Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
There’s something utterly magical about making Cheesy Taco Sticks for your friends or family. This delightfully crave-worthy dish combines all the flavors of a classic taco— zesty seasoned beef, melty cheese, irresistible dough— in a perfectly portable, golden-brown package. Cheesy Taco Sticks are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at game days, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a twist. Once you try these, you’ll never look at taco night the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of Cheesy Taco Sticks are simple, fuss-free ingredients, each one playing a star role in taste, texture, or that “can’t eat just one” quality. Below, I’ll walk you through each component and why you just can’t skip it!
- 1 lb. ground beef: The base of our filling— savory and hearty, giving the sticks substance and flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade): This is your magic for bold, taco-inspired taste; use your favorite blend or whip up your own!
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Delivers that perfect, fluffy-on-the-inside, crisp-on-the-outside bite— and saves you from making dough from scratch!
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved): The best part— creamy, melty cheese in every mouthful, and the combination adds depth and gooeyness.
- 4 tbsp butter (melted): For richness and that glossy, golden crust.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds irresistible garlicky aroma and flavor to the finishing butter.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Brings a pop of color and a touch of earthy freshness to the final brush.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425 degrees F. While it heats, grab your biggest baking sheet and lightly spray it with non-stick spray. This ensures the Cheesy Taco Sticks get that golden, crisp bottom without sticking— and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cook the Taco Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble your ground beef with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any fat for a lighter, less greasy result, then return the beef to the pan. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning—no need for extra water—and mix until every bit of beef is coated in those punchy spices. Turn off the heat and let it cool a bit; this helps the cheese and dough hold together later.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Open your pizza dough and roll it out flat on a clean surface or a sheet of parchment paper. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it in half lengthwise, then cut four times across to end up with 10 equal(ish) rectangles. It’s important to try for even pieces so they bake at the same rate and fit the filling perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cheesy Taco Sticks
Spoon about a tablespoon (or a heaping spoon if you’re feeling bold) of cooled taco meat onto the center of each dough rectangle. Lay a halved cheese stick over the beef. Then, gently roll it all up, folding the dough over the filling and pinching every seam. You want a tight seal, so that melty cheese doesn’t try to escape during baking!
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Mix together your melted butter with garlic powder and parsley in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each Cheesy Taco Stick with this flavored butter for an ultra-savory finish with extra shine. Place them seam-side down on your baking sheet, pop them into the oven, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes—until puffed, golden, and irresistible. Serve piping hot, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
Top your Cheesy Taco Sticks with a sprinkle of extra parsley, a handful of diced tomatoes, or maybe a sliver of fresh jalapeño for a little kick. For dunking, set out bowls of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole—anything you like on tacos works as a perfect partner here.
Side Dishes
Pair these sticks with a simple side salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or a helping of Mexican rice for a full meal. Tortilla chips with salsa or black beans would also round things out nicely, making these Cheesy Taco Sticks the anchor of a party-worthy spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Host a “build your own” taco stick bar by serving assorted dipping sauces and toppings—think shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or even hot sauce, so everyone can customize. Or line the Cheesy Taco Sticks up like finger food at your next get-together for an easy, help-yourself snack that’s sure to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and make a killer next-day snack or lunch. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up—this keeps the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time, assemble, bake, and cool them first. Then, wrap each stick tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When taco cravings hit, just grab, heat, and enjoy!
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat the sticks in a 350 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Skip the microwave if you can; the oven keeps the crust crispy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in place of beef, and they’ll soak up the taco seasoning just as well. The filling will be a bit lighter, but every bit as flavorful.
What can I use if I don’t have pizza dough?
If you can’t find pizza dough, crescent dough sheets make a fantastic substitute for Cheesy Taco Sticks. They’re easy to roll and bake up just as golden and flaky. You could even use homemade dough if you’re feeling ambitious.
Can I add extra toppings inside the sticks?
Definitely! A few diced jalapeños, chopped olives, or a sprinkle of corn can add extra flair inside your Cheesy Taco Sticks. Just don’t overfill, or the dough may tear.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead and bake later?
For sure. Assemble the sticks, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply brush with butter and bake as directed—perfect for prepping before a party.
Are Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?
Kids absolutely love them! The handheld size, oozy cheese, and mild taco flavor are always a hit. Serve them with a mild salsa or ketchup for ultra kid-friendly dipping.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving these at a game night, packing them for lunch, or just shaking up taco night at home, Cheesy Taco Sticks are destined to become a fast favorite. Don’t be surprised if they vanish before you even set the platter down—just be ready to make a second batch! Give them a try and bring a little extra fun (and cheese!) to your table.
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices, wrapped around gooey cheese sticks, and baked until golden brown – they make a perfect appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Taco Sticks:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside. - Cook the ground beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet, breaking up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any fat and return skillet to stovetop. Mix in the taco seasoning packet (but no water), and stir until fully coated. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.*
- Prepare the Cheesy Taco Sticks: Spread the pizza dough out until flat and cut in half lengthwise and then 4 cuts up and down, creating a total of 10 small rectangles. Place about a tablespoon or more of the taco meat in the center of each pizza dough, top with a halved cheese stick, and then carefully roll up the pizza stick, making sure to pinch all seams closed.
- Make the Garlic Butter Topping: Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl and brush it on the tops of the cheesy taco sticks.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings!
Notes
- You can customize these taco sticks with your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Feel free to add more cheese or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cheesy Taco Sticks, Taco Sticks, Appetizer, Snack, Mexican, Cheese Sticks
