Cheesy Taco Sticks Baked

Cheesy Taco Sticks make weeknight dinners or busy snack times feel like a celebration. With melted cheese and savory taco-seasoned beef tucked inside golden pizza dough, these are the ultimate grab-and-go bites that always disappear fast around my table.

I originally whipped these up when my fridge was almost bare except for pizza dough and beef. Everyone devoured them so quickly that now it is a go-to recipe all year round.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Super flavorful and brings heartiness to the sticks Look for beef that is freshly ground with bright color
• Taco seasoning mix: Instantly adds classic taco flavor Pick your favorite blend or make it mild or spicy by choosing accordingly
• Pillsbury pizza dough: Makes things fast and easy plus it bakes up fluffy and crisp Use fresh dough for best texture
• Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks: Melts smoothly and gives cheesy stretch Go with good quality cheese sticks for that gooey pull
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the sticks bake golden Choose unsalted butter so you control the seasoning
• Garlic powder: For savory garlicky notes Look for fresh and fragrant powder for fuller flavor
• Dried parsley: Brings color and freshness Opt for vibrant green leaves with no yellowing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking

Cook the Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat Break it up well and let it cook until it is fully browned and crumbly Drain off any excess fat Add the taco seasoning following the packet directions to coat the beef evenly then set aside

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch or roll it into a rectangle Using a sharp knife cut the dough into ten even rectangles so each taco stick wraps up snug

Assemble the Taco Sticks:

Spoon a small layer of seasoned beef onto each piece of dough Place half of a cheese stick on top Carefully roll the dough around the filling and pinch the seams and edges together well to seal Place the finished taco sticks seam side down on the lined baking sheet

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Stir together the melted butter garlic powder and dried parsley Brush this mixture generously all over the tops and sides of each taco stick for flavor and shine

Bake:

Slide the pan into your preheated oven Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the sticks are puffed and deeply golden brown on all sides and the cheese is melted inside

Serve:

Let the taco sticks cool slightly before serving to avoid melted cheese burns They taste amazing with salsa guacamole or sour cream for dunking

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My favorite part is the cheesy middle I remember my brother and I racing to see who got the longest cheese pull We laughed so hard we almost forgot to dip them in our salsa

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge They will keep well for up to three days To reheat use the oven or toaster oven at medium heat to help the dough crisp back up while melting the filling nicely Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them from getting soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you want a lighter version You can use shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks by forming a compact shape in the middle before rolling up If there is no pizza dough crescent roll dough is a good swap for a flakier texture

Serving Suggestions

Set out bowls of extra salsa guacamole and sour cream for people to customize theirs These are great paired with a crunchy salad or served as an appetizer before a big Mexican-inspired meal Kids love dipping these with ketchup or ranch

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Cultural or Historical Context

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a playful spin on classic tacos blending Mexican flavors with the convenience of American comfort foods like pizza dough They capture the casual joy of taco night in a form that is easy to eat on the go which is I think why they are such a crowd-pleaser

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for taco sticks?

Colby jack and cheddar melt well and provide a rich, creamy texture, but mozzarella or pepper jack are also great options for different flavor profiles.

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade pizza dough can be substituted for a more personal touch, just roll it thin for easy wrapping around the filling.

→ How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Pinch the dough edges tightly to seal and place the sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent spillage while baking.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Assemble the sticks in advance and refrigerate. When ready, bake them just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream all complement the spicy, cheesy filling and offer a cool, tangy contrast.