Cheesy Taco Sticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. These cheesy, crispy treats are filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and savory taco spices, all wrapped up in soft dough. They’re great for dipping in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, making them a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Pizza dough
  • Ground beef
  • Taco seasoning
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Onion (optional)
  • Garlic (optional)
  • Salsa (for dipping)
  • Sour cream (for dipping)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning. Add a little water if needed and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips.
  5. Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese along each dough strip.
  6. Roll up the dough around the filling and place each taco stick on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  8. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 taco sticks.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
  • Swap out the shredded cheese for queso fresco or pepper jack for a different twist.
  • Top with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness, or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you prefer softer sticks.

Cheesy Taco Sticks

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works great for this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Can I freeze these taco sticks?
Yes, they freeze well! Assemble and bake them, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can swap the beef for chicken, beans, or even roasted vegetables.

What dipping sauces go well with these?
Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a creamy ranch dip are perfect for dipping.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are an easy, customizable snack or meal that combines the best parts of tacos with the irresistible pull of cheesy dough. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a fun family dinner, these taco sticks are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!

Print

Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious fusion of cheesy, savory taco filling wrapped in a crispy dough, perfect as a snack or appetizer for taco lovers.

  • Author: Mollyyeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 taco sticks 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Sour cream and salsa, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add taco seasoning and water to the meat, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well-coated.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until well mixed.
  5. Unroll the pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into strips (about 1-1.5 inches wide).
  6. Place a spoonful of the cheesy taco mixture in the center of each strip and fold the dough over to enclose the filling, pinching the ends to seal.
  7. Place the stuffed dough sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil for extra crispiness.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the dough is golden and crispy.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute the meat with a combination of black beans and corn.
  • You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning depending on your preference.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough or a low-carb tortilla.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco stick
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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