If you’re looking for a fun, cheesy, and flavor-packed snack that’s easy to make, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine warm, golden breadsticks stuffed with seasoned taco beef and gooey melted cheese—all baked to crispy perfection. They’re the perfect handheld treat for game nights, parties, or even a quick dinner the whole family will love.
I first made these for a movie night at home, and they were gone before the previews ended. Once, I brushed the tops with garlic butter and sprinkled on a bit of taco seasoning—it made them taste even more like a Tex-Mex pizza roll. Dip them in salsa, guacamole, or queso, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Taco Sticks combine everything you love about tacos—savory beef, melty cheese, and bold seasoning—wrapped in soft, golden dough. They’re portable, freezer-friendly, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or looking for a kid-friendly dinner idea, these taco sticks deliver all the flavor of tacos in a fun, handheld form.
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Cheesy Taco Sticks: The Ultimate Handheld Tex-Mex Snack
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 8 taco sticks
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun, handheld twist on classic tacos — filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, wrapped in pizza dough, and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for snacks, parties, or quick dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or parsley
- Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 8 equal rectangles.
- Spoon a small amount of taco meat and shredded cheese down the center of each rectangle.
- Fold the sides over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- You can use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough for a softer texture.
- For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to the filling.
- Freeze before baking for an easy make-ahead snack — bake from frozen for 15–18 minutes.
- Serve with nacho cheese sauce for an indulgent dipping option.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Snack / Appetizer / Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough – The perfect shortcut for a soft, golden crust.
Ground beef – Savory and flavorful, the base of the taco filling.
Taco seasoning – Adds classic Mexican-inspired spice and flavor.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese – Melts beautifully inside the sticks for that gooey center.
Olive oil or melted butter – Brushed on top for a golden, crispy finish.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Boost the flavor of the beef and the crust.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) – For a garnish that adds freshness.
Salsa or queso (for dipping) – Completes the experience with an extra burst of flavor.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and a few tablespoons of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza or crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into rectangles (about 4×6 inches each).
- Add the filling: Spoon a small amount of the taco beef mixture onto the center of each rectangle. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Seal the sticks: Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and bake: Brush each stick with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and salt. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with salsa, queso, or guacamole for dipping.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 taco sticks and serves 4 to 6 people. Total time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes baking). Perfect for parties, snacks, or casual dinners.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can also freeze before or after baking—just reheat from frozen for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Taco Sticks
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes inside for a kick.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Sticks
Swap the beef for shredded taco-seasoned chicken.
Breakfast Taco Sticks
Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese for a morning twist.
Veggie Taco Sticks
Fill with sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans for a meat-free option.
Loaded Taco Sticks
Top baked sticks with sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Garlic Butter Topping
Brush baked sticks with melted garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly—just make sure it’s rolled thin enough to seal easily.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—just season it well with taco spices for full flavor.
3. Can I air fry these?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day ahead, then bake when ready.
5. Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze unbaked or baked sticks in a single layer, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
6. Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely—pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack all melt beautifully.
7. How do I keep the edges sealed while baking?
Pinch them tightly or use a fork to crimp the edges before baking.
8. Can I add beans or rice?
Sure! Just don’t overfill, or the dough might tear.
9. What’s the best dip for taco sticks?
Salsa, queso dip, or guacamole are all great choices.
10. Can I turn this into a meal?
Yes, serve with Mexican rice, corn salad, or a simple green salad for a complete dinner.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with all the Tex-Mex goodness you crave. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a fun family dinner, these golden, cheesy sticks are guaranteed to impress. Serve them fresh from the oven with your favorite dips, and watch them disappear in minutes!
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