If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, fun, and easy snack, look no further than Cheesy Taco Sticks. These cheesy, savory treats are a fusion of two beloved comfort foods: tacos and pizza. A perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and pizza dough, baked to golden perfection, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are bound to be a game-changer for any party, family gathering, or weeknight snack. They’re packed with bold taco flavor and cheesy goodness, offering a satisfying and tasty bite in every mouthful.
The Magic Behind Cheesy Taco Sticks
These cheesy taco sticks are not just a regular snack; they’re an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will make you question why you didn’t try them sooner. Think of them as a taco turned into a convenient, easy-to-eat stick – crispy on the outside, with a flavorful and cheesy beef filling on the inside.
What makes these Cheesy Taco Sticks so special is how simple the ingredients are and how quickly they come together. By using refrigerated pizza dough, you eliminate the need to make your dough from scratch, which cuts down on preparation time and mess. The combination of seasoned beef, cheddar, mozzarella, and butter creates a savory, indulgent filling that’s wrapped in a crispy, golden dough.
Whether you’re serving these Cheesy Taco Sticks for a game day, party appetizer, or a cozy dinner at home, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are versatile – serve them as a snack or pair them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an added layer of flavor.
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Sticks
You won’t need a long shopping list for these delicious taco sticks. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef – The base of your taco filling.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – The key to infusing that classic taco flavor.
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough – The easy, quick, and delicious dough that forms the outer shell.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a sharp, creamy cheese flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – To add gooey, melty texture to your filling.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – For brushing on the dough and adding a rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For an extra layer of savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – For garnish, adding color and a fresh pop.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down how to make these Cheesy Taco Sticks from start to finish.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the taco sticks from sticking while baking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding a little water. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the beef to soak up all the taco seasoning flavors. You’ll have a savory and fragrant filling ready for your taco sticks.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Next, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a flat surface. Roll it out slightly to form a rectangular shape that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Then, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. These strips will serve as the wrapper for your taco sticks.
4. Assemble the Taco Sticks
Now comes the fun part: assembly! Take each dough strip and spoon the taco filling (seasoned ground beef) evenly down the center. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese for that cheesy, melty goodness. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal and create a stuffed stick.
5. Brush with Butter
Once your taco sticks are assembled, place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with melted butter to give it that golden, crispy texture when it bakes. Sprinkle each stick with a little garlic powder for extra flavor and aroma.
6. Bake to Perfection
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taco sticks for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking, as oven times can vary.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Cheesy Taco Sticks are golden brown and irresistible, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Taco Sticks
1. Quick and Easy
These taco sticks come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying snack without a lot of fuss. The use of refrigerated pizza dough and taco seasoning cuts down on prep time, making it a breeze to put together.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, game night, or a gathering with friends, Cheesy Taco Sticks are an ideal choice. They’re easy to serve and eat, making them a fun finger food that guests of all ages will love.
3. Cheesy and Flavorful
The combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella makes these taco sticks melt in your mouth. Coupled with the savory taco-seasoned beef, every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Customizable
You can easily customize these taco sticks by adding extra ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, corn, sautéed onions, or jalapeños. Want to make them spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the ground beef for an extra kick.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Don’t Overfill the Dough: When adding the taco filling, be sure to leave enough space at the edges to fold the dough over and seal it properly.
- Brush with Butter: Brushing the dough with melted butter before baking helps it get that perfect golden, crispy exterior.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a tangy ranch dip are all great options to accompany your Cheesy Taco Sticks.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. These options will provide a lighter version while still maintaining flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the taco sticks ahead of time by assembling them, placing them on a baking sheet, and storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake them as directed.
Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Yes, you can freeze these sticks before baking. Simply place the assembled taco sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for 2-3 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, cook them directly from the freezer for an extra 3-5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect snack for any occasion. They are quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, or savory, these taco sticks hit the spot every time. With their crispy, golden exterior and melty cheese filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites – Irresistibly Sweet & Savory
- Maple Bacon Pancake Burger Recipe
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe – A Game-Changing Snack!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco sticks 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate snack! Featuring seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy dough, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners. Quick to prepare and bursting with taco-inspired flavors, these easy-to-make snacks are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat and mix in taco seasoning with water as per packet instructions. Simmer until well combined.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle. Slice into 1-inch-wide strips using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Assemble the Sticks:
- Spoon taco-seasoned beef onto the center of each strip. Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella. Fold dough over filling and seal edges.
- Brush with Butter:
- Place taco sticks on the baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle parsley over baked sticks. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare taco sticks in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Dipping Ideas: Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers/Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: cheesy taco sticks recipe, taco appetizers, Tex-Mex snacks, ground beef taco sticks