If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor, gooey cheese, and a hint of zesty spice, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe. Imagine tender ground beef seasoned perfectly, wrapped around melty colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks in a golden, buttery pizza dough casing. It’s a delightful twist on classic tacos, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or just a special treat, these cheesy taco sticks bring the fun and flavor together in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a delicious, comforting snack. Each ingredient is essential, bringing the right balance of taste, texture, and even a splash of color to your plate.
- 1 lb. ground beef: Provides the hearty, flavorful base with rich protein and a satisfying texture.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Packs in authentic taco flavors with a blend of spices, but feel free to substitute with your own homemade seasoning for a personalized touch.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Offers a flaky, soft exterior that crisps nicely when baked, making every bite a perfect vehicle for the filling.
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved): These cheesy cores melt to gooey, creamy heaven that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat.
- 4 tbsp butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a golden-brown finish when brushed on top.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a subtle punch of savory warmth keeping each bite full-bodied.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Gives a touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the whole dish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat
Start by heating a skillet and cooking your ground beef until it’s fully browned and crumbled, making sure there are no pink spots left. Once cooked, drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor. Return the beef to the pan and sprinkle with your taco seasoning powder, stirring well to coat every bit of meat with those delicious spices. Let this mixture cool to room temperature to make handling easier later on.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough onto a flat surface and gently shape it into a rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise in half, then score four cuts across widthwise, creating 10 manageable rectangles. This is your base ready for filling. On each dough piece, place about a tablespoon of the seasoned taco meat, then add a halved cheese stick right on top. The combination of meat and cheese is going to be irresistible once baked.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Carefully roll each dough rectangle around the filling, making sure to pinch all the seams to securely enclose the delicious mix inside. It’s important to seal well so that none of that cheesy goodness escapes during baking. This step ensures you end up with tidy, bite-sized taco sticks that are as fun to look at as they are tasty to eat.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this savory blend generously over the tops of your rolled sticks, giving them that golden shine and extra flavor boost. Place the sticks on a baking sheet lightly coated with non-stick spray and bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. When they come out, they’re ready to tempt your taste buds!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe from delicious to memorable. Consider fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal note or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for crunch and color. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy salsa complements the rich cheese and seasoned meat perfectly, enhancing every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesy delights with sides like a crisp garden salad or Mexican-style corn salad to add freshness and balance. For more indulgent pairings, creamy guacamole or a zesty black bean dip can turn this snack into an impressive appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe stand out? Arrange them upright in a mason jar with dipping sauces around for a fun, party-ready display. Or serve them on a colorful platter surrounded by small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, inviting everyone to customize their snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the dough from drying out and maintains that wonderful cheesy filling in perfect condition.
Freezing
These cheesy taco sticks freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to a month. This way, you have a quick snack ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sticks in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden texture; the oven does the magic here!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Absolutely! While colby jack and cheddar are classic, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a bit of heat, depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with seasoned plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils seasoned with taco spices for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs great flavor.
Do I need to cook the taco meat before adding it to the dough?
Cooking the meat beforehand is important to ensure it’s fully seasoned and safe to eat. It also prevents excess moisture from making the dough soggy during baking.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and allows you to customize thickness and flavor. Just make sure to roll it out evenly to get perfect pockets for the filling.
What dips go best with the Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Classic salsa, creamy guacamole, sour cream, or even a spicy chipotle mayo complement the savory, cheesy sticks perfectly and add another layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe has quickly become one of my top go-to snacks or appetizer choices. It’s seriously that good — comforting, cheesy, and bursting with taco flavor all wrapped up in crispy, buttery dough. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and share it with friends and family. Get ready for a new favorite that’ll bring everyone to the table excited for more!
PrintCheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer perfect for taco lovers. Featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft pizza dough along with melted colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, they are brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and baked to golden perfection. Ready in just 22 minutes, these cheesy, savory sticks make a great party treat or family snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 cheesy taco sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
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 the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside for later use.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat. Return skillet to stovetop and stir in the taco seasoning packet without adding water, mixing until meat is evenly coated. Remove from heat and allow the meat to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Dough and Filling: Flatten the pizza dough and cut it in half lengthwise. Then make four cuts across the width, creating a total of 10 rectangular pieces. Place about one tablespoon or more of the seasoned taco meat onto the center of each dough rectangle. Top each with half of a colby jack and cheddar cheese stick. Carefully roll up each dough piece around the filling, pinching all seams tightly to seal.
- Apply Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Using a brush, coat the tops of each rolled taco stick generously with the butter mixture.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. These cheesy taco sticks pair well with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
- Make sure to pinch the dough seams tightly to prevent the cheese and meat from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute the taco seasoning with a homemade blend if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and rotate halfway through baking.
- Allow the cooked meat to cool before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Serve with dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
