Get ready to fall in love with Cheesy Taco Sticks—a craveable mashup of two classics that hits all the right notes! Imagine flavorful taco-seasoned beef and two kinds of ooey-gooey cheese, all wrapped up in golden, crispy pizza dough. Every bite is the perfect balance of stretchy cheese and bold taco flavor, with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re looking for a fresh party snack, a family-friendly appetizer, or just a quick-fix dinner that’ll make everyone smile, Cheesy Taco Sticks deliver huge flavor and a side of fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesy Taco Sticks come together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a key role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and melty goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible bites:
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This ready-to-go dough crisps up beautifully in the oven and makes the base for that irresistible golden shell.
- Ground beef: Juicy, well-seasoned beef brings hearty taco richness to every bite—substitute turkey or chicken if you like!
- Taco seasoning packet: All the classic spices, perfectly balanced, so your filling always hits the right notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts smoothly and adds a familiar tangy richness. Freshly grated is best for maximum melt!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The secret for ultimate cheesy pull—that stretch factor is a crowd-pleaser.
- Butter, melted: Brushing the dough before baking adds a gorgeous golden sheen and extra flavor.
- Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle boosts the aroma of your Cheesy Taco Sticks and adds an inviting savoriness to the crust.
- Salsa and sour cream for dipping: Keep these on standby for dunking—each bite becomes even more irresistible!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks so you get little flavorful crumbles in every bite. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet. This step packs a punch of flavor and truly defines the personality of your Cheesy Taco Sticks.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your counter with flour and unroll the refrigerated pizza dough into a big rectangle. Try to keep the thickness even so your sticks bake up golden and crisp. Working with chilled dough makes this step so much easier—if it’s sticky or springy, let it rest for a minute before rolling again.
Step 3: Add the Taco Meat and Cheeses
Layer the flavorful taco beef over one half of the dough, spreading it out so every stick will get a generous helping. Then comes a happy shower of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses—don’t be shy! The cheese will melt and mingle during baking, making each bite even dreamier.
Step 4: Fold, Seal, and Slice
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a stuffed pocket. Press the edges to seal everything in—this helps keep all that melted cheese and savory beef right where you want it. Next, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
Step 5: Twist, Top, and Bake
Give each strip a gentle twist and lay them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter—this is where that irresistible golden color starts! A sprinkle of garlic powder brings even more aroma to your Cheesy Taco Sticks. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sticks are bubbly, golden, and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the Cheesy Taco Sticks cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!) before serving. Set out bowls of salsa and sour cream for dipping, then watch these disappear faster than you ever expected. They’re addictively tasty and perfect for pulling apart and sharing.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
It’s the little extras that take Cheesy Taco Sticks from good to unforgettable. Sprinkle on some freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a dusting of crumbled queso fresco for a color and flavor boost. If you love heat, offer a side of pickled jalapeños or a swoosh of hot sauce to please your spice lovers.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Taco Sticks with simple sides that play off their cheesy, savory goodness. A crunchy green salad with lime dressing, corn salsa, or Mexican red rice makes the perfect balance. For heartier occasions, serve with black bean soup or street corn for a festive, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Stack the Cheesy Taco Sticks like building blocks on a wooden board, pile them high in a basket lined with parchment, or arrange them in a spiral on a big round platter. Add small bowls of colorful salsas, guacamole, and sour cream all around for a party vibe with instant “wow!” factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy Taco Sticks left (a big “if!”), let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them great for meal prep or quick snacks when cravings strike.
Freezing
Cheesy Taco Sticks freeze like a dream! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or go right to reheating when ready.
Reheating
To bring back that hot, cheesy goodness, reheat Cheesy Taco Sticks in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until piping hot and crispy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them crunchier. If frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Absolutely! Homemade dough gives Cheesy Taco Sticks a personal touch and a slightly more rustic texture. Just roll it out as described and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to press the edges of your dough firmly to create a good seal. Chilling the filled dough for a few minutes before slicing and twisting can help, too. A sharp knife or pizza cutter makes clean cuts that minimize spills.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the taco seasoning and enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of Cheesy Taco Sticks.
Do these work with other cheese types?
Try mixing and matching your favorite cheeses—pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even spicy habanero cheddar are all fun options. Just stick with varieties that melt well for that satisfying cheese pull.
Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sticks ahead and refrigerate them, unbaked, for up to 6 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed (add an extra minute or two if needed). This makes party prep a breeze!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, Cheesy Taco Sticks deserve a spot at your table. They’re straightforward, fun to make, and bursting with that bold, cheesy flavor everyone loves. Don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for the recipe—these are impossible to resist!
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Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks combine the bold flavors of tacos with the irresistible pull of melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadstick. This fun twist on tacos makes for a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. With seasoned beef, two kinds of gooey cheese, and a crisp pizza dough crust, these taco sticks are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Serve them alongside your favorite dips, like salsa and sour cream, for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just want a cheesy, savory treat, these Cheesy Taco Sticks will satisfy any craving. They’re quick, easy, and bound to impress!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salsa and sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning according to the packet instructions. Set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the meat.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Cut the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
