Cheesy Taco Sticks

Imagine all the best parts of a taco—savory beef, oozy cheese, a buttery crust—bundled into a handheld, dippable delight: that’s Cheesy Taco Sticks. This recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, melty cheese sticks, and fluffy pizza dough, then finishes each stick with a brush of garlic butter. Whether you serve these as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a satisfying party snack, or the highlight of family Taco Tuesday, Cheesy Taco Sticks never fail to bring smiles (and requests for seconds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Taco Sticks lies in just a few simple, familiar ingredients working in harmony. Every element plays a crucial role: flavorful beef for heartiness, stretchy cheese for undeniable fun, and golden dough for a bakery-fresh bite. Trust me, you don’t want to skip any of these!

• Ground beef (1 lb): Lean beef is best here; it delivers classic taco flavor and cooks up quickly.
• Taco seasoning mix (1 packet): This handy blend infuses the beef with a bold, zesty punch—no extra spices needed.
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough (1 tube): The ready-made sheet bakes up light and fluffy, and is incredibly easy to work with.
• Colby Jack and Cheddar cheese sticks (5, halved): Using cheese sticks cuts down on prep and ensures gooey, even cheese in every bite.
• Butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Butter gives you that rich, bakery-style finish and helps the topping stick.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For that irresistible savory aroma and classic garlic kick.
• Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final touch.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when your Cheesy Taco Sticks are assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this means no sticking, and much easier cleanup!

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium and add the ground beef. Break it up as it browns—this helps it cook evenly. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any fat, sprinkle on the taco seasoning, and add water according to the packet directions. Stir thoroughly, let it simmer briefly, and then remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Roll out your Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface. You want an even rectangle so each of your Cheesy Taco Sticks will bake up perfectly. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles; don’t stress if they’re not absolutely identical—rustic is charming!

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks

Add a spoonful of seasoned beef to each rectangle, followed by a halved cheese stick on top. Carefully roll up the dough around the filling, sealing the edges by pinching well. Place each assembled stick seam-side down on your baking sheet so the cheese stays inside.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter

Combine your melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to lavish each taco stick with this mix—the more, the merrier! This is what gives Cheesy Taco Sticks their irresistible golden shine and garlicky aroma.

Step 6: Bake

Pop the baking sheet in the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough turns beautifully golden brown and puffs up. The cheese will be bubbling inside and your kitchen will smell amazing—try to let them cool for just a few minutes before serving!

Step 7: Serve

These are best enjoyed warm, with plenty of dipping options nearby! Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are always hits. Get them on the table while the cheese is still gooey and stretchy for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parsley or finely chopped cilantro right after baking adds color and that “fresh-from-the-oven” flair. You can also add sliced green onions or a tiny sprinkle of extra grated cheese on top for even more appeal.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Taco Sticks are so versatile! Pair them with a fresh mixed green salad, crisp tortilla chips, or even a bowl of Mexican rice. They’re also fabulous dipped into a chunky salsa or cool, creamy guacamole.

Creative Ways to Present

Try standing Cheesy Taco Sticks upright in a mason jar for a playful, grab-and-go snack at parties. Or, arrange them in a ring with a big bowl of dipping sauce in the center for easy sharing. For game day, place them on a platter alongside mini tacos or sliders for a fun Tex-Mex spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extras (which is rare!), allow the Cheesy Taco Sticks to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for quick snacks or simple lunchbox additions.

Freezing

Cheesy Taco Sticks freeze surprisingly well. Once baked and cooled, wrap each stick individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick option, you can microwave them for 30–45 seconds, though the crust will stay crispier if reheated in the oven or in an air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of dough for Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Absolutely! Crescent dough sheets, homemade pizza dough, or even store-bought biscuit dough all work beautifully. Just aim for a dough that rolls out thin and seals well so the cheese doesn’t ooze out.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks vegetarian?

You bet—you can simply swap the beef with sautéed veggies (like bell peppers and onions) or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just follow the same seasoning and assembly steps.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Colby Jack and cheddar are classic for their melt and flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a different cheese pull or extra heat.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Pinch the dough seams really well and be sure to place each stick seam-side down on the baking sheet. Also, don’t overfill—this makes sealing much easier and keeps the cheesy goodness inside.

Can Cheesy Taco Sticks be served cold?

While they’re definitely best hot and gooey, Cheesy Taco Sticks can be enjoyed at room temp or even chilled, making them a practical option for lunchboxes or picnics.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to spice up taco night or just want a fun, hearty snack, Cheesy Taco Sticks are destined to become a new favorite. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and just plain delicious—give them a try and watch everyone light up with the first cheesy bite!

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