Quick & Gooey Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe for Fun Family Dinners

Crispy golden sticks loaded with irresistible cheesy taco flavors promise a mouthwatering adventure for every snack enthusiast.

These delectable taco sticks bring a zesty twist to traditional appetizers.

Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef wrap together in a perfectly crisp exterior that cracks with each delightful bite.

Packed with bold spices and gooey goodness, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these cheesy taco sticks will become your new favorite crowd-pleasing snack.

Serve them hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Prepare to elevate your next gathering with these irresistible bites that blend comfort and flavor in every single morsel.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Snack Standouts

• Quick Family Dinner: Whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will love, packed with familiar taco flavors wrapped in crispy, cheesy dough.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires basic ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cooking adventures with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Customize Your Bite: Easily swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat, and adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Portable Party Snack: Great for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where handheld, bite-sized treats are a hit and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein base that brings richness to the taco sticks.
• Pizza Dough: The soft, flexible wrapper that holds the filling and creates a delicious exterior.
• Cheese Sticks: Provide a melty, gooey center that adds creamy texture to the sticks.

• Taco Seasoning: Adds classic Mexican-inspired spices and depth of flavor to the ground beef.
• Garlic Powder, Parsley: Enhance the overall taste and provide a aromatic finishing touch.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the baking sheet is non-stick and prevents the sticks from sticking.
• Melted Butter: Creates a golden, flavorful coating on the exterior of the taco sticks.

Making Cheesy Taco Sticks at Home

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Fire up the oven to 425°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away excess fat, then sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning.

Let the meat cool down slightly.

Step 3: Slice the Dough

Grab your pizza dough and transform it into 10 perfect rectangles.

Slice the dough in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 5 equal pieces.

Step 4: Create the Filling

Place a generous scoop of seasoned beef in the center of each dough rectangle.

Nestle half a cheese stick right next to the meat.

Step 5: Wrap and Seal

Carefully roll the dough around the filling, creating delightful little parcels.

Pinch the edges firmly to ensure no cheesy goodness escapes.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boost

• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Lovingly brush this magical mixture over the top of each stick.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color that signals they’re ready to devour.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Pinch dough tightly to prevent cheese and meat from leaking during baking.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks for best melting and texture inside the sticks.
• Let taco meat cool slightly before filling to prevent dough from getting soggy and maintain crisp texture.
• Apply garlic butter generously right after baking for maximum flavor absorption and golden appearance.
• Pair with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a delicious dipping experience that enhances the overall taste.

Fun Variations for Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free crescent roll dough or cauliflower-based flatbread for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Zest: Swap ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled plant-based meat alternative for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Low-Carb Crunch: Use large cheese wraps or lettuce leaves instead of dough, creating a lighter, carb-conscious appetizer.
• Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce inside the filling for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Ways to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings with friends, these cheesy taco sticks will disappear fast.
• Dipping Delights: Serve with zesty salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for extra flavor explosion that guests will love dunking into.
• Kid-Friendly Meal Hack: Transform this recipe into a fun dinner option kids can help prepare, making mealtime interactive and exciting with customizable fillings.
• Appetizer Transformation: Slice sticks into smaller bite-sized pieces for elegant appetizers at potlucks or holiday parties, creating a crowd-favorite finger food.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Store leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm sticks in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy dough and maintain original crunchiness.
• Wrap individual cooled sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Let sticks cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain crisp exterior. Place a paper towel in storage container to absorb excess moisture.

FAQs

• What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Ground beef is ideal, but ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner option. Ensure the meat is fully browned and seasoned with taco mix for maximum flavor.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco sticks in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• Do I need any special equipment?

You’ll need a baking sheet, a skillet for browning meat, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and pastry brush. A standard home kitchen setup works perfectly.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Melty cheese and zesty taco seasoning combine in these irresistible cheesy taco sticks, creating a crowd-pleasing snack that brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your table. Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, you’ll love this easy appetizer that delivers a perfect bite of comfort and spice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Cheese and Dough:

• 5 colby jack cheese sticks, halved
• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, eliminating excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and allow the mixture to cool completely.
3. Transform pizza dough into 10 uniform rectangles by first slicing lengthwise, then creating five equal segments from each half.
4. Position a portion of seasoned beef and half a cheese stick centrally on each dough rectangle.
5. Carefully envelop the filling by rolling the dough around it, meticulously sealing the edges to prevent leakage.
6. Craft a savory topping by blending melted butter with garlic powder and finely chopped parsley, then generously brush over the prepared sticks.
7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the exterior achieves a golden, crispy appearance.

Notes

• Quick Meat Prep Brown beef thoroughly to ensure no pink remains, enhancing food safety and flavor intensity.
• Cheese Melting Use room temperature cheese sticks for smoother, more even melting inside the dough.
• Dough Handling Roll dough gently to prevent tearing and ensure complete sealing of filling.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version or use ground turkey for leaner option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg