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
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
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the taco sticks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the tops of the twisted sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder to enhance flavor and crispness.
- 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.
- 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
