Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, wrapped in a crispy, golden dough. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, these cheesy, seasoned bites are easy to make and delicious to share.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet directions. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the meat.
5. Step 5: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
6. Step 6: Cut the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños or diced onions to the beef mixture before cooking.
• Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Try using a mix of your favorite cheeses, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a different taste.
• If you prefer, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top after baking for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twist sticks up to the baking step and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze cheesy taco sticks?

Absolutely! Arrange the twisted sticks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

These Cheesy Taco Sticks combine the beloved flavors of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses wrapped in soft, golden-brown pizza dough. Twisted into fun, handheld strips and baked to crispy perfection, they make the perfect appetizer or snack served with tangy salsa and creamy sour cream.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 taco sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

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For the Taco Sticks

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving

• Salsa
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the taco sticks.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions, usually adding some water. Cook a few minutes more until flavors meld, then set the meat aside.
3. Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle to ensure you have enough space to fold over the filling.
4. Add Filling: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough rectangle. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the meat.
5. Seal Dough: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, aligning edges. Press firmly to seal the dough all around to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Cut and Twist Sticks: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the stuffed dough into approximately 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it several times to create the taco stick shape. Place these twisted sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
7. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of each twisted stick with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavor and a golden crust.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the sticks turn a beautiful golden brown and become crispy on the outside.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cleanly cut the dough strips to avoid squishing the filling.
• Make sure to seal the dough edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• For extra flavor, you can sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or a pinch of chili flakes before baking.
• These sticks are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco appetizer, cheesy appetizer, pizza dough taco sticks, easy taco recipe