If you’re craving a fun, flavorful snack that delivers all the comfort of tacos in a handheld delight, this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy golden dough enveloping spicy seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese, all brushed with a buttery garlic-parsley glaze that makes every bite pop with savory goodness. It’s a perfect treat for game day, family gatherings, or a quick dinner that feels like a celebration. Once you try these cheesy, meaty sticks, they’ll quickly become your go-to for satisfying cravings with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a harmony of bold flavors and irresistible textures. Each one plays a key role — from the hearty ground beef seasoned with zesty taco spices to the rich, melty cheese and soft, golden dough. You’ll love how quickly these come together and the vibrant taste they deliver.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the juicy, savory base packed with rich flavor when seasoned just right.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Brings that classic Mexican-inspired kick, making the filling irresistibly spicy and aromatic.
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: The soft, pillowy envelope that crisps up beautifully to hold all the goodness inside.
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved: The melty, cheesy core that adds gooey satisfaction with every bite.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted: Creates a golden, flavorful crust when brushed on top, adding richness and shine.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the buttery topping with a subtle savory punch.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds a splash of color and a hint of herbal freshness to brighten the dish.
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), ensuring it’s hot enough to bake the sticks to golden, crispy perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your taco sticks from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks helps it brown evenly and get that perfect texture. Drain off any excess fat before adding the taco seasoning, then follow the packet instructions to fully infuse your beef with flavorful spices. Once mixed well, set the filling aside.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pizza Dough
Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles — these will become the perfect-sized pockets for the cheesy taco filling.
Step 4: Assemble Your Taco Sticks
Spoon a small portion of the seasoned beef onto each dough rectangle, making sure not to overfill so you can seal them properly. Then place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Roll the dough carefully around the filling, pinching the edges closed to seal all those amazing flavors inside. Place each taco stick seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep them secure while baking.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley to create a fragrant, flavorful butter glaze. Brush this mixture generously over each taco stick — this step is key to achieving a golden-brown, savory crust that’s just irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cheesy taco sticks in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough turns a gorgeous golden brown and is fully cooked through. The cheese inside will become delightfully melty and gooey, making every bite a sensation.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, allow the taco sticks to cool for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Enjoy the satisfying mix of melty cheese, spicy beef, and buttery crust!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or diced green onions over the baked cheesy taco sticks for a pop of color and added brightness that balances the rich flavors perfectly. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to awaken the spices and add a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these taco sticks with sides like Mexican street corn salad, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or even a simple bowl of black beans to complement the hearty and cheesy main. These sides add contrast and keep the meal vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the cheesy taco sticks upright in a tall jar or basket lined with napkins for a fun and interactive way to enjoy them. You can also serve a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter — think spicy chipotle mayo, creamy avocado dip, or tangy salsa roja to let everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy taco sticks keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain the texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled taco sticks by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can bake fresh cheesy taco sticks whenever the craving strikes—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover or frozen taco sticks on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy and less enjoyable to eat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of colby jack and cheddar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a spicy queso blend to customize the cheesiness and spice level to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions seasoned with taco spices for a delicious veggie-packed version.
Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them after baking?
While freezing after baking is possible, the texture might not be as crisp when reheated. It’s best to freeze them before baking if you want fresher texture upon reheating.
What dipping sauces pair well with cheesy taco sticks?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and even a creamy cilantro lime dip all work wonderfully to add moisture and flavor contrast.
How can I make sure the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking?
Be sure to pinch and seal the dough edges tightly around the filling. Also, don’t overfill each pocket and place the seams down on the baking sheet to help keep everything sealed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack or meal that brings together the best parts of tacos with a cheesy, buttery twist, this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is a winner every time. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you whip up this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy all those melty, savory bites!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef and melty cheese wrapped in flaky pizza dough. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with a flavorful garlic-parsley butter, these tasty sticks pair wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping, making them perfect for parties or casual meals.
Ingredients
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
Butter Topping
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground 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 set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut Dough: Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles.
- 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.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Place the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Brush Toppings: Brush this mixture generously over each taco stick.
- 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. Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
Notes
- You can substitute colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks with any favorite melting cheese sticks or shredded cheese.
- For spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Ensure dough edges are sealed well to prevent filling leakage while baking.
- These taco sticks can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Use low-fat cheese or lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
