle.
- Roll the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal completely.
Step 5: Add Butter Topping
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush the butter mixture over the assembled taco sticks.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot for the best cheese pull!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Let the Meat Cool – This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
- Seal the Dough Well – Prevents cheese from oozing out while baking.
- Use Different Cheeses – Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- Make Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
How to Serve
- With Salsa or Guacamole – A classic pairing for extra flavor.
- As a Party Snack – Perfect for game days and gatherings.
- With a Side Salad – Makes a balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked taco sticks in a single layer. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes or in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes! Crescent roll dough or biscuit dough can work well too.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a meat substitute or black beans instead of ground beef.
What other seasonings can I add?
Try adding cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
How do I keep them crispy?
Bake on a parchment-lined sheet and avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
PrintCheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful fusion of classic tacos and cheesy breadsticks, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. These handheld treats feature seasoned ground beef and melted cheese encased in golden-brown pizza dough, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
-
For the Filling:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
For the Dough:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
-
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
-
Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface and cut it into 10 equal rectangles.
-
Assemble the Sticks: Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese in the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal and form a stick shape.
-
Add Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the top of each assembled stick.
-
Bake: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
-
Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These sticks pair well with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
-
Cheese Options: While cheddar is recommended, mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese sticks can also be used for a different flavor profile.
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain crispiness.
-
Customization: Feel free to add diced jalapeños or onions to the filling for an extra kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 255kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 365mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *