Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, wrapped in crispy pizza dough and filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, these twists are easy to make and delicious to share.

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 excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning following the packet instructions. Set the seasoned meat aside.
3. Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
5. Step 5: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
6. Step 6: Cut the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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, until the sticks are golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped onions or jalapeños to the cooked ground beef before spreading on the dough.
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for varied taste.
• Brush the sticks with a little beaten egg instead of butter for a shiny, golden finish.
• Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with black beans or sautéed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of the refrigerated kind?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly and can add a fresh, personalized touch to the recipe.

Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?

Absolutely! Prepare the sticks up to the baking step, then cover them and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 sticks 1x

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Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun, savory snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses wrapped in crispy, golden pizza dough. Perfectly twisted and baked to perfection, these sticks are delightful when dipped in salsa and sour cream.

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the taco sticks.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness, then stir in the taco seasoning, following the packet instructions for added water if required. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Roll out the Dough: On a floured surface, unroll and stretch the pizza dough into a large rectangular shape, ready to be filled.
4. Add Filling: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough rectangle. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the taco meat layer.
5. Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, carefully pressing the edges firmly together to seal in the cheesy taco filling.
6. Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Place the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
7. Brush and Season: Brush the tops of each twisted stick with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder for a flavorful crust.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sticks turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping, making these sticks a perfect party snack or quick meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.
• Use pre-shredded cheese or shred your own for fresher taste.
• Serve immediately for the best crispy texture; leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

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