Imagine the irresistible combination of your favorite taco fillings wrapped inside golden, crispy breadsticks with melted cheese oozing out at every bite. Cheesy Taco Sticks take the bold, zesty flavors of seasoned taco beef and rich cheeses, all enfolded in a tender yet crunchy pizza dough shell, creating a snack that’s both fun and satisfying.
Perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or even a quick meal, these sticks bring together bold spices, cheesy goodness, and a delightful crispy texture that will keep everyone coming back for more. Paired with salsa or sour cream, they make an ideal crowd-pleaser that’s quick and simple to whip up.
- Easy to make with store-bought pizza dough and simple ingredients.
- Perfect balance of seasoned beef and two types of melted cheese.
- Crispy, golden exterior with a gooey, cheesy taco filling.
- Great for appetizers, snacks, or even light meals.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Provides a soft, pliable base that crisps nicely when baked.
- Ground beef: The flavorful, protein-packed filling seasoned to taco perfection.
- Taco seasoning packet: Adds authentic Mexican-inspired spices and depth to the beef.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it melts beautifully to enhance flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers creamy stretch and mild flavor that balances cheddar.
- Butter, melted: Brushed on top for a golden, flavorful crust with added richness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the breadstick tops with a subtle savory aroma.
- Salsa: Fresh, zesty sauce perfect for dipping and adding moisture.
- Sour cream: Cool and creamy complement that tones down the spices.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven
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Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the taco sticks evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden and crispy texture.
- Cook and season the beef
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness, then stir in the taco seasoning as per the packet directions, allowing the meat to absorb the bold flavors.
- Prepare the dough base
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Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. This provides a uniform canvas to evenly distribute the taco filling and cheese before folding.
- Layer the filling and cheese
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Spread the seasoned beef evenly across half of the pizza dough. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously over the meat to create a melty, flavorful center in each stick.
- Fold and seal the dough
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Carefully fold the uncovered half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal, preventing the filling from leaking during baking and ensuring neat, filled sticks.
- Cut and twist
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Slice the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip gently and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to allow heat circulation and even browning.
- Brush and season
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Brush the twisted dough sticks with melted butter to encourage browning and add richness. Sprinkle garlic powder on top for a subtle aromatic flavor enhancement.
- Bake until golden and crisp
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the sticks are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with cheese melted perfectly inside, creating a delicious texture contrast.
- Serve with dips
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Remove from oven and serve warm alongside salsa and sour cream. These add a refreshing and tangy contrast, enhancing every bite of your cheesy taco sticks.
- Don’t overfill the dough to ensure easy folding and to prevent leaks during baking.
- Use fresh cheese for the best melt and flavor contrast.
- Allow sticks to cool slightly before dipping to avoid burns.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these snackable taco sticks with a side of guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite hot sauce to elevate flavors. They also pair well with a cold beer or a chilled margarita for adult gatherings.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even strips without squashing the dough.
- Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring to maintain dough elasticity.
- Try adding chopped fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños inside for extra flavor and heat.
FAQs
- Can I make these vegetarian?
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Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked beans or seasoned vegetables to keep the filling flavorful and hearty.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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These can be assembled and refrigerated before baking; bring to room temperature before baking for best results.
- What type of cheese works best?
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Cheddar and mozzarella create a great flavor and melt combination, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Can I freeze the cheesy taco sticks?
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Yes, freeze before baking on a tray then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- How do I make the dough crispier?
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Brush the sticks generously with butter and bake until golden brown; an air fryer can also enhance crispiness.
- Are these spicy?
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The taco seasoning adds mild to medium spice, but you can adjust by using mild or hot seasoning packets according to preference.
- Can I use homemade pizza dough?
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Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and adds fresh flavor and texture for a more artisanal touch.
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 skillet
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 Rolling Pin
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salsa for dipping
- Sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning following the packet instructions and set meat aside.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread cooked taco meat evenly over half of the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the meat.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
- Cut the stuffed dough into 1-inchwide strips and twist each strip.
- Place twisted strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated pizza dough for best texture.
- Try adding jalapeños for extra spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
