Transform your taco night into something extraordinary with these irresistible Cheesy Taco Sticks! This innovative recipe combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the fun, handheld appeal of breadsticks, creating a perfect fusion that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Taco Sticks offer the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss. The recipe brilliantly merges the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough. They’re incredibly versatile – serve them as an appetizer for game day, a fun dinner option for the kids, or even as a creative party snack that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
What makes this Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe truly special is its simplicity. Using readily available ingredients and requiring minimal prep time, you can have these crowd-pleasers ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect cheese pull, while the taco seasoning adds that familiar, comforting flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the taco meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
For the taco sticks:
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salsa or sour cream for dipping
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape, approximately 12×8 inches. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal strips, each about 1.5 inches wide.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Sticks Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled taco meat along the center of each dough strip. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the meat. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches Place the sealed taco sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of each stick, then sprinkle with dried parsley if using.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
To ensure your Cheesy Taco Sticks turn out perfectly every time, make sure the taco meat is completely cooled before assembling. Hot filling can cause the dough to become soggy and difficult to work with. When sealing the dough, press firmly along the edges and consider using a fork to crimp the seams for extra security.
For the best cheese pull, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as fresh cheese melts more smoothly. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or include some diced jalapeños with the meat.
Don’t overfill the sticks, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. About 2 tablespoons of filling per stick is the perfect amount. If you’re making these ahead of time, you can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 taco sticks Difficulty: Easy
This recipe yields 8 generous taco sticks that are perfect for sharing. The combination of two cheeses creates an incredibly satisfying stretch and flavor profile that complements the seasoned beef beautifully. The pizza dough provides the perfect crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
Notes
You can customize this Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef, and vegetarians can use seasoned black beans or lentils instead of meat. For a healthier version, try using whole wheat pizza dough or cauliflower crust.
The taco seasoning can be homemade using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. Store-bought seasoning packets work perfectly fine, but making your own allows you to control the sodium content and spice level.
These sticks are best served immediately while the cheese is still gooey, but they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks up to 4 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Cheesy Taco Sticks? These pair wonderfully with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso dip. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or Mexican rice.
Can I freeze the unbaked taco sticks? Absolutely! Assemble the sticks, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have pizza dough? You can substitute with crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even wonton wrappers for a different texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your chosen dough.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dough soggy.
For longer storage, wrap cooled taco sticks individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe represents the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor, delivering restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining guests, or simply looking for a fun twist on taco night, these golden, cheesy delights are sure to impress.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and ease of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a memorable meal that brings people together around the table. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy dough creates a satisfying bite that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Make this Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe your go-to solution for those times when you want something special without the complexity. Your family will love the familiar taco flavors presented in this fun, handheld format, and you’ll love how simple it is to make something that looks and tastes so impressive.
