If you love the irresistible combo of gooey cheese, savory taco-seasoned beef, and golden, flaky dough, then you are in for a treat with this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe. These handheld delights are perfect for game day snacks, quick dinners, or any time you crave something that’s both cheesy and packed with bold taco flavors wrapped up in a warm, buttery crust. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for one more—and no one will blame you for it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly mouthwatering. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the seasoned beef that fills the sticks with rich flavor to the melted butter brushed on top for that golden, flavorful finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that’s essential to the taco flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Adds that signature spicy and aromatic Mexican-inspired touch.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Easy-to-use dough that bakes into a tender and flaky crust.
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved: Gives the sticks that ooey-gooey, melty cheese center everyone loves.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Brushed on top to add a rich, golden finish and help those seasonings stick.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory depth of flavor in the buttery glaze.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds a pop of fresh color and mild herbal notes to brighten every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your taco sticks won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze. This little prep ensures the cheese stays where it belongs—inside the dough!
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
Sauté your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture. Once cooked, drain any leftover fat—you want the beef flavorful but not greasy. Toss in the taco seasoning according to the packet’s directions, stirring well to coat every bite in zesty spices. Set this savory mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough. This dough is super forgiving and stretchy, perfect for wrapping all those tasty fillings snugly. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles so every taco stick will be the perfect handheld size.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Spoon a generous bit of the seasoned ground beef onto each dough rectangle. Next, top it with half of a cheese stick—you want that melty cheese going all the way to the edges for maximum deliciousness. Roll the dough around the filling, pinching edges tightly to seal and prevent any cheese escape during baking.
Step 5: Add the Butter and Seasoning Glaze
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful glaze all over each rolled taco stick. This step is the secret to a shiny, golden crust that tastes just as great as it looks!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled taco sticks seam-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and fully cooked through. Let them cool just a bit before digging in so the cheesy center settles perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor that complements the cheesy, savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve with classic dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream—they add moisture, tang, and creaminess that balance the richness of the taco sticks perfectly. A light side salad with crisp veggies works wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the taco sticks standing upright in a tall glass or jar, accompanied by small bowls of various dips. This makes the presentation festive and encourages sharing—which is what this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe was made for!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust will soften a bit but reheating will help restore some of that fresh-baked texture while keeping the filling tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled taco sticks on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Freeze for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen—just add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the taco sticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough?
Definitely! While Pillsbury Pizza Dough is super convenient and tasty, you can try puff pastry or even biscuit dough for slightly different textures. Just adjust baking times as needed.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Colby jack and cheddar melt beautifully and provide great flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef with cooked seasoned beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The seasoning and cheese still make it deliciously satisfying.
How spicy is the Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
The spice level depends mostly on the taco seasoning mix you choose. You can use mild seasoning or add extra chili powder or jalapeños if you like it hotter.
Can I prep these ahead for a party?
Absolutely. Assemble them a few hours ahead, keep refrigerated, and bake right before serving for fresh, hot, and gooey taco sticks your guests will love.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something fun, tasty, and satisfying without a ton of fuss. Sharing these warm, cheesy treasures with friends and family brings instant smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how fast these taco sticks disappear!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks (5.5 servings)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and fun handheld snack featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or casual meal, these taco sticks combine the bold flavors of taco seasoning with gooey colby jack and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Dough and Cheese
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Topping
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season Beef: Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the seasoning packet. Stir to combine and then set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface to make handling easier.
- Cut Dough: Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles to form individual taco sticks.
- Add Filling: Spoon a small portion of the seasoned beef onto each dough rectangle.
- Add Cheese: Place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef on each rectangle.
- Wrap Taco Sticks: Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal. Place each taco stick seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Brush Topping: Brush the butter mixture generously over each taco stick for flavor and golden color.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. They are great paired with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and for easier clean-up.
- Adjust taco seasoning quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for enhanced flavor.
- Leftover taco sticks can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
