Gooey Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe: Fun Finger Food Magic

Crafting delectable cheesy taco sticks brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Crispy edges and melted centers make this snack irresistible for everyone.

Mexican-inspired flavors combine in a simple yet satisfying treat that takes minimal effort.

Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy delights faster than you can imagine.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef nestles between layers of golden pastry and gooey cheese.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under thirty minutes.

This recipe promises to become your new go-to appetizer that sparks excitement around the table.

Why You’ll Love These Taco Sticks

• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Kid-Approved Meal: Packed with familiar flavors kids love, these taco sticks transform mealtime into a fun, handheld experience that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.
• Perfect Party Appetizer: Designed for sharing, these portable bites work wonderfully as game day snacks, potluck contributions, or casual gathering treats that everyone can enjoy.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Using ready-made pizza dough and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-style results without complex cooking techniques or lengthy preparation.

Everything in These Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that provides the classic taco flavor and protein base for the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Provides a melty, stretchy texture and creamy taste inside the taco sticks.

• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Creates a soft, golden exterior that wraps around the filling.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley: Adds aromatic flavor and herbal notes to the exterior of the taco sticks.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired spices and flavor to the ground beef.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, buttery crust when brushed on the taco sticks.
• Flour: Used for light dusting to prevent dough from sticking during preparation.

• Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream: Provide delicious dipping options to complement the taco sticks.

How to Bake the Taco Sticks Just Right

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up a skillet and toss in the ground beef. Break it down into tiny crumbles as it sizzles.

Once it’s looking golden and delicious, drain away any extra fat. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and give it a good stir until the beef is coated and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your work surface with a light coating of flour. Spread out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough and slice it into 10 perfect rectangles that look ready for some serious stuffing.

Step 4: Create Taco Magic

Spread a spoonful of the seasoned beef onto each dough rectangle. Drop a half cheese stick right on top of the beef.

Now roll the dough around the filling, squeezing the edges together so nothing escapes. Place these little treasures seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Butter Up the Sticks

• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Brush this golden mixture all over the taco sticks, making sure they’re glistening and ready for action.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Let the taco sticks bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and look totally irresistible.

Step 7: Dive In

Let the taco sticks cool just a bit.

Grab some salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping and get ready to enjoy a seriously tasty treat!

Tips That Help Taco Sticks Turn Out

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option that keeps the flavor intact.
• Ensure cheese sticks are cut evenly to guarantee consistent melting and prevent uneven cooking throughout the taco sticks.
• Seal edges firmly when rolling dough to prevent filling from leaking during baking and maintain a neat presentation.
• Add extra heat by mixing hot sauce into the meat or sprinkling red pepper flakes on top before baking for spice lovers.
• Refrigerate leftover taco sticks in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispy texture, avoiding microwave which can make dough soggy.

Flavor Fills for These Taco Sticks

• Vegetarian Taco Sticks: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour-based dough to create a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.
• Spicy Chorizo Variation: Swap ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage for a more intense, zesty flavor profile that adds extra kick to the taco sticks.
• Low-Carb Cheese Wrap: Use large cheese slices or lettuce wraps instead of pizza dough to create a carbohydrate-reduced version for keto dieters.

What to Serve with Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Tantalizing Drink Pairing: Zesty Mexican Margarita refreshes the palate with its citrusy lime and tequila notes, perfectly complementing the rich, cheesy taco sticks.
• Flavor-Boosting Dip: Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde adds a cool, tangy kick that cuts through the heaviness of the beef and cheese, elevating each bite with bright, herbal undertones.
• Cooling Companion: Cilantro-Lime Crema provides a smooth, herbal counterpoint to the spicy taco filling, balancing the dish's robust flavors with its light and zesty profile.

Storing Leftover Taco Sticks Properly

• Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each stick individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Carefully place cooled taco sticks in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove taco sticks from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Unwrap from foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love these cheesy, handheld taco sticks. They’re easy to eat and packed with familiar flavors that children enjoy.

• Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the taco sticks earlier in the day and refrigerate them before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Do I need any special equipment?

No special equipment is required. Just a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a skillet are all you need to make these delicious taco sticks.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor mouthwatering cheesy taco sticks that blend Mexican-inspired flavors with crispy, golden perfection. Melted cheese and seasoned meat wrapped in a crunchy exterior promise a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix

Cheese and Dairy:

• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, melted

Dough and Seasonings:

• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm the cooking chamber to 400F (200C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for smooth release.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat with a utensil. Eliminate excess grease and incorporate taco seasoning thoroughly, mixing until well-distributed.
3. Stretch pizza dough on a flour-dusted surface, dividing into 10 uniform rectangular sections.
4. Distribute seasoned meat across each dough rectangle, positioning a cheese segment atop the filling. Carefully encase the contents by rolling dough, pressing edges firmly to create secure sealed parcels.
5. Combine melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small mixing vessel. Generously coat each taco stick’s exterior with the aromatic butter mixture.
6. Transfer taco sticks to prepared baking sheet, positioning seam-side downward. Roast in heated oven for 12-15 minutes until surfaces transform into rich golden-brown and interior becomes completely cooked.
7. Remove from oven and permit slight cooling. Present with complementary dipping companions like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the meat by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend to create unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by ensuring the beef is well-drained and not too wet before filling the dough rectangles.
• Create a gluten-free version using gluten-free pizza dough or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower wrap for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg