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Buttery golden breadsticks filled with taco-seasoned beef and gooey cheese have quickly become our go-to snack for game day and family movie nights. They are easy to make with refrigerator dough and make everyone smile as the cheese pulls come apart hot from the oven.
I first tried these after a friend brought them to a potluck and everyone was obsessed. Now they are a staple at my house when we need something fast that feels a little special.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Essential for hearty taco flavor You want it fresh with a deep red color for richness in taste
- Taco seasoning mix: Adds big flavor fast I like making my own with chili powder cumin and smoked paprika but store-bought is also great
- Refrigerated pizza dough: A time saver that bakes up fluffy and golden Pick one with a long expiration date and avoid any with too many holes or tears
- Cheese sticks colby jack and cheddar: Melty and mild plus easy to handle when stuffing For best gooeyness use cheese that is chilled but not frozen
- Butter: Brushed on top for extra richness Choose unsalted if you want to control the flavor
- Garlic powder: Lends savory depth without fresh garlic’s bitterness
- Dried parsley: Brightens the finish with color and a touch of freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and coat a large baking sheet with nonstick spray Making sure the oven is fully hot means the breadsticks bake evenly and brown beautifully
- Brown and Season the Beef:
- In a skillet cook the ground beef over medium heat breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and crumbly Once cooked through drain excess fat Stir in taco seasoning with the heat off so the flavor absorbs fully Let this mixture cool just a bit to make rolling easier
- Shape the Dough:
- Roll the refrigerated pizza dough flat on a clean surface Slice lengthwise in half for two long pieces Then make four vertical cuts to create a total of ten rectangles Try to keep them as even as possible so they bake uniformly
- Fill and Roll Up:
- Spoon about one tablespoon of the cooled taco beef onto the center of each dough rectangle Lay half a cheese stick over the meat Roll the dough over the filling gently pinching seams on the sides and ends to seal in all that cheesy goodness
- Season the Tops:
- Melt butter and stir in garlic powder and dried parsley Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of each breadstick The buttery coating helps them bake golden and adds flavor right on the surface
- Bake:
- Arrange the breadsticks evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet Bake for ten to twelve minutes until puffed and golden brown The cheese should bubble a little at the seams Serve while hot for the best melty bites
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My favorite part has to be the first bite when the cheese is super stretchy and the warm taco filling is tucked inside One evening everyone raced to grab seconds before they even cooled down and my youngest declared these the best snack ever
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully and refrigerate in an airtight container They keep well for two to three days For longer storage freeze baked breadsticks on a sheet pan and then transfer to freezer bags When ready to eat reheat in the oven for best texture rather than in the microwave
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives Adjust the seasoning as needed Try mozzarella or pepper jack instead of the colby jack and cheddar Pizza dough can be substituted with crescent roll dough for an even flakier bite
Serving Suggestions
Serve breadsticks with bowls of salsa sour cream or guacamole on the side Chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime give a fresh finish Pair them with a crisp salad or alongside a big bowl of chili for a complete meal
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Cultural Context
This recipe blends American party food fun with classic Tex-Mex flavors Stuffed bread snacks like these are loved at gatherings because everyone can grab one and go They fit right in at potlucks tailgates or a family taco night when you want something both familiar and a little bit new
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?
Ensure you pinch each seam well so the dough closes completely around the filling. A slightly chilled filling also helps.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the breadsticks and refrigerate them, unbaked, for up to 12 hours. Bake fresh before serving for the best texture.
- → What dipping sauces go well with these breadsticks?
Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole all pair wonderfully with the cheesy, savory flavors.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or meatless crumbles for a tasty alternative.
- → Is homemade taco seasoning necessary?
Packed taco seasoning is convenient, but homemade seasoning gives you control over spice and salt levels.