Cheesy Taco Sticks Baked

Cheesy Taco Sticks are my answer to those nights when everyone craves tacos but wants something warm from the oven. Each stick is packed with all the best taco flavors but wrapped in buttery, golden pizza dough and finished with a lush garlic butter brushing. These are amazing as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick dinner for taco lovers of all ages.

When I first tried these on a rainy day, my family devoured them in minutes and now they always ask for them during movie nights or game days.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds rich savory flavor Use a lean blend so the filling is not greasy
• Taco seasoning mix: Delivers that classic taco taste Choose a low sodium option if you prefer more control over salt
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Makes assembly quick and simple Look for dough that is cold and fresh for easier rolling
• Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks: Melts beautifully and gives those satisfying cheese pulls Try to pick full-fat cheese for best melting results
• Butter: Brings richness and helps brown the crust Unsalted helps you control the final flavor
• Garlic powder: Adds savory punch Use garlic powder rather than fresh to avoid burning
• Dried parsley: Brightens up every bite Look for parsley that is still vibrant green for maximum freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper This prevents the taco sticks from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup

Cook the Beef:

Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink which should take about six to eight minutes Drain any fat then sprinkle in the taco seasoning plus any water as directed on your packet Stir well so every bit of beef is evenly coated then set aside to cool slightly

Prepare the Dough:

Carefully unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface Use a rolling pin to smooth it out if needed Cut into ten rectangles of equal size A bench scraper or sharp knife will give you clean edges

Assemble the Taco Sticks:

Hold a dough rectangle in your hand and add two tablespoons of the seasoned beef Spread it out to the edges but leave room to seal Place half of a cheese stick on top Roll the dough up tightly around the filling Pinch the sides and seam to completely enclose and lay them seam down on the baking sheet

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Melt the butter and stir in garlic powder and dried parsley Liberally brush every taco stick so the crust browns evenly and gets extra flavor

Bake:

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes Watch for a golden brown color and fully cooked dough The cheese will start to ooze at the edges when they are ready

Serve:

Let the sticks cool for five minutes before serving This keeps the cheese inside and avoids burnt tongues Serve plain or dip in salsa guacamole or sour cream

Pin

Colby Jack cheese is my secret to a gooey inside and beautiful cheese pull My son always asks for extra cheese and it reminds me of when we made these for his birthday and everyone wanted seconds before the party games even started

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in a toaster oven for a crispy exterior or wrap loosely in foil and bake until heated through They freeze well wrapped individually then just pop them into a hot oven straight from the freezer

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter filling Refried beans or seasoned black beans can replace the meat if you need a vegetarian twist Use mozzarella pepper jack or your favorite melting cheese as a fun swap for the filling

Pin

Serving Suggestions

Serve them with little bowls of your favorite taco toppings like salsa sour cream or guacamole These are so good with a crunchy salad or on a platter with other finger foods for parties

Fun Origins

Cheesy bakes like these take inspiration from both American-style pizza pockets and classic Mexican tacos They are a playful mashup that truly delivers comfort and flavor

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well and adds a fresh, personal touch to the dish.

→ What cheeses can I use for the filling?

Colby jack and cheddar are ideal, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack create delicious results too.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during baking?

Seal the dough tightly around the filling and place the seam side down on the baking sheet to keep cheese inside.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.

→ What can I serve alongside cheesy taco sticks?

Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a side salad pair perfectly with these savory snacks.

→ How can I make these spicier?

Add jalapeño slices or use spicy cheese varieties for a flavor boost and extra heat.