Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for taco night or any gathering. With seasoned ground beef and melted Colby Jack cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough, they bring a fun twist to traditional tacos. Ideal for dinner, snacks, or game day, these tasty treats are sure to impress family and friends with their irresistible flavor and easy preparation.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Taco Filling
• For the Dough
• For Assembly
• For the Topping
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough
• Step 4: Assemble Taco Sticks
• Step 5: Add Seasoned Butter
• Step 6: Bake
• How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
• With Dips
• As an Appetizer
• Kids’ Lunchbox Option
• How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
• What dipping sauces go well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Are these Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy filling and fun shape of these taco sticks.
• Versatile: Serve them as appetizers, dinner, or party snacks; they’re great for any occasion.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of seasoned beef and gooey cheese creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Cheesy Taco Sticks.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: These are crucial for even cooking and browning your taco sticks without sticking.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent the dough from sticking to the baking sheets, ensuring easy cleanup.
• Skillet: A good skillet ensures that your ground beef cooks evenly and quickly.

Ingredients

For the Taco Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 package taco seasoning (plus water as directed on the package)

For the Dough

• 2 cans Pillsbury pizza dough

For Assembly

• 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks

For the Topping

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Cook the ground beef until fully browned (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water as directed on the packet.
4. Cook over high heat for 2–3 minutes until the water has evaporated. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough

Unroll one can of pizza dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Shape it into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
2. Cut into six even 4×4-inch squares.
3. Repeat with the second can for a total of twelve rectangles.

Step 4: Assemble Taco Sticks

For each dough square:
1. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of taco meat mixture into the center.
2. Cut each cheese stick in half and place one half on top of the meat filling.
3. Fold up the sides of the dough and pinch to seal; fold ends towards the seam side.
4. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet without overstretching.

Step 5: Add Seasoned Butter

Melt butter in the microwave and stir in garlic powder and dried parsley:
1. Brush this seasoned butter over the tops of each taco stick.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 12–14 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just having a family dinner, these tasty treats can be paired with different sides and dips for an enhanced experience.

With Dips

• Sour Cream – A classic choice that adds a cool creaminess to each bite.
• Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip complements the flavors of taco sticks beautifully.
• Salsa – Choose mild or spicy salsa to add a zesty kick to your cheesy taco sticks.

As an Appetizer

• Skewered Serving – Cut the taco sticks into bite-sized pieces and serve on skewers for easy eating at parties.
• Platter Presentation – Arrange them on a large platter with dips in the center for a stunning appetizer display.

Kids’ Lunchbox Option

• Wrap It Up – Slice the taco sticks into smaller pieces, perfect for kids’ lunchboxes. They’re fun to eat cold!
• Pair with Fruit – Add some fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes to create a balanced meal for picky eaters.

How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

Perfecting Cheesy Taco Sticks is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your taco sticks are always a hit.

• Bold Dough Handling – Don’t overstretch the pizza dough; it should wrap around the filling snugly without tearing.
• Flavor Boosting – Add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to the beef mixture for more intense flavor.
• Cheese Variety – Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles.
• Even Baking – Rotate baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning on all taco sticks.
• Cooling Time – Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set, making them easier to eat.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks pair well with various side dishes that enhance their delicious flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a hearty complement.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans that provide protein and richness alongside your cheesy snack.
3. Corn Salad – A fresh salad made with sweet corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing, adding brightness.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa create a delightful crunch factor.
5. Guacamole Salad – A refreshing mix of guacamole ingredients, perfect for dipping or topping.
6. Steamed Veggies – Lightly steamed vegetables add a healthy touch while balancing out the meal.
7. Fruit Skewers – Colorful skewers of seasonal fruits make for a sweet and refreshing side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Taco Sticks, it’s easy to make a few common errors that could affect the final dish.

• Using stale dough – Make sure your pizza dough is fresh. Stale dough will not rise properly and may result in tough sticks.
• Overstuffing – It’s tempting to add more filling, but overstuffing can lead to spills during baking. Stick to about 3 tablespoons of filling for each stick.
• Not sealing properly – Ensure you pinch the edges tightly. If they aren’t sealed well, the filling may leak out while baking.
• Skipping the seasoning – Don’t skip the garlic powder and parsley in the butter mixture. This adds flavor to your Cheesy Taco Sticks.
• Baking at the wrong temperature – Always preheat your oven to 425°F. Baking at a lower temperature can result in soggy dough.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container.
• They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Wrap individual sticks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This method may make them slightly softer.
• Stovetop – Reheat on low heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally for even heating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?

You can add different fillings like beans, vegetables, or various types of cheese based on your preference.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them and refrigerate before baking. Just bake when you’re ready!

What dipping sauces go well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream are great choices that complement the flavors perfectly.

Are these Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?

Absolutely! They are fun to eat and customizable, making them perfect for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and versatile option for any meal or gathering. They’re easy to prepare and fun to customize according to your tastes. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or a main dish, these cheesy delights are sure to please everyone at your table!