Cheesy taco sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. They have all the delicious elements of a taco—seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy dough—wrapped into a convenient, dippable snack. Whether I need an easy appetizer, a party treat, or a quick weeknight dinner, these taco sticks always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 package refrigerated pizza dough
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Roll out the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips about 1-2 inches wide.
Spoon a small amount of the beef mixture onto each dough strip, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Roll each dough strip tightly into a stick and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve with salsa and sour cream, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 sticks
Calories: 300 kcal per stick
Variations
Different proteins – I can swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Spicy kick – Adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne makes them extra flavorful.
Extra cheesy – Mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese enhances the gooey factor.
Flavored dough – Brushing the dough with garlic butter or taco sauce before baking adds even more flavor.
Tex-Mex style – Topping the finished sticks with diced tomatoes, green onions, or avocado makes them even better.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Leftover taco sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or air-fry them for a crispier texture. Microwaving works too, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
How can I prevent the taco sticks from unrolling while baking?
Sealing the edges tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet helps keep them intact. A little water on the dough edges can also help them stick together.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent roll dough will make them softer and flakier, but it works just as well for a slightly different texture.
What are the best dipping sauces for these taco sticks?
I love serving them with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso for a variety of flavors.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! I can prepare them up to a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when ready to serve.
How do I make them gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pizza dough or corn tortillas instead of regular dough makes this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cheesy taco sticks are a simple yet satisfying snack that combines all the best taco flavors into a crispy, cheesy, and dippable treat. They’re great for parties, family dinners, or whenever I need a quick and tasty meal. With endless variations and easy storage options, they’re a go-to recipe I keep coming back to.
Recipe:
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Cheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy taco sticks are a delicious, dippable twist on classic tacos. Made with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy pizza dough, they’re the perfect appetizer, snack, or quick dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, these taco sticks are great for parties, game nights, or family meals. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an irresistible treat!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks
Ingredients
1 package refrigerated pizza dough
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup salsa (for dipping)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for dipping)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Season: Add taco seasoning and water, stirring until combined. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare dough: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 1-2 inch wide strips.
- Fill & roll: Spoon beef mixture onto each strip, sprinkle cheese on top, then roll tightly into sticks.
- Bake: Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Switch up the cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
Flavored dough: Brush with garlic butter or taco sauce before baking for extra flavor.
Vegetarian option: Substitute black beans or refried beans for beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 sticks
- Calories: 300 kcal
