Mashed Potatoes Sausage Corn Cheese

These cheesy taco sticks are the answer to those days when you want something fun and satisfying but low effort. Buttery bread dough wrapped around well-seasoned taco beef and gooey cheese, baked until golden and brushed in garlicky butter, makes them irresistible. Using pizza dough means you can throw these together quickly for a family dinner, party snack, or game night treat.

I first made these on a Friday when the kids begged for both pizza and tacos. As soon as they hit the table, the sticks disappeared and every game night since, someone asks for them by name.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides savory richness as the filling base and browns beautifully when fresh and lean
• Taco seasoning: brings a deep spicy kick use a packet or make your own for extra control
• Pizza dough: saves time and is foolproof when bought pre-made look for one that feels soft and springy in its tube
• Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks: add stretch and boldness Colby Jack melts especially well and cheddar brings tang
• Butter: adds moisture and flavor to the outer crust melt a good-quality butter for best browning
• Garlic powder and dried parsley: deliver earthy aroma and color use true garlic powder not garlic salt for most balance and dried parsley that is still green and fragrant

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to fully heat This ensures the dough crisps as it bakes

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray You want just enough to prevent sticking but not so much the bottoms get greasy

Brown the Ground Beef:

Place beef in a skillet over medium heat Break into small crumbles as you cook until no pink remains Drain off any fat and stir in taco seasoning Let this cool almost to room temperature so the dough stays dry inside

Shape the Dough:

Unroll the pizza dough onto a floured counter Slice lengthwise then across to make ten rectangles Try for even sizes so they bake uniformly

Fill and Roll:

Place a generous spoonful of cooled taco meat and half a cheese stick along one edge of each dough rectangle Roll up tightly so the filling is enclosed and pinch the seams really well

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Melt the butter and whisk in the garlic powder and parsley Use a small brush to paint this evenly over each wrapped stick This helps them brown and adds incredible aroma

Bake:

Arrange the sticks seam side down on your sheet Bake ten to twelve minutes until deeply golden brown and crisp Serve immediately with dips like salsa or guacamole

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My kids beg for the cheesy center and always wind up dipping and giggling with cheesy fingers These have become a tradition for family movie nights and celebrations

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days These reheat best on a sheet tray in a three hundred fifty degree oven for about eight minutes To freeze assemble sticks but do not bake then wrap tightly in plastic Wrap each stick for best protection Remove from freezer and bake frozen adding three to four extra minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you like lighter flavor Vegetarians can use cooked black beans or even lentils seasoned with the same taco spices For a spicy twist try shredded pepper jack cheese or diced jalapeños mixed with the cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with bowls of salsa sour cream guacamole and even queso for dipping Pair these with a big bowl of Mexican street corn or a crunchy slaw for a well rounded meal Set them out with tortilla chips and chopped veggies for party buffets or game day spreads

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Cultural Context

These taco sticks are a playful take on Tex-Mex but feel like a modern American snack They borrow the bold flavors from tacos and combine them with familiar pizza dough used throughout countless potluck recipes This kind of hybrid dish became popular at family gatherings and parties for their portability and crowd appeal

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ How do I achieve creamy mashed potatoes?

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for smoothness, mash them while warm with real butter and warm milk. Season generously for the best taste.

→ What cheese works well for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for a tangy, rich flavor, but you can swap it with mozzarella, gouda, or Colby for variety.

→ Which sausages pair best?

Chicken, pork, or beef sausages all brown nicely and complement the creamy potatoes and corn.

→ Can the components be prepared ahead?

Yes. Prepare mashed potatoes, corn, sausage, and cheese sauce separately, then gently reheat before serving.

→ Any suggestions to add more vegetables?

Try mixing in peas, sautéed onions, or steamed carrots for extra color and nutrition.