If you love the bold flavors of tacos combined with ooey-gooey cheese wrapped in soft, golden dough, then you are absolutely going to adore this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe. It’s like having a handheld fiesta in every bite! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, these cheesy taco sticks deliver on flavor, texture, and fun. Crispy on the outside, packed with savory seasoned beef, and melted cheese inside, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe keeps things delightfully simple by using easy-to-find ingredients that each play an important role in making the dish a success. From the savory ground beef to the buttery garlic topping, every element adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes each bite irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that brings bold, meaty flavor to these taco sticks.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Adds authentic taco spices, making the beef irresistibly seasoned.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Provides a soft, fluffy crust that wraps around your filling perfectly.
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved: Offers the perfect cheesy melt and creamy texture inside each roll.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the butter coating with a savory kick.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Sprinkles a touch of color and mild herbaceous flavor to round out the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the taco sticks from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
Cook your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked through and nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix along with water as directed on the packet and stir well to combine. Let those bold taco spices infuse the beef.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough tube. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles so each taco stick is the perfect size to hold the filling and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef onto each dough rectangle, then top it with half a cheese stick. Roll the dough around the filling tightly, pinching the edges to seal in all those delicious flavors. Place each assembled stick seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed while baking.
Step 5: Add Flavorful Butter Coating and Bake
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then generously brush this mix over each taco stick. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and tempting. The buttery, garlicky glaze ensures each one has an irresistible shine and aroma.
Step 6: Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Once baked, let the cheesy taco sticks cool for a few minutes so they hold together perfectly when you bite into them. Get ready for an explosion of cheesy, savory goodness!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your cheesy taco sticks with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. These little touches add freshness and an extra pop of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe alongside classic Mexican-inspired sides such as zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, or cool sour cream. A simple side salad or tortilla chips can also complement the meal beautifully, balancing out the richness of the taco sticks.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next party? Arrange your cheesy taco sticks on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces. You could even turn them into a fun appetizer platter by adding sliced jalapeños, olives, and colorful bell peppers for a full taco-inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cheesy taco sticks, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making a perfect quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked taco sticks by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your cheesy taco sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving when possible to preserve the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the colby jack and cheddar sticks for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just use cheese sticks or cut cheese into similar-sized pieces for even melting.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Yes! Replace ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils, beans, or vegetables like sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Just season them with taco spices for that familiar flavor punch.
Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?
You sure can. Assemble the taco sticks, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just brush with the butter mixture right before popping them in the oven.
What dipping sauces pair best with these taco sticks?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a queso dip work wonderfully. You might also like a spicy chipotle mayo or a cool cilantro lime sauce as great options.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the pizza dough for a gluten-free version available in most stores or try using corn tortillas for a different but equally delicious take.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a fun, hearty, and incredibly tasty dish that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, these sticky, cheesy, flavorful bites bring joy to the table every time. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (10 taco sticks) 1x
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in tender pizza dough. Perfectly baked to golden brown with a garlic butter parsley glaze, these savory treats are fantastic served with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Dough & Cheese
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Butter Topping
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season Beef: Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and prepare according to the packet instructions. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut Dough: Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles to form the base for the taco sticks.
- Add Filling: Spoon a small portion of the seasoned beef onto each rectangle.
- Add Cheese: Place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef on each rectangle.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Place the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Brush Toppings: Brush this butter mixture generously over each taco stick to create a flavorful crust.
- 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 with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
Notes
- You can substitute the colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks with any cheese sticks you prefer.
- Make sure to seal the dough edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- For extra crispiness, brush a little extra butter on the sticks halfway through baking.
- Leftover taco sticks reheat well in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
