Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate party snack or an irresistible weeknight dinner, Cheesy Taco Sticks are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the flavors you love in a classic taco—savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a touch of spice—snuggled inside golden, pillowy breadsticks. They’re dippable, portable, and completely irresistible, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends (if you can bear to part with any!). Cheesy Taco Sticks are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Cheesy Taco Sticks come together with a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a special role in building flavor and texture. Simple as they are, every item brings something to the table—so don’t skip a thing!
- Ground beef: The juicy, savory base that gives these sticks their classic taco flavor and satisfying bite.
- Taco seasoning: Convenient and packed with all the right spices for instant south-of-the-border flair.
- Water: Helps transform the seasoning and ground beef into a flavorful, cohesive filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy richness that melts dreamily into every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that ultimate stretchy cheese pull and mild, milky goodness.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Soft, pillowy dough that bakes up golden and fluffy, encasing all the goodness.
- Butter (melted): Brushing the outside ensures a rich, glossy finish and irresistible flavor.
- Garlic powder: Lends a savory, aromatic punch to the crust.
- Dried oregano: Brings an herby, slightly earthy note that pairs perfectly with the taco vibe.
- Chili powder: A boost of smoky warmth right on top for an extra flavor kick.
- Salsa or sour cream (for dipping): Takes each bite to the next level—don’t skip the dips!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Let it all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens up and is coated in all that delicious spice. Set the pan aside and allow the meat to cool slightly—this keeps your dough easy to handle and prevents any sogginess.
Step 2: Shape the Cheesy Taco Sticks
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 even rectangles. Pile a small mound of the taco meat onto one half of each piece. Sprinkle a generous mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef—the more cheese, the better, I say! Fold the other half of each dough rectangle over the filling, pressing and pinching all the edges to seal. You want them closed tightly so not a drop of gooey cheese escapes during baking.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Arrange the sticks seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one liberally with melted butter—this adds both flavor and color—then sprinkle with garlic powder, dried oregano, and chili powder for that finishing touch. Bake in the hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the Cheesy Taco Sticks are puffed, golden brown, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Taco Sticks cool for a minute or two before serving. They’re at their absolute best warm and fresh, with stretchy, melty cheese inside and a touch of spice on the outside. Don’t forget to put out plenty of salsa or sour cream for dipping!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle the tops with a little extra fresh cilantro or sliced green onions just before serving. If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce makes every bite pop even more. A squeeze of lime over the platter before digging in adds brightness too!
Side Dishes
Cheesy Taco Sticks are fun enough to stand alone, but they’re also amazing paired with simple sides. Try them with a crisp green salad, zesty Mexican street corn, or even a bowl of black bean soup for a heartier meal. Tortilla chips and guacamole never hurt either, especially when you’re serving a hungry crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dazzle friends or family? Pile the Cheesy Taco Sticks on a big platter with all your favorite dips in the center—salsa, guacamole, queso, and sour cream. For parties, stick toothpicks in each so folks can easily grab and go. Or cut the sticks into bite-sized “taco bites” for the ultimate finger food spread at your next game night or casual get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cheesy Taco Sticks left (unlikely, but possible!), let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days and are perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
These are a meal prep dream! Let the Cheesy Taco Sticks cool, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months—just be sure to keep them well wrapped to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy your Cheesy Taco Sticks again, simply pop them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the exterior nice and golden, but if you’re in a major hurry, 30-40 seconds on high works for a softer snack.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Snack
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, these work just as well with ground turkey or chicken. You can even swap in meatless crumbles or refried beans to make them vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Taco Sticks gluten-free?
Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation!
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
The secret is in pinching the dough tightly around the edges to get a strong seal. If you really want insurance, you can crimp the edges with a fork. Make sure not to overfill as well—there’s plenty of cheese in every bite!
What other cheeses can I try?
Feel free to get creative! Pepper jack adds some spicy kick, Monterey Jack is perfectly melty, or even a smoky gouda can change up the flavor profile without sacrificing that oozy cheese pull everyone loves.
Can I assemble Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
You sure can. Prepare them up until the baking stage, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. This is a lifesaver for parties or busy weeknights—just bake when you’re ready!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a party, feeding hungry kids, or just craving something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, you simply have to try Cheesy Taco Sticks. There’s nothing quite like seeing friends and family light up over these gooey, golden snacks. Go ahead—make a batch, sit back, and watch them disappear in record time!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 taco sticks 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of tacos with gooey melted cheese in a convenient stick form. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for parties or a fun twist on taco night.
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
For the Sticks:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
For Serving:
- salsa or sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until thickened. Let cool.
- Prepare the Sticks: Roll out the pizza dough and cut into rectangles. Spoon taco meat onto each, add cheeses, fold, and seal edges tightly.
- Bake: Brush sticks with butter, sprinkle with seasonings, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Serve warm with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or green chiles to the filling.
- These taco sticks freeze well and can be reheated in the oven for a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
