Taco Sticks With Cheese

Taco Sticks with Cheese bring together savory ground beef seasoned with zesty taco spices and gooey Colby Jack cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough baked to golden perfection Each stick offers a crispy exterior and a melty cheesy center making it a satisfying snack or casual dinner option After baking a coating of melted butter garlic and dried parsley adds aromatic flavor Serve with salsa or guacamole for a complete Tex Mex experience

The first time I served these at a birthday party my friends begged for them and now they are a requested appetizer for game days Watching kids and adults grab a second one before the tray empties is always fun

Ingredients

• Taco Filling
• 1 pound lean ground beef: providing a rich meaty taste Choose ninety percent lean for flavor without excess grease
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: adding aromatic depth and enhancing the beef Both fresh and preminced options work
• 1 package taco seasoning plus water: as per package instructions brings classic taco flavors together Check the brand and salt level for best results

• Dough and Assembly
• 2 cans Pillsbury pizza dough: making preparation effortless and yielding pillowy sticks Keep chilled until ready to use
• 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks: providing gooey melting cheese Colby Jack gives bold flavor alternatives include mozzarella or cheddar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter: creates a golden finish and seasons the crust Choose quality butter for best results
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: enhances savory notes in the buttery topping
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: adds herby freshness and visual appeal

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pans:

Preheat the oven to four hundred twenty five degrees for even baking Place parchment paper on two baking sheets to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup

Brown the Beef:

In a frying pan over medium high heat crumble and cook ground beef for five to seven minutes until no pink remains Drain excess fat to avoid soggy filling

Season the Filling:

Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the beef Pour in water as directed on the seasoning package Stir and cook on high for two to three minutes until most water evaporates Remove from heat once thick and saucy

Shape the Dough:

Remove pizza dough from the refrigerator Place on a parchment lined sheet Unroll and stretch or pat into a twelve by eight inch rectangle Cut into twelve even four by four inch squares

Fill with Meat and Cheese:

Spoon about three tablespoons of beef mixture into the center of each dough square Slice a cheese stick in half and place both halves on top of the beef

Seal the Taco Sticks:

Fold dough edges over the filling and pinch tightly to seal both sides and ends Tuck ends in Flip each stick seam side down to keep them puffy

Butter and Season:

Melt butter then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley Brush generously over each dough stick covering every exposed surface

Bake Until Golden:

Place baking sheets in the preheated oven Bake twelve to fourteen minutes until tops are puffed and lightly golden brown

Bookmark

The melty center is my favorite part Colby Jack makes these irresistible I once let my kids assemble them and it became their favorite kitchen activity

Storage Tips

Leftover taco sticks store well in the refrigerator in a zip top bag or airtight container Reheat in a toaster oven to revive the crisp crust For freezing bake completely then cool and wrap tightly They will keep up to two months Reheat directly from the freezer for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option Colby Jack can be replaced with mozzarella cheddar or pepper jack For a spicier version add crushed red pepper or use a hot taco seasoning blend

Serving Suggestions

Serve these taco sticks with salsa guacamole or sour cream for dipping Add a simple side salad or Mexican style rice for a complete meal Queso or ranch is a hit with kids

Cultural and Historical Notes

Bookmark

This recipe is a playful spin on classic Tex Mex tacos Combining American ingredients like pizza dough with traditional taco flavors It comes from potluck culture emphasizing fuss free handheld sharing

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do you keep taco sticks from falling apart during baking?

Seal the edges firmly and place seam side down on the baking sheet to maintain shape while baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can be great alternatives to Colby Jack for varied flavor.

→ What sauces pair well with taco sticks?

Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream are delicious for dipping and add extra Tex-Mex flavor.

→ Is it possible to make taco sticks ahead of time?

You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake for fresh results.

→ Can ground turkey be substituted for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option while still keeping great flavor.

→ How long do leftover taco sticks stay fresh?

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven for best results.