Craving a snack that’s seriously hard to resist? Say hello to these cheesy taco sticks. They’re the ultimate combo of crispy, melty, and loaded with that bold taco flavor you love. Perfect for game day munchies with friends or just when you need a quick, delicious pick-me-up, these little handheld bites are about to become your new go-to. Trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
These taco sticks come together with simple ingredients that deliver bold flavor and an irresistibly cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few easy swaps to customize them to your taste.
The essentials
- Ground beef: hearty, flavorful filling that brings the taco goodness.
(Substitute: ground turkey, chicken, or black beans for a lighter or vegetarian option.) - Taco seasoning mix: adds the perfect balance of spices for that classic Mexican-inspired taste.
- Pizza dough: the perfect balance of soft and crispy, creating a golden shell around the melty taco goodness.
(Substitute: crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.)
Cheese options
- Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks: melty, gooey deliciousness in every bite.
(Substitute: mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a flavor twist.)
Flavor boosters
- Butter: brushed on top for a golden, buttery finish.
- Garlic powder: enhances the savory notes.
- Dried parsley: a hint of freshness and color.
Step-by-step directions
These cheesy taco breadsticks are easy to assemble and bake up golden and delicious in no time. Follow these steps for a foolproof, flavor-packed snack.
Prep the oven and baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the taco meat
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon, stirring until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then return the skillet to the heat. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning (without adding water) and stir thoroughly to coat the meat. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling.
Prepare the dough
Dust a clean surface with a light layer of flour, then roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the dough in half lengthwise, then make four vertical cuts to create 10 evenly sized rectangles.
Assemble the taco sticks
Place a heaping tablespoon of the seasoned taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Lay a halved cheese stick on top of the meat. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and tightly pinch the seams closed, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent leaks while baking. Roll each piece slightly to create a smooth, sealed taco stick. Place the sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent the cheese from escaping while baking.
Brush and bake
Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the tops of the taco sticks with the butter mixture. This will give them a rich, golden finish. Arrange the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them so they bake evenly. Pop the tray into the preheated oven and let it bake for 10–12 minutes, until the dough is beautifully golden and crisp.
Serve and enjoy
Let the taco sticks cool for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Pro oh là là tips
Want to take these taco breadsticks to the next level? Try these customizations and pairing ideas!
Customization and variations
- Change up the filling: swap ground beef for turkey, shredded chicken, or refried beans for a delicious twist.
- Turn up the heat: add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the taco meat.
- Cheese swap: experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a new flavor.
- Extra crunch: sprinkle crushed tortilla chips inside before rolling for a fun texture boost.
- Lighter alternative: use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough for a flakier bite.
Pairings and serving ideas
- Dipping sauces: serve with queso, salsa, guacamole, or ranch for extra flavor.
- Side pairings: pair with Mexican rice or a fresh chopped salad for a balanced meal.
- Party platter: arrange on a large plate with multiple dips for the ultimate snack spread.
- Soup pairing: enjoy with a bowl of tortilla soup for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Kid-friendly fun: let kids customize their own taco sticks by adding their favorite fillings.
- Taco Tuesday upgrade: serve alongside sweet potato taco bowls to mix up textures.
- Meal prep magic: freeze a batch and reheat for a grab-and-go snack or quick work lunch.
Frequently asked questions about cheesy taco sticks
Can I make taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If making a large batch, freeze unbaked sticks on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes. If already baked, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
The key is to not overfill taco breadsticks. About 2 tablespoons of taco meat and cheese per stick is ideal. Press the edges firmly together and crimp with a fork to ensure a tight seal. Brushing the edges with an egg wash helps prevent leaks, and refrigerating the assembled sticks for 15 minutes before baking makes the dough easier to handle.
Can I make taco sticks in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the taco sticks for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Lightly brushing them with oil or melted butter before cooking enhances the golden crust. Air frying results in a crunchier texture compared to oven baking, making them even more irresistible!
How do I reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. Avoid microwaving because it makes them soft and chewy instead of crisp and flaky.
These cheesy taco sticks are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and packed with bold taco flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a family movie night, or just to switch up Taco Tuesday, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Pair them with your favorite dips, serve them alongside a cozy bowl of soup, or enjoy them straight from the oven. No matter how you customize them, they will disappear fast.
What is your favorite way to enjoy these taco sticks? Share your favorite combos in the comments.
Bon appétit!
Recipe card
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Cheesy taco sticks
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 cheesy taco sticks 1x
Description
A crispy, golden snack stuffed with seasoned beef and gooey cheese, these cheesy taco sticks are perfect for taco night or a fun appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the oven and baking sheet
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Cook the taco meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat, return to heat, and stir in taco seasoning (without water). Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3️⃣ Prepare the dough
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Cut in half lengthwise, then make four vertical cuts to create 10 evenly sized rectangles.
4️⃣ Assemble the taco sticks
Place a heaping tablespoon of taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Lay a halved cheese stick on top, then fold the dough over the filling. Pinch seams closed to seal.
5️⃣ Brush and bake
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush over the taco sticks. Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy
Let cool slightly, then serve hot with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for an extra crispy crust, bake the taco sticks on a preheated baking sheet to get a perfectly golden bottom.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes