If you’re in the mood for comfort food that brings the party, Cheesy Taco Sticks are exactly what you need! Picture this: seasoned taco beef, melty cheese, and pillowy pizza dough, all wrapped up and baked to golden perfection. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and the gooey cheese pull will win over adults and kids alike. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, an unforgettable game-day snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Cheesy Taco Sticks check all the boxes for taste, convenience, and sheer fun—we’re obsessed, and you will be too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised how these simple ingredients come together to create pure magic. Every component of this Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe has a role to play, delivering the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and golden deliciousness. Here’s why you need each item:
- Ground beef: Classic taco flavor starts here—make sure to brown it well for the best savory depth.
- Taco seasoning: The flavor backbone! Use your favorite blend for a bold, zesty kick.
- Water: Helps the seasoning meld and creates a saucy, tender taco meat filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and that delicious “cheesy pull” everyone loves.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and extra stretch—cheese paradise when combined with cheddar.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The perfect shortcut; it bakes up golden and soft with minimal effort.
- Melted butter: Brushing the tops gives each stick a rich, bakery-style sheen.
- Garlic powder: Layers on irresistible aroma and savory notes right on top.
- Dried parsley: A pop of color and fresh flavor—these little flecks make everything look and taste livelier!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and cook it until it’s deeply browned and no longer pink—this step builds hearty flavor. Drain off any excess fat, then sprinkle in your taco seasoning and add the water. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until thick and saucy, coating every piece of beef in that iconic taco flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin if needed to even it out a bit, then cut it into eight equal rectangles. This is your blank canvas—get ready for filling and folding!
Step 3: Fill with Cheesy Goodness
On each dough rectangle, spoon a generous amount of your savory taco meat, then sprinkle over a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Don’t be shy with the cheese—remember, Cheesy Taco Sticks are all about the melt! The more cheese, the more dreamy the center will be.
Step 4: Seal and Arrange
Fold the dough over the filling, stretching gently if needed, and pinch all the edges tightly closed to seal in the goodness. Place each stick seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to crisp up around the edges.
Step 5: Add Flavorful Toppings
Brush the tops of your assembled taco sticks with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley. This extra little touch takes them from tasty to totally irresistible, infusing each bite with buttery, herby aroma.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the Cheesy Taco Sticks are golden brown and bubbling at the edges. The kitchen smells amazing, and you’re just moments away from the ultimate comfort snack!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
Take your Cheesy Taco Sticks from great to unforgettable by adding a few finishing touches. Set out bowls of fresh salsa, creamy sour cream, or chunky guacamole for dipping—these add a refreshing, tangy contrast to every cheesy, savory bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a few jalapeño slices add color and a little kick!
Side Dishes
Round out your Cheesy Taco Sticks with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. Crisp lettuce and tomato salad, zesty Mexican street corn, or a pile of crunchy tortilla chips make the plate even more festive. For game day, pair with nachos or a fresh fruit platter to keep things light and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd or planning a party? Try arranging your Cheesy Taco Sticks on a big platter, surrounded by dipping sauces and sprinkled with extra chopped parsley for that wow factor. For kid-friendly bites, slice each stick into thirds and skewer with cocktail picks for a passable party snack. Or, let everyone customize their dips—guests will love building their own flavor combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Cheesy Taco Sticks cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing their signature gooey center and soft crust.
Freezing
You can absolutely make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead and freeze them for future cravings! Simply assemble the sticks as directed, but stop before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and bake up beautifully straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftover taco sticks in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes until piping hot and crisp outside. Microwaving works in a pinch—just wrap in a damp paper towel to keep them soft. If cooking from frozen, add an extra 5-7 minutes of bake time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Cheesy Taco Sticks are super flexible, and swapping in ground turkey or chicken delivers fantastic results. Just cook the meat as directed and season it, and the sticks will be just as flavorful and satisfying.
What kind of pizza dough works best?
Any store-bought refrigerated pizza dough works great for this recipe. If you have homemade dough, even better—you’ll get an extra tender, bakery-style crust. Just aim to roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick for easy sealing and baking.
How can I make these extra spicy?
Add finely diced jalapeños, green chiles, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling before rolling up. You can also serve Cheesy Taco Sticks with spicy salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
Can I prepare the taco filling in advance?
Absolutely! Make the seasoned meat up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble. In fact, cold filling makes the sticks easier to shape and seal.
What’s the best way to prevent filling from leaking out?
Be sure to cut your dough rectangles large enough to fully enclose the meat and cheese, and pinch the seams together tightly. Placing the sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps keep everything tucked inside during baking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Cheesy Taco Sticks, you’ll understand why they’re a must-have for any gathering or cozy night in. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and endlessly fun to eat. Pull out the parchment paper and give them a whirl—your family and friends will love every bite!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 taco sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of tacos with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in pizza dough. These taco sticks are perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
For the Taco Sticks:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the Taco Sticks: Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 8 rectangles. Place taco meat and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on each rectangle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Season and Bake: Brush each stick with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Try using ground turkey or chicken as a variation.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
