Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful fusion of flavors that will elevate your taco night! Imagine seasoned ground beef paired with gooey Colby Jack cheese, all wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to a golden finish. Perfect for dinner, game day snacks, or appetizers, these cheesy delights are sure to impress your family and friends.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Filling
• For the Dough
• For the Cheese
• For the Topping
• How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough
• Step 4: Assemble Taco Sticks
• Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
• Step 6: Bake
• How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
• With Dips
• As Part of a Platter
• For Kid-Friendly Meals
• How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of cheese in Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Are these Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?
• Can I prepare these Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
• What dipping sauces pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Preparing Cheesy Taco Sticks takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy nights.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy filling and fun shape appeal to picky eaters, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.
• Versatile: Serve these as an appetizer at parties or as a main dish for family dinners; they fit any occasion!
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of beef, cheese, and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that is hard to resist.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the taco sticks in advance and bake them just before serving for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Cheesy Taco Sticks, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: These ensure even cooking of your taco sticks while providing enough space to bake multiple sticks at once.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
• Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for browning ground beef without it sticking.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 package taco seasoning (plus water as directed on the package)

For the Dough

• 2 cans Pillsbury pizza dough

For the Cheese

• 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks

For the Topping

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Cook the ground beef until fully browned (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water as instructed on the package.
4. Cook over high heat for 2–3 minutes until the water has evaporated. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough

Unroll one can of pizza dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Shape it into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
2. Cut into 6 even 4×4-inch squares.
3. Repeat with the second can for a total of 12 rectangles.

Step 4: Assemble Taco Sticks

For each dough square:
1. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the taco meat mixture into the center.
2. Cut each cheese stick in half and place half on top of the meat filling.
3. Fold up the sides of the dough and pinch to seal.
4. Fold and seal the ends to prevent any filling from escaping.

Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture

Melt the butter in the microwave:
1. Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley.
2. Brush this seasoned butter over the tops of each taco stick.

Step 6: Bake

Place seam-side down on the baking sheet:
Bake for 12–14 minutes or until tops are golden brown and puffy.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a fun dinner option, these taco sticks can be paired with a variety of sides and dips to enhance their flavors.

With Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole adds a refreshing twist to each bite.
• Salsa: A classic accompaniment, salsa provides a zesty kick that complements the cheesy filling.
• Sour Cream: This cool and tangy dip balances the richness of the taco sticks perfectly.

As Part of a Platter

• Taco Salad: Serve the taco sticks alongside a vibrant taco salad for a complete meal experience.
• Nachos: Pair them with loaded nachos for an ultimate snack spread that’s perfect for game days.

For Kid-Friendly Meals

• Fruit Skewers: Add some sweetness with colorful fruit skewers that kids will love.
• Veggie Sticks: Crunchy veggies offer a healthy contrast to the cheesy goodness of the taco sticks.

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How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

To ensure your Cheesy Taco Sticks turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Dough: Always use fresh pizza dough for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overfill each dough square, as this can cause them to burst while baking.
• Seal Well: Make sure to pinch the seams tightly so that no filling escapes during cooking.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; remove when they are golden brown for optimal taste.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to try different types of cheese or add toppings like jalapeños for extra heat.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks

Serving Cheesy Taco Sticks is even better when you have delicious side dishes to accompany them. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds heartiness and complements the taco flavors.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness, making them a fulfilling side.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch that pairs well with the savory sticks.
4. Chips and Salsa: A crunchy side that enhances the overall Tex-Mex experience; perfect for dipping!
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, balancing out the cheesy richness.
6. Queso Dip: Warm, gooey queso makes an irresistible dip that pairs excellently with each bite of taco stick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cheesy Taco Sticks turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to use taco seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Always follow the package instructions for best results.
• Overstretching the dough: If you stretch the pizza dough too much, it may tear. Handle it gently and only stretch as needed when wrapping.
• Not sealing properly: Leaving gaps in the dough might cause the filling to leak out during baking. Make sure to pinch all edges securely.
• Ignoring baking times: Overbaking can make your taco sticks hard. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re golden brown.
• Using cold dough: Cold pizza dough can be difficult to work with. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container.
• item They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks

• item Freeze unbaked taco sticks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• item They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cheesy Taco Sticks that might help you.

Can I use other types of cheese in Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.

How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture, or swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken.

Are these Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy filling and fun shape, making them perfect for picky eaters.

Can I prepare these Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What dipping sauces pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole make excellent dipping options to complement their flavors.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on traditional tacos that everyone will love. Their versatility makes them perfect for dinners, snacks, or game day treats. Don’t hesitate to customize ingredients and fillings based on your preferences!