If you’ve ever wished your favorite taco could transform into a perfectly portable, cheese-stuffed snack, Cheesy Taco Sticks are your new kitchen superhero. Imagine a combination of golden, pillowy pizza dough wrapped around a savory taco filling and loads of melty cheddar, all baked to crispy, gooey perfection. With every bite, you get that classic taco flavor in a snackable form that’s totally irresistible for game days, after-school munchies, or anytime comfort food cravings strike. Trust me, these are about to become your family’s most-requested treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesy Taco Sticks come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a big part in flavor or texture. A few simple steps and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
- Lean ground beef: Choose lean for less grease and more flavor-packed filling.
- Taco seasoning: This brings bold, classic taco flavor in seconds—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Water: Helps blend the seasoning into the meat for a saucy, flavorful filling.
- Canned refrigerated pizza dough: The shortcut that makes this recipe weekday-friendly—soft, puffy, and easy to work with.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor and extra gooeyness.
- Olive oil: Brushing the tops guarantees a beautifully golden finish.
- Garlic powder: For an irresistible aromatic kick in every bite.
- Dried parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of herby freshness—great for presentation, but totally optional.
- Sour cream or salsa (optional): These are fantastic for dipping and take the flavor to the next level.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Cook the Flavorful Taco Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess fat. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water, then stir it all together. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can really meld and the mixture thickens up—this step builds a crave-worthy base for your Cheesy Taco Sticks!
Step 2: Prep the Dough
While your taco filling simmers away, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Try to get it as even as possible, then slice the dough into 6 to 8 equal rectangles. If you like your taco sticks extra stuffed, go for 6; smaller sticks will yield 8. Don’t stress—this is all about fun, not perfection!
Step 3: Fill and Fold the Cheesy Taco Sticks
Spoon a generous layer of your seasoned taco meat onto one half of each dough rectangle, making sure not to overfill or you might have some spillage. Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar over the top of the meat. Now, fold each rectangle over to create a pocket and use your fingers or a fork to firmly seal the edges—this keeps all that melty goodness tucked safely inside.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Place your assembled Cheesy Taco Sticks on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff up as they bake. Brush the tops with olive oil for that mouthwatering golden color, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and dried parsley if you’re using it. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling. Let them cool for a couple of minutes—you don’t want to miss out on that first, deliciously warm bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
Adding a finishing touch can take Cheesy Taco Sticks from everyday comfort food to a real showstopper. Try sprinkling more fresh chopped parsley or a touch of extra shredded cheese over the top as soon as they come out of the oven. For a creamy finish, a drizzle of cool sour cream or a spoonful of zesty salsa on the side will make each bite pop.
Side Dishes
These are super satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve Cheesy Taco Sticks alongside a crisp green salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or a simple corn salsa. They’re also amazing with a bowl of seasoned rice or black beans on the side—think of it as a taco night feast, all wrapped up!
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters, especially if you’re entertaining (or have hungry little hands waiting). Pile Cheesy Taco Sticks in a basket lined with a colorful napkin, arrange them standing upright in a mug for easy grabbing, or slice them into bite-size portions for game day snacking. If you’re feeling festive, serve with a trio of dips—guacamole, salsa, and queso—for a DIY dipping experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, Cheesy Taco Sticks keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing, and lay them in a single layer (or separate with parchment if stacking) so they stay crisp and irresistible.
Freezing
These are a freezer-friendly snack! After baking and cooling, wrap each taco stick in plastic wrap and pop them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—perfect for grab-and-go lunches or after-school snacks. To prevent sogginess, reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
Cheesy Taco Sticks taste just as amazing the next day! For best results, warm them up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes (or until heated through and crispy). In a pinch, you can use the microwave for about 30 seconds, but the oven helps keep them nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the taco sticks up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them off when you’re ready for the ultimate fresh-from-the-oven experience.
What other meats can I use?
This recipe is incredibly flexible—you can swap in ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles for a different twist. Just be sure to season and cook your filling well for the best flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat or even seasoned black beans. The result will still be just as cheesy and satisfying.
How do I keep the edges from popping open?
To ensure your Cheesy Taco Sticks stay sealed, don’t overfill them and be sure to pinch or crimp the edges with a fork—this locks in all that delicious filling while baking.
Are Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?
Kids absolutely love these! You can make them mild with less seasoning or add chopped veggies like bell peppers or corn inside if your little ones are more adventurous. They’re perfect for hands-on meals or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Cheesy Taco Sticks, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted movie night, game day, or just a regular Tuesday dinner without them. With fun flavors, heavenly cheese pulls, and super simple prep, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser in your home. Grab your ingredients and give it a go—your snack game just leveled up!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 taco sticks
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheddar cheese wrapped in pizza dough and baked until golden brown. These crispy, flavorful taco sticks are perfect for a fun family dinner or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
For the Taco Sticks:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Sour cream or salsa for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the taco meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the taco sticks: Roll out the pizza dough, cut it into rectangles. Spoon taco meat onto one half of each rectangle, top with cheese, and fold the dough over to seal tightly.
- Bake: Place the taco sticks on the baking sheet, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with sour cream or salsa if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add jalapeños or chopped onions inside for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
