Cheesy Taco Sticks
These delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun twist on traditional snacks, perfect for family dinners or game day! Bursting with flavor, these buttery breadsticks are filled with seasoned taco meat and gooey cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re an easy and delightful way to enjoy taco night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these cheesy treats ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of cheese and taco flavors makes these sticks irresistible to children.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the filling based on your family’s tastes—add veggies or switch up the cheese!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at parties, casual dinners, or game nights; they fit right in.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using just one baking sheet means less mess, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick baking sheet
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick baking sheet: Prevents the cheesy taco sticks from sticking, ensuring easy removal after baking.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly for a deliciously rich flavor.
- Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up the ground beef while cooking without scratching your pans.
Ingredients
These super simple Cheesy Taco Sticks are buttery breadsticks filled with taco meat and lots of cheese! The kids will love them!
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that your cheesy taco sticks bake evenly and get that golden brown color.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside. This step is crucial for easy cleanup later.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add the ground beef and break it up using a wooden spoon until fully browned.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Return the skillet to the heat and add in the taco seasoning mix (without adding water).
4. Stir until all the beef is coated in seasoning, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 4: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Spread out the pizza dough on a clean surface:
1. Cut it in half lengthwise.
2. Make four cuts across each half, creating ten small rectangles.
3. In each rectangle, place about a tablespoon of cooled taco meat in the center.
4. Top with a halved cheese stick.
5. Roll up each rectangular piece carefully, pinching all seams closed.
Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl:
1. Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
2. Brush this mixture generously on top of each rolled cheesy taco stick.
Step 6: Bake
Place the prepared sticks on your baking sheet:
1. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
2. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings!
Enjoy these Cheesy Taco Sticks as a delightful addition to your meal rotation!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply serving dinner at home, these cheesy delights can be paired with numerous sides and toppings to enhance the flavor.
Toppings
- Sour Cream – A classic creamy addition that balances the spices in the taco filling.
- Guacamole – Adds a fresh, creamy texture that pairs well with the cheesy goodness.
- Salsa – A zesty kick that complements the flavors of the taco meat perfectly.
- Shredded Lettuce – Provides a crunchy contrast, adding freshness to each bite.
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy, this dip is a favorite for many kids.
- Chipotle Sauce – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this smoky sauce makes a great pairing.
- Queso Dip – Melted cheese dip enhances the cheesiness of the sticks.
Salads
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing side with sweet corn and tangy dressing that pairs beautifully.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add brightness to your meal.
How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
To ensure your Cheesy Taco Sticks turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ground beef and quality cheese enhance flavor and texture significantly.
- Don’t Overfill – Keep the meat and cheese amounts moderate; too much filling makes rolling difficult.
- Seal Thoroughly – Pinch seams tightly to prevent any leakage during baking for better presentation.
- Adjust Cooking Time – Keep an eye on baking time; ovens vary, so check for golden-brown perfection.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Taco Sticks can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices adds a hearty element to your meal.
- Refried Beans – Creamy beans are a traditional accompaniment that complements taco flavors well.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet, juicy corn is simple to prepare and goes perfectly with tacos.
- Chips and Salsa – A crunchy snack that adds another layer of flavor while enjoying your sticks.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
- Cucumber Salad – Light and crisp, this salad adds freshness and balance to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple errors when preparing Cheesy Taco Sticks that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the cooling step – Make sure to let the cooked taco meat cool before rolling it into the dough. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
- Not sealing the edges properly – Be diligent about pinching the seams closed after rolling up the sticks. This ensures that all the delicious filling stays inside while baking.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet – If you place too many Cheesy Taco Sticks on one tray, they may stick together or cook unevenly. Give each stick enough space for even browning.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Always preheat your oven adequately. An oven that’s too cool will result in chewy rather than crispy sticks.
- Using cold ingredients – Make sure your butter is melted and at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect how well your dough rolls and bakes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Wrap each stick tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on high for 30 seconds; check and heat in additional 15-second intervals if needed.
- Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Cheesy Taco Sticks are buttery breadsticks filled with seasoned taco meat and melty cheese, perfect as a fun snack or appetizer.
How long do Cheesy Taco Sticks take to make?
The total time to prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks is approximately 22 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on Cheesy Taco Sticks.
Are Cheesy Taco Sticks kid-friendly?
Yes! These sticks are fun to eat and packed with flavors kids love, making them an excellent option for picky eaters.
What dips pair well with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These sauces enhance the flavors of your cheesy snacks!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with various meats or vegetables based on your family’s preferences. Enjoy these comforting bites as an appetizer or a fun meal option that everyone will love!
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cheesy Taco Sticks, a delightful twist on classic snacks! These buttery breadsticks are filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, making them a perfect choice for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tasty treats that are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients and serve them with various dipping sauces for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the ease of one-baking tray clean-up while savoring every cheesy bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning.
- Roll out pizza dough, cut into rectangles, and place a tablespoon of cooled taco meat and half a cheese stick on each.
- Roll up tightly, pinch seams closed, and brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
