Get ready to fall in love with this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe, a delightful twist on classic flavors wrapped up in golden, flaky dough. These sticks combine seasoned ground beef and melty cheese into a perfect handheld snack that’s bursting with bold, savory goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something comforting and fun, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to balance flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. From the savory ground beef to the buttery garlic topping, every element plays a key role in creating that irresistible taco-inspired treat.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor to every bite.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Infuses the beef with classic Mexican-inspired spices for that signature taco taste.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Provides a soft, flaky exterior that bakes up golden and delicious.
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved: Melts inside the dough providing ooey-gooey cheesy goodness with lots of flavor depth.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust when brushed on top.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle but aromatic punch to the buttery topping.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Sprinkles in a touch of color and a hint of fresh herbal flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe will bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning mix according to the packet instructions. This step layers that classic taco flavor deep into the meat, making every bite rich and exciting.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles — these will become perfect little pockets to hold your filling and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
On each rectangle, spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef, then place a halved cheese stick right on top. Carefully roll the dough around the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal all the deliciousness inside. Arrange the assembled sticks on your prepared baking sheet, keeping them apart so they bake evenly.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley, then brush this flavorful mixture evenly over the tops of each taco stick. This layer will give your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe a mouthwatering golden-brown finish and a subtle garlicky aroma.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough turns a gorgeous golden color and feels cooked through. You’ll know your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is ready when that cheese inside is bubbling and the crust is perfectly crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your taco sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any molten cheese mishaps. These best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, when every bite is a delightful combination of gooey cheese, savory beef, and flaky crust.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream. These add freshness and even more layers of flavor, transforming this snack into a mini fiesta on your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these taco sticks with classic sides such as a vibrant Mexican corn salad, creamy guacamole, or a zesty salsa for dipping. The combination creates a balanced meal that’s bursting with texture and bold flavors on every forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, set up a build-your-own dipping station with an array of sauces — from spicy chipotle to cool ranch. You can also slice the sticks into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers for a fun and shareable appetizer option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the sticks fresh while maintaining the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy these delights later, freeze the fully assembled but unbaked sticks by arranging them on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Reheat remaining taco sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the dough from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Absolutely! While colby jack and cheddar are fantastic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a spicy queso blend to customize the flavor and meltiness to your liking.
Is it possible to make these taco sticks vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative while using the same seasoning for a delicious vegetarian version of this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe.
How can I make these dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, swap the cheese sticks for dairy-free cheese alternatives and use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to brush on top. This way, you still get fantastic flavor with no dairy involved.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Assemble the Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe a few hours in advance, refrigerate, then add the butter topping right before baking. This makes hosting so much easier and stress-free.
What dipping sauces go best with Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Try classic salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty chipotle mayo — these all complement the cheesy, savory flavors perfectly and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is pure comfort wrapped in every bite, combining the spice of seasoned beef with melty cheese and buttery dough. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, from game day to family dinners. You’re going to love how effortlessly these come together, so go on, give them a try and watch how fast they disappear from the plate!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious, easy-to-make snack or meal featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfectly baked to golden perfection with a flavorful garlic and parsley butter topping, they combine the bold flavors of tacos with a cheesy, doughy twist that’s great for parties, lunchboxes, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Dough and Cheese
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Topping
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning mix following the packet instructions, then set the seasoned beef aside.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough and cut it into 10 equal rectangular pieces to form the base for the taco sticks.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon some of the seasoned ground beef onto each dough rectangle. Top each with a halved cheese stick, then carefully roll the dough around the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Place each rolled taco stick onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Topping: Combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of all the assembled taco sticks to add flavor and promote golden browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly on a rack or plate before serving. Enjoy these warm, cheesy taco treats fresh out of the oven!
Notes
- Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- You can use any type of shredded cheese or cheese sticks you prefer for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added dipping options.
- Leftover taco sticks can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to retain crispiness.
