Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. With seasoned ground beef and gooey Colby Jack cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough, they offer a delightful twist on traditional taco night. Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or game day snacks, these sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone. Their irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out from typical finger foods.

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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 the Cheese
• For the Topping
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
• Step 3: Roll Out Pizza Dough
• Step 4: Assemble Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Step 5: Add Seasoned Butter Topping
• Step 6: Bake
• How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
• With Dipping Sauces
• As Part of a Platter
• For Kid-Friendly Meals
• How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• What type of cheese works best?
• How do I make these vegetarian?
• Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cheesy taco sticks can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun shape and delicious flavors make these a favorite among kids, ensuring they’ll enjoy dinner time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish—great for any occasion!
• Freezable: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals or last-minute snacks.
• Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap the fillings to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these cheesy delights, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: These provide a flat surface for baking the taco sticks evenly.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for browning the beef without it sticking.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting the pizza dough neatly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks:

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 the Cheese

• 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks

For the 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. While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Cook the ground beef until fully browned (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning along with water as directed on the seasoning package.
4. Cook over high heat for 2–3 minutes until water evaporates. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Roll Out Pizza Dough

Keep your pizza dough refrigerated until you’re ready to use it:
1. Unroll one can of pizza dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
2. Cut into 6 even squares (4×4 inches). Repeat with the second can for a total of 12 squares.

Step 4: Assemble Cheesy Taco Sticks

1. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the taco meat mixture into each square’s center.
2. Cut each cheese stick in half and place one half on top of each meat filling.
3. Fold up sides of dough over filling and pinch to seal; fold ends towards seam side down on baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Seasoned Butter Topping

Melt butter in microwave:
1. Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley.
2. Brush tops of taco sticks with this seasoned butter mixture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 12–14 minutes or until tops are golden brown and puffy.

Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Taco Sticks!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether for a family dinner, game day snacks, or as an appetizer, these cheesy treats are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco stick experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Sour Cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess and coolness.
• Guacamole: This avocado dip brings a fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy filling.
• Salsa: Choose mild or spicy salsa for an added kick and a burst of flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing complements the flavors and adds a tangy twist.

As Part of a Platter

• Mixed Veggies: Serve with carrot sticks, celery, and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.
• Cheese Board: Include various cheeses and crackers to complement the cheesy taco sticks.
• Chips and Dip: Add tortilla chips alongside your favorite dips for extra munching options.

For Kid-Friendly Meals

• Fruit Skewers: Pair these savory sticks with sweet fruit skewers for a balanced meal.
• Mini Corn Cobs: Serve with corn on the cob for a fun and colorful plate.

How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

To make your Cheesy Taco Sticks even more enjoyable, follow these tips. Perfecting this recipe will ensure they come out delicious every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the beef mixture’s flavor.
• Careful Sealing: Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through cooking for evenly golden brown taco sticks.
• Cheese Choice: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavors.
• Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for best results.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks make a fantastic main dish, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are some tasty side dishes that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes an excellent accompaniment.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and are perfect for dipping.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, tomatoes, and lime is vibrant and flavorful.
4. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the taco sticks.
5. Queso Dip: Melted cheese dip is always a hit; serve it warm alongside your cheesy treats.
6. Chili Con Carne: A hearty chili provides warmth and complements the flavors of taco night.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Cheesy Taco Sticks, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure perfect baking.
• Overfilling the dough: Adding too much filling can cause the taco sticks to burst open during baking. Stick to about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture.
• Forgetting to seal the edges: Leaving the edges unsealed may result in leaks while baking. Pinch and fold the dough securely to avoid this.
• Using cold dough: Cold pizza dough can be difficult to work with and may not rise properly. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
• Skipping seasoning: A bland filling can ruin your taco sticks. Be generous with seasonings like garlic powder and taco seasoning for rich flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• These can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on high for 30-60 seconds, but expect softer texture.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Yes! You can add different ingredients like black beans, corn, or bell peppers for more variety.

What type of cheese works best?

Colby Jack is great, but you can also use cheddar or mozzarella for different flavors in your Cheesy Taco Sticks.

How do I make these vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with your choice of plant-based protein or beans for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge before baking. Just remember to bake them when you’re ready!

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on traditional tacos that everyone will love. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s dinner, appetizers, or game day snacks. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!