Save These Cheesy Taco Sticks transform everything you love about tacos into a fun dippable snack or meal. Wrapped around a gooey core of cheese and spiced beef then baked until golden and brushed with garlic butter this snack gets devoured the minute it hits the table here. I love making these for game days parties or a quick weeknight dinner when I need something fuss free that everyone will happily devour.
The first time I made these I could not believe how fast they disappeared my family asks for them every week when taco cravings hit.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: one pound brings hearty rich flavor choose eighty five percent lean for best balance of juiciness and less grease
- Taco seasoning mix: standard packet keeps flavors familiar and foolproof or make your own for a personalized touch
- Pillsbury pizza dough: gives the perfect chewy wrap and bakes up golden try to grab the classic thin crust variety for easy rolling
- Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks: halved so you get gooey melted cheese in every bite use thick sticks or stacks for maximum melt
- Butter: melted for brushing locks in moisture and gives a bakery shine
- Garlic powder: infuses every bite with savory aroma use fresh or high quality powder for fullest flavor
- Dried parsley: brings color finish and subtle herby lift pick a vibrant green one from a fresher pack
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit two hundred degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment This keeps the taco sticks from sticking and guarantees easy removal
- Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet on medium heat brown the ground beef fully breaking it apart Drain off extra fat Add taco seasoning following pack instructions pour in water if directed Mix well and set aside to let flavors absorb
- Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out Pillsbury pizza dough on a lightly floured countertop Spread it gently with your hands or a rolling pin Aim for a rectangle about a quarter inch thick Cut into ten equal smaller rectangles with a sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Assemble the Taco Sticks:
- Place a spoonful of seasoned beef in the center of each rectangle Place a halved cheese stick right over the meat Fold dough tightly shutting the ends and pinching edges well so filling does not leak Place each stick seam side down on your baking sheet
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl Brush the tops of all the taco sticks with this mixture Use a pastry brush to get into every nook for even flavor
- Bake:
- Slide into the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes Watch for golden tops and edges and that the cheese inside gets fully melted
- Serve:
- Cool on the pan for a few minutes before serving Use a spatula to lift Clean cuts reveal gooey cheese Enjoy with salsa guacamole or sour cream for dipping
Save When I bite into one I always look forward to the perfectly gooey cheese pull my kids sometimes have contests for the longest cheese stretch I have to say the buttery garlic finish makes every bite irresistible for me
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before refrigerating Place in an airtight container they keep well for up to three days To reheat pop them in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees just until warmed through If you want to bring back that bakery fresh finish brush with a touch more melted butter when reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef if you want a leaner version Any melting cheese works well mozzarella string cheese or pepper jack works for different moods You can also use homemade pizza dough if you are up for an extra step or gluten free doughs if you need the recipe to be gluten friendly
Serving Suggestions
These are great served alone as a snack But they truly shine with dips A platter with salsa guacamole and sour cream makes everyone happy For bigger meals pair with a crispy salad or spicy Mexican corn My family sometimes has them as part of a fun taco bar night with all the toppings on the side
Cultural and Seasonal Context
The flavors are inspired by classic Tex Mex taco night but the prep style makes these universally fun for any crowd They work for end of summer parties school events or even holiday gatherings in place of traditional appetizers Seasonally in colder months the garlic butter aroma fills the house making them extra comforting In spring or summer you can lighten with a fresh salsa topping or chopped tomatoes
Save Make a double batch and freeze extras for busy nights or parties everyone will love the gooey cheese pulls every time.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of cheese works best inside taco sticks?
Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks melt well, but you can use mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- → Can I make taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked sticks, then bake fresh when ready to serve for best texture.
- → Are there alternative fillings for the beef?
Try ground chicken, turkey, or beans for a different flavor, keeping the taco seasoning to maintain zest.
- → What dips pair well with these taco sticks?
Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream are traditional favorites that complement the flavors perfectly.
- → How do I prevent the dough from opening during baking?
Pinch the dough edges tightly and place seam-side down to help seal the filling securely during baking.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the beef and substitute with seasoned beans or a meatless taco filling of your choice.