Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything you love about taco night bundled up into golden, handheld perfection. Imagine warm, pillowy pizza dough wrapped around spiced beef and gooey cheese, brushed in garlicky butter, and baked until irresistibly melty inside and crispy on the outside. This fun twist on classic tacos is just as welcome for a game-day snack as it is for a casual family dinner, and since you can easily dip them or serve them straight from the pan, they might just steal the show at your next gathering. Bold flavors, a simple process, and a super-satisfying bite await—get ready to be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how just a handful of simple ingredients turn into these show-stopping Cheesy Taco Sticks. Each one plays a crucial role—think hearty beef, your favorite gooey cheese, flavorful pizza dough, and a buttery, seasoned finish that ties it all together for crave-worthy results every time.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Use lean or regular ground beef; it’s the hearty base of your filling with tons of savory flavor.
- Taco Seasoning Mix (1 packet): All the bold taco spices in one handy packet bring out that classic tang and warmth.
- Pillsbury Pizza Dough (1 tube): This shortcut dough is soft, fluffy, and so easy to roll, making assembly a breeze.
- Colby Jack and Cheddar Cheese Sticks (5 sticks, halved): These cheese sticks offer that gooey, creamy core with bold cheddar flavor—split them for even melting!
- Butter, Melted (4 tablespoons): Melted butter is the secret to that shiny, golden crust with unbeatable flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an aromatic kick to the buttery brush topping for extra flavor.
- Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon): A pop of color and a fresh, herby finish—it makes each stick look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when the Cheesy Taco Sticks are ready to bake. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only keeps the sticks from sticking, but also makes clean-up that much easier—always a win for busy weeknights!
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Place your skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks to get those perfect crumbles. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and a splash of water if your packet calls for it, then let everything simmer together until richly coated and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly, so it doesn’t melt the dough when you assemble.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Pop open your tube of pizza dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You’re aiming for an even layer—about 1/4-inch thick works great. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough into 10 rectangles; each one should be just the right size for wrapping up the filling without overstuffing.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Now for the fun part! Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the seasoned beef onto the lower third of each dough rectangle. Lay a halved cheese stick right on top of the beef. Starting from the filled end, gently roll the dough up and over the filling, pinching the seams and ends to seal everything neatly inside. Place each stick seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they can get golden on all sides.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together your melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Use a pastry brush (or even the back of a spoon) to generously coat each assembled taco stick. This step infuses irresistible garlicky flavor and helps each stick bake up beautifully browned with those flecks of parsley for extra visual appeal.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfect when the dough is puffy and deeply golden—the kitchen will smell incredible, too! If you like your Cheesy Taco Sticks even darker, add an extra minute or two, just until the cheese begins to ooze ever so slightly from the edges.
Step 7: Serve
Let the Cheesy Taco Sticks cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short wait helps the cheese set just enough to be perfectly melty without burning anyone’s tongue. Serve with little bowls of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping—everyone loves a saucy side for dunking!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling extra parsley or a bit of shredded cheese on top while the Cheesy Taco Sticks are still warm. Fresh cilantro, finely chopped green onions, or a few jalapeño slices add both color and a flavor boost, making them look even more irresistible on the platter.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Taco Sticks pair up perfectly with classic sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or even a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. If you want to keep things extra fun and casual, set out bowls of chips and salsa or corn on the cob for a super satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the Cheesy Taco Sticks on a board with plenty of dips in the center for easy, interactive snacking. You can also cut each stick in half for bite-sized appetizers or skewer them for a playful, easy-to-grab treat. Try serving them in colored napkins or in a basket lined with a festive cloth for a touch of flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Taco Sticks (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep well for up to three days. They make a fantastic snack or lunchbox treat the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, once the taco sticks are fully cooled, wrap them individually in parchment or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Just remember to label the bag with the date so you can keep track!
Reheating
To bring your Cheesy Taco Sticks back to ooey-gooey glory, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, straight from the fridge, or a few extra minutes from frozen (unwrapped). This will crisp the crust back up and re-melt the cheese perfectly. For a quick fix, you can also microwave them in 30-second bursts, though they won’t get quite as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Cheesy Taco Sticks work wonderfully with any ground meat. Just swap in ground turkey or chicken and season as you would the beef. You may want to add a splash of oil since leaner meats can be a bit drier after cooking.
What other cheeses can I use?
You can get creative with the cheese! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack all melt beautifully and pair well with the taco flavors. Just be sure to use stick or block-style cheese so it’s easy to tuck inside the dough.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the Cheesy Taco Sticks up to a day ahead and refrigerate them, covered, until you’re ready to bake. They come out just as crisp and melty, making them a fantastic choice for parties or busy evenings.
How can I make these vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with seasoned black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a hearty meatless crumble. Follow the same steps, and you’ll have meat-free Taco Sticks that are equally irresistible!
What if I don’t have Pillsbury pizza dough?
No problem! Any store-bought pizza dough will work, or you can use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture. Even homemade pizza dough is totally fair game—just roll it out to the same thickness before cutting and assembling.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks have a way of making any meal feel like a party. Every bite marries bold, comforting flavors with melty cheese and golden dough—a combo that never fails to bring smiles to the table. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them a regular in your rotation. Happy baking!
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Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun twist on traditional tacos, with seasoned beef and gooey cheese wrapped in pizza dough and baked to perfection. They make a great appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Taco Seasoning Mix:
1 packet
Pillsbury Pizza Dough:
1 tube
Colby Jack and Cheddar Cheese Sticks:
5, halved
Butter:
4 tablespoons, melted
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon
Dried Parsley:
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning to the beef, following the instructions on the seasoning packet. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon a small portion of the seasoned beef onto each rectangle. Place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Place the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over each taco stick.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cheesy Taco Sticks, Taco Sticks, Appetizer, Mexican, Cheese, Ground Beef
