Cheesy Taco Sticks

Looking for a fun, easy, and delicious twist on taco night? These Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything you love about tacos—savory seasoned meat, melty cheese, and soft dough—all wrapped up into a hand-held snack or meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day appetizers, or kid-friendly lunches, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hand-Held Convenience – Tacos in stick form make them easy to pack, serve, and enjoy.
Ooey-Gooey Cheese – Every bite is filled with gooey melted cheese and seasoned meat.
Kid-Approved – Simple ingredients and familiar flavors make this a family favorite.
Perfect for Parties – Great for sharing at gatherings, game nights, or potlucks.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch and freeze for a quick meal or snack later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Taco Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup water
• Salt to taste

For the Assembly:

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

For Serving (Optional):

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Ranch dressing

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Mixing spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
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.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into 6–8 equal rectangles.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the taco meat onto the center of each rectangle.
Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Fold one side of the dough over the filling, then roll and pinch the edges to seal tightly.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
Brush the tops of the taco sticks with the butter mixture for a golden, flavorful finish.

Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
Seal the Edges – Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to keep the filling from leaking.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the sticks to burst open during baking.
Use Pre-Shredded Cheese – It melts perfectly and saves time.
Switch It Up – Try ground turkey, seasoned black beans, or a meatless crumble for variety.

Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauces – Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or ranch.
Side Salad – Pair with a fresh salad for a more balanced meal.
Nacho-Style – Top with extra cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sauce for a fun twist.
Lunchbox Hero – Wrap in foil and pack for a satisfying school or work lunch.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze individually wrapped in foil or parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, though the crust will be softer.
Air Fryer – Crisp them up in 4–5 minutes at 350°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crescent dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent dough sheets work just as well and offer a flakier texture.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any good melting cheese will do. Use your favorite!

4. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Use seasoned black beans, lentils, or a meatless crumble as the filling.

5. Are these spicy?
Not unless you add heat. For spicier sticks, include diced jalapeños or spicy taco seasoning.

Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate comfort food mash-up. They combine the bold flavors of tacos with the fun, dippable format of cheesy breadsticks. Whether you serve them as a main course, party snack, or lunchbox filler, they’re guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
Make a batch tonight and watch them disappear in minutes!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 14g | Carbohydrates: 21g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 490mg

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