Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Ground Beef: 1 lb. Taco Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (or homemade taco seasoning) Pillsbury Pizza Dough: 1 tube Colby Jack and Cheddar Cheese Sticks: 5 sticks, halved Butter: 4 tbsp, melted Garlic Powder: 1 tsp Dried Parsley: 1 tsp

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Cheesy Taco Sticks are exactly what happens when tacos meet easy, cheesy comfort food — and it’s nothing short of magical. Imagine warm, golden pizza dough hugging zesty taco-seasoned beef and a gooey melted cheese stick, all brushed with garlicky butter. These are perfect for parties, snacks, family dinners, or even game day. They fly off the tray as soon as they hit the table, and you’ll love how quickly they come together. Cheesy Taco Sticks blend the best “snackable” fun with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, making every bite irresistibly crave-worthy.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cheesy Taco Sticks plays a key role, coming together for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Whether it’s the seasoned beef or the buttery finish, each component makes these sticks extra satisfying, melty, and fun to eat.

Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef for tasty crumbles that don’t turn greasy and carry all the taco flavors.
Taco Seasoning Mix: Your shortcut to building rich, smoky, savory flavor — use your favorite packet or a homemade blend.
Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Fluffy, soft, and easy to roll—this is the secret to that golden, bakery-style exterior.
Colby Jack and Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Halved cheese sticks are the magic for ooey-gooey melted cheese in every bite.
Butter, Melted: A brush of melted butter gives the sticks a rich, toasted finish.
Garlic Powder: For irresistible aroma and a savory boost, garlic powder makes the butter glaze pop.
Dried Parsley: Adds fresh, pretty flecks of color and just a bit of herbal brightness to finish.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F, so it’s perfectly hot and ready to bake the Cheesy Taco Sticks to golden perfection. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray; this helps keep the bottoms crisp and ensures easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Taco Meat

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor. Stir in the taco seasoning — no water needed here — and mix until the beef is thoroughly coated, soaking up all that zesty flavor. Set the pan aside and let the meat cool to room temperature; this prevents hot filling from tearing the dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Unroll the Pillsbury Pizza Dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch it out to an even rectangle. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then cut each strip vertically into five pieces, making ten small rectangles. Each one will become its own little taco stick.

Step 4: Add the Filling

In the center of each dough rectangle, add about a tablespoon (or a generous scoop) of taco meat. Place half of a cheese stick on top, making sure it’s nestled into the beef. The combo makes every bite gooey and flavorful.

Step 5: Shape the Sticks

Work carefully to roll each dough rectangle around its filling, pinching the dough along the seams and ends so none of that melty cheese escapes during baking. Set each Cheesy Taco Stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet for best results.

Step 6: Brush with Buttery Goodness

Mix your melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley together in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the taco sticks with this savory butter mixture. This will give them a glossy finish and loads of extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the taco sticks are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling within. Serve hot, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Garnishes

The finishing touch can make all the difference! Sprinkle the Cheesy Taco Sticks with extra parsley, fresh cilantro, or a dusting of finely grated cheese. For a vibrant, tangy kick, add a squeeze of lime right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these craveable sticks with simple sides like a fresh garden salad, crisp veggie sticks, or classic Mexican rice. They also work brilliantly with bowls of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Cheesy Taco Sticks are made for sharing! Pile them high on a platter for a party appetizer, arrange them in a breadbasket lined with a colorful napkin, or serve in grab-and-go paper sleeves for a fun twist at movie night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The dough stays soft, and the seasoning stays bold!

Freezing

To freeze, let the sticks cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to two months. They’re great to have on hand for unexpected cravings.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat Cheesy Taco Sticks in a 350 degree F oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven gets them warm and crisp without drying out the dough.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Simply substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You may want to add a tiny splash of oil for moisture, but the taco seasoning will still shine through beautifully.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole are classics that keep things simple and delicious. Warm queso dip or a creamy ranch also take things up a notch for dipping fans!

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sticks a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Simply bake them right before serving for best results and piping-hot cheesy centers.

What other cheeses would work?

Mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack are fun swaps for a different cheese pull or extra spice. Just be sure to use cheese sticks or easy-to-slice block cheese for rolling.

Is homemade pizza dough an option?

Definitely! If you like working from scratch, homemade dough gives Cheesy Taco Sticks even more of a personal touch — just roll it thin and follow the same cutting, filling, and baking steps.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy, cheesy, and full of flavor, you absolutely have to give Cheesy Taco Sticks a try. They’re comfort food at its best, and I can’t wait for you to share them with your family and friends!

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 10 sticks
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These cheesy, meaty sticks are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a meal. They are easy to make and always a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Ground Beef:

1 lb.

Taco Seasoning Mix:

1 packet (or homemade taco seasoning)

Pillsbury Pizza Dough:

1 tube

Colby Jack and Cheddar Cheese Sticks:

5 sticks, halved

Butter:

4 tbsp, melted

Garlic Powder:

1 tsp

Dried Parsley: