Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on traditional taco night! They combine seasoned ground beef and gooey Colby Jack cheese, wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or game day snacks, these tasty treats are sure to impress your family and friends.

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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 Taco Filling
• For the Dough
• For the Cheese Filling
• For Topping
• How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough
• Step 4: Assemble Taco Sticks
• Step 5: Brush with Seasoned Butter
• Step 6: Bake
• How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
• As an Appetizer
• With Fresh Toppings
• In a Platter
• For Game Day Snacks
• Kid-Friendly Meal
• 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 use a different type of cheese for Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• How can I make these Cheesy Taco Sticks healthier?
• What dipping sauces pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
• Are Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?
• Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Flavor Packed: Each bite is filled with savory beef and melted cheese, creating a satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, a main course, or even at parties; they fit any occasion!
• Kid-Friendly: These cheesy delights are perfect for picky eaters, making dinner stress-free.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious snacks without the wait.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Cheesy Taco Sticks, having the right tools makes all the difference. Gather these essential kitchen helpers before you start cooking!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Essential for even cooking and easy transfer of your taco sticks in and out of the oven.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Skillet: Allows for efficient cooking of the ground beef while ensuring flavors meld together perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Taco 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 Filling

• 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks

For Topping

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

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How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your taco sticks bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

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

Step 3: Prepare Pizza Dough

Unroll one can of pizza dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Shape it into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
2. Cut into 6 even squares (4×4 inches).
3. Repeat with the second can for a total of 12 rectangles.

Step 4: Assemble Taco Sticks

For each rectangle:
1. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of taco meat mixture into the center.
2. Cut each cheese stick in half and place one half on top of the meat filling.
3. Fold up sides of dough, pinch to seal, then fold ends to seal on seam side down.

Step 5: Brush with Seasoned Butter

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

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until tops are golden brown and puffy. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy taco sticks fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa or guacamole for a flavorful start to any gathering.

With Fresh Toppings

• Top your Cheesy Taco Sticks with fresh ingredients such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced jalapeños for added freshness.

In a Platter

• Arrange the taco sticks on a large platter, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, making it visually appealing for guests.

For Game Day Snacks

• Pair them with other finger foods like nachos or wings for a complete game day feast that will keep everyone satisfied.

Kid-Friendly Meal

• These cheesy delights are great for kids! Serve them alongside some carrot sticks and ranch dressing for a fun and balanced meal.

How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

Perfecting your Cheesy Taco Sticks can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right every time.

• Use fresh dough: Always use fresh pizza dough for the best texture. Refrigerated dough can become tough when overcooked.
• Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overload the filling. A few tablespoons of meat and cheese is perfect for sealing the sticks properly.
• Seal well: Make sure to pinch the seams tightly. This prevents any filling from leaking out during baking.
• Brush with butter: Brushing the tops with seasoned butter adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on them while they bake; ovens vary, and you want them golden but not burnt.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks

To complement your Cheesy Taco Sticks, consider these delicious side dishes that add variety to your meal.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice offers bold flavors that pair nicely.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans can provide a hearty side option that balances the cheesy goodness of taco sticks.
3. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole is always a hit! Serve it with tortilla chips as a crunchy alternative alongside your taco sticks.
4. Spanish Rice: A side of flavorful Spanish rice enhances the Tex-Mex theme and is easy to prepare.
5. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime is refreshing and brightens up the dish.
6. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips paired with spicy salsa make for an easy side that everyone loves at gatherings.
7. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: For a healthy twist, serve quinoa tossed with cilantro and lime juice; it’s light yet flavorful!
8. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed lightly can provide freshness and balance out the richness of cheesy taco sticks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Taco Sticks, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these pitfalls for the best experience.

• Ignoring dough temperature: Using cold pizza dough can make it hard to work with. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping.
• Overfilling taco sticks: Adding too much filling can cause the dough to burst during baking. Stick to about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture for each stick.
• Not sealing properly: If the seams aren’t sealed well, the filling may leak out while baking. Make sure to pinch and fold the edges securely.
• Skipping seasoning in butter: Brushing with plain butter will miss out on flavor. Always mix in garlic powder and dried parsley for extra taste.
• Baking at incorrect temperature: Baking at a lower temperature can lead to soggy sticks. Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F for crispy results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each stick tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, but this may result in softer dough.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese for Cheesy Taco Sticks?

You can definitely swap Colby Jack with other cheeses like Cheddar or Pepper Jack. This customization allows you to cater to your taste preferences.

How can I make these Cheesy Taco Sticks healthier?

To make them healthier, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and whole wheat pizza dough instead of regular.

What dipping sauces pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole are all great choices that complement the flavors of these tasty taco sticks.

Are Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These sticks are not only fun to eat but also customizable, making them a hit with kids who might be picky eaters.

Can I prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them and store them uncooked in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to adjust cooking time if they are frozen.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are an exciting twist on traditional tacos that everyone will love. Perfect as appetizers or main dishes, they offer versatility with endless filling options and dipping sauces. Try this recipe today and customize it based on your preferences!

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