Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Taco-inspired flavors: These cheesy taco sticks combine the savory, spiced beef of a taco with the melt-in-your-mouth cheese and crispy breadstick crust.
- Fun and easy: A twist on the classic taco, these sticks are fun to eat and make a great finger food for any occasion.
- Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack.
- Customizable: You can switch up the filling by adding your favorite taco toppings, like diced onions, peppers, or even jalapeños for extra heat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salsa and sour cream for dipping
Directions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the taco filling:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions and cook for a few more minutes to ensure the seasoning is evenly mixed. Set the taco filling aside.
3. Roll out the pizza dough:
- Roll the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
4. Assemble the taco sticks:
- Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the taco meat.
5. Fold and seal:
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal it.
- Cut the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip slightly to form a spiral.
6. Bake the taco sticks:
- Place the twisted dough strips onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and enjoy:
- Serve the taco sticks warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy, taco-filled goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Top the taco meat with diced onions, bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy option: Add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a spicier kick.
- Different cheese: Swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Storage
- Storage: Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition (Per Stick)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
FAQs
Can I use store-bought taco filling?
Yes, you can use pre-made taco filling for a quicker option. Just heat it up and follow the same steps for assembly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the taco sticks ahead of time, assemble them, and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just bake them right before serving for the best results.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled taco sticks before baking. Wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. To bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Can I use a different type of dough?
If you prefer, you can use crescent roll dough or any other refrigerated dough that you have on hand.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate combination of savory taco flavors and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy, golden dough. Perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun twist on taco night, these cheesy treats are sure to be a hit. With minimal prep and full flavor, they’re the perfect appetizer or meal to satisfy your taco cravings!
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks combine savory taco flavors, gooey cheese, and crispy pizza dough into a fun and delicious appetizer. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from snacks to parties.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated pizza dough
½ pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salsa and sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for a few more minutes. Set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread taco meat over one half of the dough, and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Cut into 1-inch strips and twist each into a spiral.
- Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Notes
Add diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the taco meat for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
