Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, wrapped in warm, golden pizza dough. This easy-to-make snack or appetizer is perfect for sharing and pairs perfectly with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

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 according to the packet instructions. Set the meat aside.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
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 with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crispy.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a mess-free option, try cutting the dough into individual pockets before filling and folding to prevent filling spills during twisting.
• You can swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
• Experiment with different cheese blends or add chopped jalapeños inside for extra spice.
• Brush with melted garlic butter before baking for a richer flavor.

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 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them 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 pizza dough works wonderfully and may add more flavor and texture to the taco sticks.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning packets?

You can substitute with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to season your meat.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

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

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all wrapped in crispy baked pizza dough twists. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family treat, these cheesy and savory sticks come with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Dough and Topping

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving

• Salsa for dipping
• Sour cream for dipping

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the taco sticks.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning along with the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet. Simmer until well combined and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Roll Dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle, ensuring it’s evenly shaped for good folding.
4. Assemble Filling: Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough rectangle, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
5. Fold Dough: Gently fold the other half of the dough over the meat and cheese filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside the dough.
6. Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled dough into approximately 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip several times to create a spiral shape, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart for even baking.
7. Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder to enhance flavor and crispness.
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 on the outside.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Present the cheesy taco sticks warm with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.

Notes

• For easier handling and to prevent filling leakage, you can pre-cut the dough into individual pocket pieces before filling and folding.
• If you prefer spicier taco sticks, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
• Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• These sticks can be made ahead, refrigerated, and baked just before serving.
• Use a pizza cutter for clean and easy strip cutting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy taco sticks, taco snack, pizza dough recipe, cheesy snack, party appetizers, baked taco twists