Cheesy Taco Sticks Baked

Cheesy taco sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for snack time or quick dinners. These golden, buttery sticks ooze with melted cheese and flavorful taco beef, all wrapped in soft pizza dough. They come together faster than you might think, making them perfect for busy nights or when you are feeding a hungry group.

I still remember making these with my niece for a game night She loved helping roll them up and now she asks for them for every birthday celebration

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds heartiness and classic taco flavor Always choose fresh ground beef with a rich red color and little excess liquid for best results
• Taco seasoning mix: Brings the signature blend of spice and depth Opt for your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: The shortcut that keeps things easy and gives a pillowy crust Look for dough that feels chilled and pliable one that is not too dry
• Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks: Melty and rich Use cheese sticks that are firm and not rubbery since they melt the best
• Butter melted: Gives the sticks a rich golden finish Use unsalted for more control over the saltiness
• Garlic powder: Delivers a savory hit with every bite Choose a fresh garlicky powder without clumping
• Dried parsley: Adds color and a subtle herb note Go for parsley with a vibrant green color for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit two hundred degrees Celsius Make sure your rack is in the middle position and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Cook the Beef:

Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown thoroughly Stir often so it cooks evenly and gets a nice color Once browned carefully drain off any grease Add the taco seasoning along with the amount of water called for on the packet Mix thoroughly and let simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors

Prepare the Dough:

Open the pizza dough tube and unroll it on a lightly floured surface Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter slice the dough into ten rectangles Try to keep each piece even so the taco sticks bake uniformly

Assemble the Taco Sticks:

Take one dough rectangle and scoop a small amount of seasoned beef onto the center Place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef Roll the dough lengthwise over the filling and pinch the edges carefully to seal them Shut the ends snugly so none of the cheese melts out Arrange each taco stick seam side down on your prepared baking sheet

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a bowl Use a pastry brush to coat each taco stick generously The buttery layer ensures golden crust and packs in flavor

Bake:

Place your tray in the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes Watch for a deep golden color on top and listen for a little sizzle Remove when the dough looks puffy and fully baked through

Serve:

Allow the taco sticks to cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly Serve them with fresh salsa guacamole or a dollop of tangy sour cream for dipping

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One of my favorite things about making these is seeing how the cheese pulls stretch when you break one open My nephew once challenged me to see who got the longest cheese pull and we laughed for minutes straight These little moments make this recipe extra dear to me

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days You can reheat them in an oven toaster oven or even an air fryer to bring back their crispy edges If you want to freeze them wrap each stick tightly in foil then store in a zip-top bag After thawing reheat directly from frozen at three hundred and fifty degrees until warm inside

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground beef try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist For a vegetarian version use seasoned black beans or a plant-based crumbled protein instead Any cheese that is good for melting like mozzarella or pepper jack will work well Crescent dough can also step in for pizza dough if that is what you have on hand

Serving Suggestions

Serve these taco sticks hot with fresh salsa pico de gallo guacamole or sour cream for dipping For a heartier meal pair them with a simple salad or a warm bean soup They are also amazing as party finger food especially alongside baked potato wedges or veggie sticks

Cultural Background

This recipe brings together American convenience and classic Tex-Mex flavors The taco seasoning and beef nod to traditional tacos while the pull-apart cheese bread style is something you see at sports bars and game nights everywhere It is easy to see why families love these they are comfort food with a playful twist

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Serve these hot for the best cheese pull and flavor. This recipe will become a family favorite after just one bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese for filling?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack all melt well and can be used in place of colby jack and cheddar for new flavor twists.

→ What dipping sauces work best?

Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classic and delicious options that pair beautifully with cheesy taco sticks.

→ How can I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Be sure to drain excess fat from the beef and cool the filling slightly before wrapping. Bake until golden for a crisp finish.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the sticks ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Try using a gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs, keeping preparation and bake time the same.