Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these cheesy, seasoned bites are best served with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning following the packet instructions. Set the mixture aside.
2. Step 2: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the meat.
3. Step 3: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press down along the edges to seal tightly.
4. Step 4: Cut the filled dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Brush the twisted sticks with the melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder to add extra flavor.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco meat or sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking.
• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Try adding diced jalapeños or chopped green onions inside for a fresh, zesty kick.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with cooked black beans or sautéed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the dough soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sticks and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I freeze cheesy taco sticks?

Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked sticks on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped in crispy, golden pizza dough. Perfect as a party appetizer or a family snack, they’re easy to make and delicious when dipped in salsa and sour cream.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Taco Sticks

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving

• Salsa, for dipping
• Sour cream, for dipping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the taco sticks.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning as directed on the packet. Stir to combine and set aside.
3. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle for easy filling and folding.
4. Add Filling: Spread the seasoned taco meat evenly over one half of the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the meat layer.
5. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal everything inside.
6. Cut and Twist: Cut the stuffed dough into approximately 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it gently, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush and Season: Brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavor.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
• Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack or monterey jack for a spicy twist.
• These taco sticks can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough if available.

Keywords: taco sticks, cheesy taco sticks, appetizer, party food, ground beef recipe, easy snack, pizza dough snack