Cheesy Taco Sticks Snack

This cheesy taco stick recipe transforms your standard taco night into a fun, handheld adventure that both kids and adults will devour. The combination of seasoned beef and melty cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough creates the perfect portable meal that works for game days, quick dinners, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I created these taco sticks when my daughter refused to eat traditional tacos because they kept falling apart in her hands. Now these cheesy wonders are requested at least twice a month in our household and have become our go to solution for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Ground beef. The classic taco protein base that browns beautifully while soaking up all the delicious taco seasonings.
• Taco seasoning packet. Provides all the essential Mexican flavors without measuring multiple spices. Look for low sodium options if watching salt intake.
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough. Creates the perfect golden exterior that's both crispy and chewy. The refrigerated tube variety saves significant time.
• Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks. The combination of cheeses offers the ideal melt factor and flavor. Choose full fat for the best stretchy cheese pull.
• Butter. Creates that irresistible golden crust when baked. Use unsalted if your taco seasoning already contains salt.
• Garlic powder. Adds aromatic depth to the butter coating. Fresh garlic works too but can burn more easily.
• Dried parsley. Provides a pop of color and subtle flavor to the garlic butter topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Allow the oven to fully preheat while you prepare the filling for even baking results.

Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef thoroughly making sure to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Small pieces distribute better in the taco sticks. Drain excess fat completely to prevent soggy dough then stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions usually with a small amount of water. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and the meat is coated in seasoning.

Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness throughout to ensure consistent baking. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough into 10 equal rectangles making each about 3 by 5 inches for ideal portion size.

Assemble the Taco Sticks

Place about 2 tablespoons of seasoned beef in the center of each rectangle spreading it slightly but leaving a half inch border. Position a halved cheese stick on top of the meat ensuring it doesn't extend beyond the filling. Roll the dough around the filling starting from the long edge and pinch all seams firmly to create a secure seal. Place each stick seam side down on the baking sheet spaced at least an inch apart.

Brush with Garlic Butter

Melt butter completely then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley until well combined. Using a pastry brush generously coat the entire surface of each taco stick with this mixture focusing especially on the tops. This creates a golden flavorful crust that elevates these from simple to spectacular.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the beef is thoroughly heated. You might see some cheese oozing from any small openings which is perfectly fine.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the taco sticks rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving as the filling will be extremely hot. Arrange on a serving platter alongside small bowls of salsa sour cream and guacamole for dipping. The contrast of the hot crispy sticks with the cool creamy dips creates the perfect bite.

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You Must Know

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the cheese pull as everyone takes their first bite. There is something so satisfying about that moment when the golden crust gives way to reveal the molten cheese center and my family breaks into smiles knowing dinner is going to be delicious tonight.

Make Ahead Magic

These taco sticks freeze beautifully before or after baking. To freeze before baking prepare through assembly then place on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen adding about 5 minutes to the cooking time. For already baked sticks allow them to cool completely then wrap individually in foil and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe is just the starting point for countless delicious variations. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version. Switch up the cheese with pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for an Italian twist. You can even add black beans corn or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. For breakfast taco sticks replace the beef with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.

Perfect Pairings

While these taco sticks are delicious on their own they become a complete meal when paired with complementary sides. Serve alongside Mexican rice beans or a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For a fun taco bar experience offer multiple dipping options like queso nacho cheese enchilada sauce or pico de gallo. During summer months add some grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter for a fantastic flavor combination.

Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make these taco sticks spicier?

Add a few sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the taco sticks, refrigerate them, and bake when ready to serve.

→ What dipping sauces go well with these sticks?

Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even nacho cheese sauce pair wonderfully.

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, you can prepare your favorite homemade dough as a substitute for store-bought pizza dough.