Cheesy Taco Sticks

If you love tacos and gooey, cheesy bread, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Cheesy Taco Sticks. Packed with savory taco-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and wrapped in golden pizza dough, they’re the ultimate hand-held comfort food. Perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or a fun family dinner, these taco sticks will be devoured before you know it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco Night Upgrade – A fun and portable twist on traditional tacos.
Ooey Gooey Cheese – Melts into every bite for a delicious cheesy pull.
Kid-Friendly – Mess-free and picky-eater approved.
Quick and Easy – Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• ¼ cup water
• Salt to taste

For the Taco Sticks:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried parsley (optional for garnish)

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Ranch dressing

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Taco Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the ground beef or chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water.
Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Season with a pinch of salt, remove from heat, and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
Cut into 6 to 8 equal-sized strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Place a spoonful of taco meat on each strip of dough, about 1-2 tablespoons.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the filling.
Carefully roll the dough over the filling, then fold and seal the ends.
Place each taco stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
Brush the tops of the taco sticks with the butter mixture.

Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Taco Sticks
Don’t Overfill – Too much meat or cheese can cause the dough to tear.
Seal Well – Make sure to pinch the edges tightly to avoid leaks.
Let the Filling Cool – Hot meat can make the dough soggy.
Use Cheese That Melts Well – Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend work best.
Add Spice – Mix chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the meat if you like heat.

Serving Suggestions
Game Night – Serve with a trio of dips like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Lunchbox Favorite – Wrap in foil for an easy school or work lunch.
Appetizer Spread – Cut into smaller pieces and serve as party bites.
Dinner with a Twist – Serve with a simple salad or corn on the cob for a full meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Wrap each stick individually in foil or parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave – Heat on medium power for 30–45 seconds (dough may be softer).
Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for a crisp finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, crescent dough works just as well and gives a buttery, flaky finish.

2. Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a meatless ground substitute or seasoned black beans.

3. Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella all melt well—use your favorite or mix them.

5. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe easily scales up for parties or large families.

Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate mash-up of tacos and cheesy breadsticks—what’s not to love? With flavorful filling, melty cheese, and a golden crust, they’re as satisfying as they are easy to make. Serve them up for dinner, pack them for lunch, or bring them to your next gathering—just don’t expect leftovers!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 295 | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 470mg

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