Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on traditional taco night! With seasoned ground beef and melty Colby Jack cheese enveloped in soft pizza dough, they offer a fun and easy meal suitable for dinner, appetizers, or game day snacks. Each bite is a flavorful surprise that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Filling
• For the Dough
• For Cheese
• For Topping
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
• Step 3: Shape the Pizza Dough
• Step 4: Fill Each Dough Square
• Step 5: Seal the Taco Sticks
• Step 6: Brush with Seasoned Butter
• Step 7: Bake
• How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Game Day Delight
• Family Dinner
• Kids’ Party Fun
• Movie Night Snack
• How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• What dips pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cheesy taco sticks come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual dinner, these bites will be a hit with guests of all ages.
• Customizable Filling: Adjust the filling with your favorite ingredients like beans, veggies, or different cheeses for a personal touch.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness and fun shape of these taco sticks, making dinner enjoyable for picky eaters.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as an appetizer at gatherings or enjoy them as a main dish—versatile enough for any meal!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making these delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Essential for even cooking and to prevent sticking when baking your taco sticks.
• Parchment paper: Keeps the taco sticks from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy cleanup.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the ground beef and mixing in the seasonings thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 package taco seasoning (plus water as directed on the package)

For the Dough

• 2 cans Pillsbury pizza dough

For Cheese

• 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks

For Topping

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare them for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water as per package instructions. Cook over high heat for 2–3 minutes until water evaporates. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Shape the Pizza Dough

Unroll one can of pizza dough onto one of the lined baking sheets:
1. Shape it into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×8 inches.
2. Cut into six even squares (4×4 inches each).
3. Repeat this process with the second can of pizza dough to create a total of 12 squares.

Step 4: Fill Each Dough Square

For each square:
1. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the prepared taco meat mixture into the center.
2. Cut each cheese stick in half and place one half on top of the meat filling.

Step 5: Seal the Taco Sticks

Fold up the sides of each dough square:
1. Pinch to seal tightly.
2. Fold and seal both ends toward the seam side.
3. Place each sealed stick seam-side down on your baking sheet.

Step 6: Brush with Seasoned Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl:
1. Melt butter and stir in garlic powder and dried parsley.
2. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of each taco stick.

Step 7: Bake

Place your prepared taco sticks in the oven:
Bake for about 12–14 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffy.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Cheesy Taco Sticks!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these tasty treats can be served in various ways to enhance your meal.

Game Day Delight

• Serve with salsa or guacamole for a flavorful dip that complements the cheesy filling.
• Pair with nacho cheese sauce for an extra cheesy experience everyone will love.

Family Dinner

• Add a simple side salad to balance the richness of the taco sticks.
• Include a bowl of seasoned rice or quinoa for a hearty and filling meal.

Kids’ Party Fun

• Cut the taco sticks into smaller pieces for easy handling by little ones.
• Serve with colorful veggie sticks and ranch dressing for a healthy crunch.

Movie Night Snack

• Create a platter with cheesy taco sticks alongside popcorn and other finger foods.
• Offer different dipping sauces like sour cream or chipotle mayo to spice things up.

How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

Getting your Cheesy Taco Sticks just right is simple with these handy tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your taco sticks are always a hit!

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ground beef and high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Be cautious about adding too much filling, as this can cause the dough to burst while baking.
• Seal Well: Make sure to pinch the dough tightly to avoid leakage during cooking.
• Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven well before baking for even cooking and perfect puffiness.
• Brush Generously: Apply enough seasoned butter on top of the taco sticks for a golden-brown finish.
• Let Cool Slightly: Allow them to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps set the filling and makes them easier to eat.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks

To make your meal complete, consider serving these Cheesy Taco Sticks with delicious sides. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A fresh salad made with corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese that brings vibrant flavors to the table.
2. Black Bean Salsa – A zesty blend of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices that adds great texture and taste when served alongside taco sticks.
3. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness of taco sticks; add lime juice for extra freshness.
4. Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips served with tangy salsa are always a crowd-pleaser, enhancing the Mexican theme of your meal.
5. Spanish Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides a hearty side that complements the flavors of taco sticks beautifully.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice – A refreshing twist on rice that’s flavored with lime juice and cilantro; it’s light yet flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Taco Sticks, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Drainage: Always drain the excess fat from the ground beef. This prevents greasy taco sticks and keeps them light.
• Overstuffing the Dough: Don’t add too much filling. Overstuffed dough can burst open during baking, leading to a messy result.
• Not Sealing Properly: Ensure the edges of the dough are well-sealed. If they aren’t sealed, cheese and filling may leak out while baking.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Pay close attention to baking times. Underbaking can leave dough raw, while overbaking can dry out your cheesy taco sticks.
• Using Cold Dough: Make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out. Cold dough is harder to work with and may not rise properly.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• item Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks

• item Place cooked and cooled Cheesy Taco Sticks in a freezer-safe bag.
• item They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• item Label the bag with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium for 30-60 seconds. Be cautious as this may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet for about 5 minutes, turning frequently to avoid burning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?

You can customize them by adding extra ingredients like peppers, onions, or even different types of cheese based on your taste preferences.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

What dips pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream pair wonderfully with these taco sticks and enhance their flavor.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. Just follow proper storage guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are not only fun to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them as appetizers or as part of dinner, they will surely please everyone at your table. Feel free to experiment with fillings and flavors based on what you have at home!

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