Cheesy Taco Sticks Delight

These cheesy taco sticks are the perfect blend of buttery breadsticks and savory taco meat. They make quick appetizers that everyone loves and double as kid-friendly meals that disappear fast. I first made these for a casual game night and was amazed at how quickly they were devoured. Now they are a staple whenever friends come over.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: delivers the meaty base that holds all the taco flavors
• One packet taco seasoning mix or homemade blend: adds that classic bold taco spice, choose a good quality seasoning with smoky and cumin notes
• One tube Pillsbury pizza dough: makes rolling these sticks easy and gives you soft, buttery bread that bakes up golden
• Five colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks halved: the melty cheese inside provides gooey richness and mild sharpness
• Four tablespoons melted butter: for brushing the dough to get a crispy golden finish and extra flavor
• One teaspoon garlic powder: adds a gentle garlic aroma to lift the richness
• One teaspoon dried parsley: gives a fresh color contrast and subtle herbal note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Prepare your oven early so it will be hot and ready, helping the breadsticks bake with a perfect crust

Prepare baking sheet

Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later

Cook the ground beef

In a skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is completely browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat for a less greasy filling. Stir in the taco seasoning mix thoroughly coating all the beef. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the meat to cool to room temperature so the dough does not get soggy

Shape the dough

Unroll the pizza dough and spread it out flat. Cut it in half lengthwise then make four vertical cuts creating ten rectangles

Fill and roll the sticks

Spoon about one tablespoon or more of taco meat into the center of each rectangle. Place one halved cheese stick on top of the meat then carefully roll each rectangle up sealing all the seams to keep the filling inside while baking

Brush with butter mixture

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a brush, coat the tops of the rolled taco sticks so they will brown beautifully and take on that rich buttery flavor

Bake the taco sticks

Place the prepared sticks on the baking sheet and bake for about ten to twelve minutes until the tops turn a delicious golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, sour cream or guacamole

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The melted cheese inside creates the satisfying gooey center that everyone raves about in this recipe. One of my fondest memories around these cheesy taco sticks is watching my kids dip them into salsa while trying to hide how messy it was. Those moments make these little bites worth every minute of prep.

Storage Tips

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven to keep the breadstick crispy instead of soggy. They also freeze well either baked or unbaked. Wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner options and blend perfectly with taco seasoning
Instead of store-bought taco seasoning, you can create your own mix using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt
For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked seasoned lentils or black beans for the meat
Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese sticks offer varying melty textures and mild heat if you like it spicy

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cheesy taco sticks alongside a fresh salad or Mexican street corn for a full meal
Offer a variety of dipping sauces like salsa verde, guacamole, or chipotle ranch to please all taste buds
They are also great little finger foods for parties paired with cold drinks and casual sides like tortilla chips

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough works best for these sticks?

Pre-made pizza dough is ideal as it bakes into a light, flaky crust that crisps well around the filling.

→ Can I use leftover taco meat in this dish?

Yes, leftover seasoned taco meat can be used, which saves prep time and enhances flavor depth.

→ How do I ensure the sticks stay sealed during baking?

Pinch the seams tightly when rolling and placing on the baking sheet to prevent filling from leaking out.

→ What cheese is recommended for melting inside?

Colby Jack and cheddar provide a creamy, flavorful melt that complements the taco seasoning well.

→ Can these sticks be frozen for later?

Yes, they freeze well uncooked; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.