Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful snack or appetizer that combine the bold taste of seasoned ground beef with melted cheeses wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfect for parties or a quick bite, they’re easy to make and delicious served with salsa and sour cream.

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).
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning following the packet instructions. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
4. Step 4: Evenly spread the cooked taco meat over one half of the dough. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the meat.
5. Step 5: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and firmly press the edges to seal.
6. Step 6: Cut the stuffed dough into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip gently and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For easier assembly, try cutting the dough into smaller squares before adding filling to create individual pockets.
• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses to customize the flavor.
• Add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the filling for extra heat.

Storage

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?

Yes, homemade dough works wonderfully and can add extra flavor. Just roll it out to the specified size and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?

You can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for a few hours. Bake just before serving, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time if baked cold.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 658 reviews

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped in golden baked pizza dough twists. Served with salsa and sour cream for dipping, these savory sticks are perfect for parties, game days, or quick bites.

• Author: lea
• 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the taco sticks.
2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning following the packet instructions. Set aside the cooked taco meat.
3. Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle.
4. Add Filling: Spread the seasoned taco meat evenly over one half of the dough. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the meat layer.
5. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the cheese and meat filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the dough.
6. Cut and Twist: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Butter and Season: Brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder evenly.
8. Bake: Bake the sticks in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute the shredded cheeses with your favorite cheese blend if desired.
• For easier handling, cool the cooked beef slightly before spreading it on the dough.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Cutting into individual pockets before filling can help avoid filling spilling during twisting, as noted by some users.
• These sticks are best eaten fresh and warm for crispiness but can be reheated in the oven.

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco appetizer, cheesy twists, pizza dough appetizer, party snacks, baked taco sticks