Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on taco night, combining seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and soft dough in a portable, dippable form. These savory sticks are perfect for appetizers, snacks, lunchboxes, or quick dinners that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the delicious flavors of tacos in a hand-held form.
• Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or quick weeknight dinners.
• Easy to customize with different fillings and cheeses.
• Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory goodness.
• Great for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Dipping sauces (salsa, sour cream, guacamole)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and a little water, cooking until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Roll out pizza or crescent dough and cut into rectangles.
5. Spoon a small amount of taco meat and shredded cheese onto each piece of dough.
6. Fold and pinch the edges to seal, forming a stick.
7. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Melt butter and mix with garlic powder. Brush over the tops of the sticks.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 sticks
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat filling.
• Vegetarian Version: Use black beans, corn, and veggies instead of ground beef.
• Breakfast Taco Sticks: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.
• Chicken Taco Sticks: Substitute cooked shredded chicken with taco seasoning.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked taco sticks for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.

What dipping sauces go best with cheesy taco sticks?

Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso dip are all great choices.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely! Crescent dough gives a flakier texture and works just as well.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the edges are well sealed and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Can I add more veggies to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped onions, peppers, or corn make great additions.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great options.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking and cook straight from frozen.

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers.

How do I make them gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free dough alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are an irresistible fusion of tacos and cheesy breadsticks that are easy to make and fun to eat. Perfect for dipping and sharing, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them in lunches, or making a casual family dinner. Try different fillings and sauces to keep things exciting!

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