The Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything you love about tacos, wrapped up in a golden, handheld breadstick. Packed with flavorful taco-seasoned beef, melty cheddar and mozzarella, and wrapped in pizza dough, these are a crispy, cheesy dream.
Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, a fun family snack, or a party appetizer, this recipe takes just minutes to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream or salsa for the ultimate cheesy taco experience.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
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1/2 pound ground beef
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1 tablespoon taco seasoning
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1/3 cup salsa
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
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Sour cream, for dipping (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
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Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Cut into 6 equal rectangles.
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Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese onto each dough rectangle, then spoon the taco meat mixture on top.
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Roll each rectangle up like a burrito, pinching seams to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
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Brush each roll with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Cheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a creative and delicious twist on two classic comfort foods: tacos and breadsticks. Wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough and filled with taco-seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese, these handheld delights are perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, potlucks, and even game day snacks. This recipe has rapidly become a household favorite because it delivers all the bold flavors of a taco in a fun, dippable form that even picky eaters can’t resist. Whether served as a quick dinner or a satisfying snack, Cheesy Taco Sticks strike the perfect balance between indulgence and convenience.
Why Cheesy Taco Sticks Are So Popular
The rise in popularity of this recipe can be attributed to its versatility, simplicity, and universal appeal. It combines the savory, seasoned filling of a traditional taco with the comforting bite of cheesy bread, creating a snack or meal that works across a variety of settings. Parents love this recipe because kids enjoy the familiar flavors in a fun form, and home cooks love it because it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, the basic ingredients—pizza dough, ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese—are easy to find and often already stocked in the pantry or fridge.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the standout features of Cheesy Taco Sticks is how adaptable they are to different occasions. Hosting a game day party? These are ideal finger foods. Need a weeknight dinner that doesn’t require a dozen dishes? Done. Want to bring something hot and crowd-pleasing to a potluck? These travel well and stay flavorful even at room temperature. You can even make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer, making them a meal-prep win. They’re also great for school lunchboxes—just wrap them in foil and pack with a small container of salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Customizing the Recipe
Another reason Cheesy Taco Sticks are so beloved is their high level of customizability. Don’t eat beef? Substitute ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken. Want to make them vegetarian? Black beans, sautéed peppers, onions, and corn make excellent filling substitutes. You can adjust the spice level by using mild or hot taco seasoning, or by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling. Cheese lovers can mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for extra richness. Even the dough can be modified—use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture or homemade dough for a rustic touch.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Cheesy Taco Sticks check all the boxes for a kid-friendly recipe. They’re easy to eat, low on mess, and packed with familiar flavors. Children love to dip them into salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, making the eating experience interactive and fun. Plus, if you’re trying to get picky eaters involved in the kitchen, this is a great recipe to start with—little hands can help roll the dough and sprinkle the cheese. For adult palates, you can elevate the flavor with more complex seasonings or additional fillings like caramelized onions, olives, or spicy sauces.
Time-Saving and Budget-Friendly
This recipe is not just delicious—it’s also efficient. It takes just over 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver on those nights when time is tight. Because the ingredients are basic and affordable, it’s also budget-friendly. Ground beef, shredded cheese, salsa, and pizza dough are all staple items that can be purchased economically or in bulk. Plus, one batch makes six hearty servings, so it’s a cost-effective way to feed a group. If you’re cooking for a family or hosting friends, doubling or even tripling the recipe is straightforward.
Nutritional Considerations
While Cheesy Taco Sticks are undeniably indulgent, there are easy ways to make them a bit healthier. Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content. Use low-fat shredded cheese or cut back on the amount if you’re watching calories. Choose a whole-wheat or gluten-free dough if dietary restrictions are a concern. You can also sneak in finely chopped vegetables—like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms—into the filling to boost nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you end up with leftovers (though they usually disappear fast), Cheesy Taco Sticks store beautifully. Simply wrap them in foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer for a crispier texture. While the microwave is the quickest method, it may result in a softer, less crispy exterior. These reheating options make them a great meal prep option for lunches or busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Taco Sticks pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Classic options like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa enhance the taco flavors, but you can get creative with chipotle aioli, queso dip, or even a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick. Serve with a fresh side salad, rice and beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal. You can even slice them into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Making It a Fun Cooking Experience
Cooking these taco sticks can be more than just a task—it can become a fun activity, especially if you involve friends or family. Lay out a “taco stick bar” where everyone customizes their filling before wrapping them up and baking. This interactive format makes it great for parties or family dinners, and it ensures everyone gets exactly what they want inside their taco stick. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to cooking and make them feel proud of what they create.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks are more than just a fun recipe—they’re a versatile, crowd-pleasing solution for busy lives. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something indulgent and satisfying, this dish delivers. With simple ingredients, a quick cook time, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder that Cheesy Taco Sticks are making waves in kitchens everywhere. They’re the kind of meal that brings people together—easy to prepare, fun to eat, and always a hit at the table. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.
Let the gooey cheese, savory taco flavor, and golden-baked crust win you over—and don’t be surprised when you find yourself making them again and again.