Get ready for an incredibly simple and satisfying snack that everyone will adore! These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy dough. They make fantastic appetizers, a fun after-school snack, or even a light meal. Prepare to fall in love with how easy and delicious these homemade Cheesy Taco Sticks are to create.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Quick & Easy: You can prepare these tasty taco sticks in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the familiar taco flavors and the fun stick shape, making them a dinner winner.
- Perfect for Parties: These are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or any casual gathering.
- Versatile: Easily customize the fillings or toppings to suit any preference or dietary need.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Each bite offers a burst of savory taco meat, melted cheese, and a golden, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to make your delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks! This recipe combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning blend)
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough (13.8 oz)
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. For the ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble. Adjust the taco seasoning amount or choose a mild or spicy blend to control the heat. If you can’t find pizza dough, refrigerated crescent roll dough works wonderfully too, though the stick might be a bit smaller. Experiment with different cheese sticks like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar. Enhance the butter topping with a pinch of onion powder, chili powder, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to whip up these fantastic Cheesy Taco Sticks. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen.
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick spray
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
Instructions
Creating these delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside, ready for your taco creations.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned and crumbled, ensuring no pink remains.
- Drain & Season Meat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the cooked beef. Return the skillet to the stovetop. Stir in the entire packet of taco seasoning mix, but do not add any water. Mix well until the meat is fully coated with the seasoning. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the taco meat to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial for easier handling of the dough.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the Pillsbury pizza dough and spread it out on a clean surface until it’s flat. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then make four cuts crosswise, creating a total of 10 small, roughly rectangular pieces.
- Assemble Sticks: Place about a tablespoon or slightly more of the cooled taco meat in the center of each pizza dough rectangle. Top the meat with one halved cheese stick.
- Roll & Seal: Carefully roll up each pizza dough piece, encasing the meat and cheese inside. Ensure you pinch all the seams closed very tightly to prevent any cheese from oozing out during baking. This creates the signature Cheesy Taco Sticks shape.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Stir until well mixed.
- Brush & Bake: Arrange the assembled Cheesy Taco Sticks seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, evenly brush the butter mixture over the tops of all the sticks.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve your hot Cheesy Taco Sticks immediately with your favorite taco toppings.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best Cheesy Taco Sticks, consider these helpful tips.
- Cool the Meat: Always ensure your taco meat has cooled to room temperature. Hot meat will make the dough sticky and difficult to roll without tearing.
- Pinch Tightly: Spend a little extra time pinching the seams of the dough closed. A tight seal prevents cheese from escaping and creating a mess on your baking sheet.
- Adjust Oven: Every oven is different. If you notice your sticks browning too quickly or unevenly, slightly adjust the temperature or rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
- Even Butter: Distribute the buttery garlic-parsley topping evenly for a consistent golden-brown finish and enhanced flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your Cheesy Taco Sticks space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven baking and less crispy results.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Elevate your Cheesy Taco Sticks experience with these serving ideas and simple variations. Serve them with classic taco fixings like chunky salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for dipping. A side of zesty queso or a ranch dressing can also make a fantastic pairing.
To vary the filling, try adding finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix in some finely diced onion or bell pepper with the ground beef for extra vegetables and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties, like a smoky provolone or a sharp white cheddar. For a bite-sized appetizer, you can cut the dough into smaller squares and make mini sticks. You can even freeze unbaked sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for a quick meal later. Reheat baked sticks in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks knowing their nutritional breakdown. Each serving provides a good balance of macronutrients for a satisfying snack or meal component.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 2 g |
| Calories | 255 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 365 mg |
| Potassium | 126 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 151 IU |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Cheesy Taco Sticks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Can I use a different type of dough?
Absolutely. Refrigerated crescent roll dough or even puff pastry can work, though cooking times might vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
Ensure you pinch all the seams of the dough very tightly after rolling. Placing the seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Taco Sticks truly hit the mark for a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that promises big flavor with minimal effort. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a fun snack for the kids, or a party appetizer. Don’t wait to try this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe! We encourage you to whip up a batch of these fantastic Cheesy Taco Sticks soon and share your creations with friends and family.
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain fat. Add taco seasoning (no water), mix, and let cool.
- Unroll pizza dough. Cut into 10 rectangles.
- Place taco meat and half a cheese stick on each rectangle. Roll tightly and pinch seams.
- Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush over taco sticks.
- Place seam-side down on baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Serve hot.
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