Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything you crave in one irresistible, finger-friendly package: gooey cheese, savory taco-seasoned beef, and golden, garlicky bread, all rolled together into a handheld snack or meal that makes every bite a little festive. Whether you’re feeding picky kids after school, planning a quick weeknight dinner, or need a party appetizer that guarantees empty plates, these are your new go-to. With easy shortcuts and bold flavors, Cheesy Taco Sticks bring the magic of taco night—no utensils required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things deliciously simple! Every ingredient in Cheesy Taco Sticks brings something special to the table, from rich savory flavor to gooey goodness and a golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need (plus some pro tips along the way):
- Ground beef: Lean beef keeps these sticks juicy without being greasy—the classic base for all things taco!
- Olive oil: Just a splash to sauté your aromatics and boost richness.
- Onion: Diced small for a subtle sweetness that rounds out the filling.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it brings a punchy, savory backbone to your taco filling.
- Taco seasoning: Use a store-bought packet for ease or make your own for an extra hit of flavor; it’s all about those signature spices!
- Water: Just a bit helps the spices blend into the meat, creating a saucy, cohesive taco filling.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough): Your shortcut to soft, golden bread wrapping—crescent dough gives a fluffier finish, pizza dough is chewier.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Go sharp for bolder flavor or mild for kid-friendly appeal.
- Egg: Beaten for a quick egg wash, ensuring your taco sticks bake up glossy and golden.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps your seasonings stick to the top after baking.
- Garlic powder: Boosts that garlicky goodness in every buttery bite.
- Dried parsley: Just a pinch for color and a fresh finish when you brush on the butter.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high, then toss in your diced onion. Sauté for two to three minutes until the onion begins to soften and sweeten. Add in the minced garlic and let it bloom for just 30 seconds—you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
Step 2: Cook and Season the Beef
Add your ground beef to the skillet and use a spoon to break it up as it browns. You’re shooting for fully cooked, crumbly beef here with no pink left in sight. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess grease so your Cheesy Taco Sticks don’t end up soggy. Stir in your taco seasoning and that splash of water, then let everything simmer for two to three minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture thickens up nicely. Set this aside to cool just slightly—it’ll make assembly a breeze!
Step 3: Shape and Fill
Unroll your pizza (or crescent) dough and cut it into eight even rectangles. This is where the fun starts. Pile a generous spoonful of the cooled taco meat mixture and a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar onto each rectangle. Try to keep the filling in the center to make sealing easy and to keep cheese from escaping during baking.
Step 4: Seal and Assemble the Sticks
Carefully fold each rectangle over the filling, stretching the dough as needed, and pinch the edges tightly shut to form a sunbaked stick shape. Place each Cheesy Taco Stick seam-side down on your prepped baking sheet. Don’t stress about perfection—as long as they’re sealed, they’ll bake up lovely!
Step 5: Add the Golden Touch and Bake
Brush a thin layer of beaten egg over each stick. This step is quick but makes all the difference for that bakery-chic shine. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until each Cheesy Taco Stick is puffed, golden, and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Dress with Garlic Butter
While your taco sticks bake, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. As soon as your hot Cheesy Taco Sticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with this fragrant garlic butter for the ultimate finish. Serve warm (and watch them disappear!).
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
Take these Cheesy Taco Sticks to the next level with a handful of fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions adds color and zip. Offering little bowls of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping makes each bite customizable and even more delicious. If you want to get fancy, a squeeze of fresh lime over the top is bright and bold.
Side Dishes
Turn Cheesy Taco Sticks into a full meal by pairing them with a crunchy side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette, some spicy black beans, or classic Mexican rice. For game nights or gatherings, whip up a platter of corn on the cob or a tray of roasted vegetables to keep things easy but flavorful. These taco sticks easily fit into any spread!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Cheesy Taco Sticks standing up in a mason jar for a unique grab-and-go centerpiece. For family dinners, place them on a platter surrounded by dips and toppings, letting everyone build their ideal bite. If you’re packing lunches, wrap cooled sticks in parchment or foil, then tuck into lunchboxes for a fun, no-mess treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks store beautifully! Simply let them cool to room temperature before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and they’ll keep well for up to three days. They’re perfect for quick snacks or easy lunchbox additions throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled taco sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or container—they’ll keep for about two months. You can reheat them straight from the freezer for almost-instant snack time victory.
Reheating
For that just-baked texture, reheat Cheesy Taco Sticks in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes (longer if frozen), or until warmed through and the bread is crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—about 30 seconds per stick, but for best results, a quick toast in the oven or air fryer is worth the extra minute.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that take on the taco seasoning beautifully. You may want to add a splash more olive oil to keep the filling moist, especially with extra-lean meats.
Are Cheesy Taco Sticks spicy?
They don’t have to be! Using regular taco seasoning, the flavor is mostly savory with just a hint of mild spice. Feel free to kick up the heat with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce, or even blend in some chopped jalapeño for the spice lovers.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or crescent dough (many grocery stores carry these now). Double-check your taco seasoning and other packaged ingredients for hidden gluten just to be safe.
What’s the best cheese to use besides cheddar?
Cheddar is wonderfully melty and flavorful, but you can absolutely get creative! Blend in Monterey Jack for a milder taste, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even mozzarella for extra stretch. Mixing cheeses can make your Cheesy Taco Sticks even more decadent.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
The trick is to avoid overfilling and be sure to pinch the edges of your dough tightly so they’re fully sealed. If any cheese or meat peeks out, simply tuck it back in or patch with a bit of extra dough before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack or main dish that’s equal parts comfort food and crowd-pleaser, you’ll fall in love with Cheesy Taco Sticks. They’re easy, endlessly customizable, and truly fun to eat—just wait until you take your first gooey, golden bite. Give them a try and let them become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These taco-filled breadsticks are perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack, and kids love them!
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
For the Cheesy Taco Sticks:
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Taco Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Add taco seasoning and water, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Sticks: Cut the pizza dough, fill with taco meat and cheese, fold, and seal. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the taco sticks for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush over the baked sticks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- These freeze well and are great for quick snacks or lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
