Cheesy Taco Sticks Delight

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate mash-up of taco night and cheesy breadsticks—and they couldn’t be easier to make. I wrap seasoned ground beef and cheese into soft pizza dough, brush them with garlic butter, and bake them until golden and gooey. These hand-held snacks are the perfect mix of melty, savory, and satisfying, and they’re always a huge hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something fun and flavorful. It uses store-bought dough, which saves time, and the filling is versatile enough to suit any taste. These are amazing for parties, game nights, or even a creative twist on taco Tuesday. I also love how my kids get involved—they take turns brushing on the garlic butter and giggling when the cheese stretches as we pull them apart.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (85% lean or higher)
taco seasoning mix
pizza dough (store-bought or bakery fresh)
cheddar cheese sticks
Colby Jack cheese sticks
butter (melted)
garlic powder
dried parsley

Directions

First, I preheat my oven to 425°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick spray.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, I drain the fat and stir in the taco seasoning (without water) for a thick, flavorful coating. Then I let the beef cool slightly so the cheese doesn’t melt during assembly.

On a floured surface, I roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, cut it in half lengthwise, then make four cuts across to create ten equal pieces.

I place a spoonful of taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle, top with half a cheese stick, and then roll up the dough tightly, pinching the seams closed to seal everything inside.

In a small bowl, I mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush it over each stick for flavor and that golden finish.

I arrange the taco sticks on the baking sheet with a bit of space between them and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

They’re best served hot, and I like to offer taco toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

Serves: 10
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap in ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different spin. I’ve also used biscuit dough or crescent roll dough when I’m out of pizza dough.

For a spicy kick, I use pepper jack instead of cheddar, or mix black beans and corn into the meat. Mozzarella is great when I want a milder flavor that still melts beautifully.

storage/reheating

I let the sticks cool completely before storing. Then I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes to bring back that crisp exterior and melty inside.

They also freeze well before baking. I just fill and shape them, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. When I’m ready to use them, I let them thaw and bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often fill and roll them earlier in the day, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving. They’re also great frozen before baking.

What dough works best?

Pizza dough gives the best chew, but I’ve had success with biscuit dough and crescent rolls too. Fresh bakery dough makes them extra fluffy.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks?

Yes, but I prefer cheese sticks because they’re easier to handle and melt in one smooth layer inside the dough.

What dips go well with these?

I love serving them with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso. They’re perfect for dipping and customizing.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure to fully seal the edges and seams when rolling the dough. Letting the meat cool first also helps prevent the cheese from melting too soon.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket because they never fail to impress. They’re fun, easy, and packed with flavor—everything I want in a party snack or casual dinner. Whether I’m feeding kids, entertaining friends, or just looking for something deliciously melty, these always hit the spot.

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