Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on classic tacos, combining savory ground beef, melted cheese, and flaky pizza dough. They make a perfect snack or party appetizer that’s fun to eat and full of flavor.

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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with a little water according to the packet instructions. Cook until the seasoning is well absorbed and the beef is flavorful. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Evenly spread the cooked taco beef over the dough, then sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
4. Step 4: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick sticks and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down.
5. Step 5: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush it over the sticks for extra flavor and a golden finish.
6. Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils seasoned with taco spices.
• Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.
• Try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicier flavor.
• Brush the sticks with an egg wash instead of butter for a shinier crust.

Storage

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, homemade dough works great and may add extra flavor. Just roll it out to a similar thickness as the recipe suggests.

Can I prepare the taco sticks ahead of time?

You can assemble the sticks and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 63 reviews

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer combining seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheeses, and soft, buttery pizza dough. Perfect for parties, game day, or a tasty snack, these taco sticks offer a flavorful twist on traditional breadsticks with a satisfying mix of taco-inspired spices and classic cheeses.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 cheesy taco sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

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For the Dough and Topping

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Beef Filling

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

For Serving

• Salsa (for dipping)
• Sour cream (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef along with a small amount of water as indicated on the seasoning packet, then stir and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is thickened and flavorful.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the taco sticks.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a clean surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×9 inches, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
4. Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spread the cooked taco-seasoned beef evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the beef layer.
5. Cut and Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough lengthwise into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently to form a spiral, then place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over each twisted strip to add flavor and promote browning.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden edges.
8. Serve: Remove the cheesy taco sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Be sure not to overfill the dough strips to prevent filling from spilling out during baking.
• Use a pizza cutter for cleaner and easier slicing.
• For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
• Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco appetizer, party snack, pizza dough recipe, cheesy snacks, Tex-Mex appetizer