Cheesy Taco Sticks

This hearty Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe transforms classic taco flavors into a handheld treat that's perfect for game day snacking or a fun weeknight dinner alternative. The combination of seasoned beef and melty cheese wrapped in pizza dough creates an irresistible bite that both kids and adults will love.

I first created these taco sticks when hosting a last minute football gathering and needed something substantial but easy to eat while watching the game. They disappeared faster than any other snack I served and now they're requested at nearly every gathering.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Creates the hearty base. Choose 80/20 for best flavor without excessive grease
• Taco seasoning mix: Provides authentic Mexican flavors without measuring multiple spices
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Offers convenience and reliability. Look for the refrigerated tube in the dairy section
• Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks: Add the perfect melt factor and stretchy cheese pull
• Butter: Melted with garlic and parsley creates an aromatic finish that elevates the flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents any cheese from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to fully preheat for even baking.

Cook the Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain all excess fat thoroughly to prevent soggy dough. Add the full packet of taco seasoning along with the recommended amount of water and simmer until thickened, usually about 3 minutes.

Prepare the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pizza dough completely. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough into 10 equal rectangles. If the dough is sticking, dust your work surface with a bit more flour.

Assemble the Taco Sticks:

Place about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned beef on each rectangle, leaving a half inch border around the edges. Position a half cheese stick on top of the meat. Starting with the long edge, carefully roll the dough around the filling, pinching all seams firmly to create a good seal. Place each roll seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley until well combined. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each taco stick with this flavorful mixture, ensuring you cover all sides. This adds incredible flavor and helps the dough develop a beautiful golden color.

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a deep golden brown color and listen for a hollow sound when tapped. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the meat is properly heated through.

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The cheese sticks are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered after multiple tests that using the cheese sticks rather than shredded cheese prevents leaking and creates that perfect melty cheese pull when you take a bite. My nephew actually calls these cheese bombs because of how dramatic the cheese stretch is when you pull them apart.

Make Ahead Options

These taco sticks can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare through the assembly step, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, brush with the garlic butter mixture, and add an extra 2 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dough. This makes them perfect for party prep or busy weeknights when you need a quick solution.

Delicious Dipping Options

While these taco sticks are flavorful on their own, serving them with dips takes them to another level. Set up a dipping station with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even queso. For a fun twist, try a creamy avocado ranch or cilantro lime crema. Each dip brings a different dimension to the flavor profile and allows everyone to customize their experience.

Kid Friendly Adaptations

These taco sticks are already kid approved, but you can make them even more child friendly by adjusting the spice level. Use mild taco seasoning or make your own blend with less chili powder. You can also create a fun assembly line and let kids help with the rolling process. Smaller hands might enjoy mini versions made with crescent roll dough cut into triangles and formed into smaller bundles rather than sticks.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the taco sticks completely, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush with the garlic butter mixture and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for the pizza dough?

Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or homemade pizza dough all work well as substitutes. Each will provide a slightly different texture but will still be delicious. If using puff pastry, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F to prevent burning.

→ Can I make these with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully. Just ensure they're fully cooked and well-seasoned with the taco mix before assembling the sticks.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is possible but may make the dough slightly chewy rather than crisp.

→ Can I freeze these Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Yes! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these?

Classic Mexican-inspired dips like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are perfect. You can also try queso dip, ranch dressing with taco seasoning mixed in, or a cilantro-lime crema for something special.