Cheesy Taco Sticks are what happens when tacos meet buttery breadsticks—and trust me, you’re going to love it! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with bold Mexican flavors, these handheld snacks are ideal for Taco Tuesday, game nights, or even a quick treat for the kids. Think of them as the perfect mash-up of comfort food and party food.
Did you know tacos started off as street food in Mexico? Over time, they’ve been reinvented in all sorts of ways—hard shells, fast food versions, you name it. And Cheesy Taco Sticks? They’re just the next step in the taco evolution. Ready to roll some dough and try them out?
Recipe Snapshot
Time Commitment:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings:
Makes 10 sticks. Need more? Double the recipe for a crowd. Want less? Cut it in half—it’s super flexible.
Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. Seriously, if you can roll dough and pinch the edges, you got this.
Tools Needed:
- Baking sheet (parchment paper or non-stick spray helps).
- Skillet for the beef.
- Rolling pin (optional).
- Pastry brush (or just use a spoon if you don’t have one).
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Feeling extra organized? Assemble the sticks and freeze them before baking.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – For that hearty taco flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix – Bold and spicy. Use homemade seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough – Crispy and soft. Crescent dough works in a pinch.
- 5 colby jack or cheddar cheese sticks, halved – Melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted – The secret to golden, crispy goodness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 tsp dried parsley – Adds that finishing touch.
Substitutions:
- Want a leaner option? Swap beef for chicken or turkey.
- Going vegetarian? Try black beans or lentils for the filling.
- Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF dough alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a spritz of non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Filling
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Stir in the taco seasoning (no water needed), and let it cool slightly—this keeps the dough from getting soggy.
Pro Tip: Add diced onions or bell peppers while cooking for extra flavor.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Spread out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Slice it into 10 rectangles. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure each piece can hold the filling without spilling.
4. Assemble the Taco Sticks
Spoon about a tablespoon of seasoned beef onto each rectangle, then add half a cheese stick. Roll them up and pinch the edges closed tightly to keep everything inside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overstuff! It might be tempting, but too much filling will make the sticks burst in the oven.
5. Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over each taco stick. This step is your ticket to golden-brown magic!
6. Bake
Pop the taco sticks in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden on top. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in.
Customize Your Taco Sticks
Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the beef for a kick. Prefer mild? Use mozzarella instead of pepper jack cheese.
- Dietary Swaps: Vegetarian? Use black beans or sautéed mushrooms. Gluten-free? Find a GF dough.
- Fancy Touches: Replace cheddar with smoked gouda, queso fresco, or even brie for an upscale vibe.
How to Serve and Store
Dipping Fun
Serve these warm with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso. If you’re feeling extra, garnish with chopped cilantro or jalapeño slices.
Side Pairings
Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh lime-dressed salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage—just wrap each stick in foil.
Reheating
To keep them crispy, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or use an air fryer for quick results.
Cheesy Taco Sticks are more than just a recipe—they’re a fun way to enjoy taco flavors in a whole new form. Whether it’s for a party, family dinner, or just because, they’ll quickly become a favorite. So grab some dough, whip up the filling, and enjoy taco night with a twist!
PrintCheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun, handheld twist on classic tacos—perfect for parties, snack time, or a cozy family dinner. Filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and wrapped in buttery pizza dough, these sticks are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – The savory base of the filling.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix – Adds bold Mexican flavors; homemade seasoning works too.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough – Soft yet crispy when baked. Crescent dough can be used as an alternative.
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved – The gooey center; substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted – Used for brushing on top to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to the buttery topping.
- 1 tsp dried parsley – For garnish and a pop of color.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning (no water needed). Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
- Roll Out Dough: Spread the pizza dough flat on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 10 equal rectangles (half lengthwise, then four vertical cuts).
- Assemble Sticks: Place about one tablespoon of taco meat in the center of each rectangle, top with half a cheese stick, and carefully roll up the dough, pinching all seams tightly closed to avoid leaks during baking.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush generously over each stick for added flavor and golden-brown perfection.
- Bake: Arrange taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso for extra indulgence. Pair with Mexican rice or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks:
- Cool the meat mixture before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
- Avoid overfilling the sticks to keep them intact during baking.
- For added heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper into the meat mixture or serve with jalapeño slices.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to retain crispness or use an air fryer for quick reheating without losing texture.
