Get ready to meet your new favorite party snack: Cheesy Taco Sticks. Imagine everything you love about tacos—the seasoned beef, melty cheese, and irresistible flavor—rolled up in golden, buttery dough and baked to perfection. These hand-held delights are crave-worthy, super easy, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to game day feasts. Packed with bold Tex-Mex goodness, Cheesy Taco Sticks deliver crowd-pleasing flavors in every gooey, cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, using ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component brings something special, whether it’s hearty flavor, creamy texture, or a burst of color—the magic happens when they all come together!
- Ground Beef: For rich, meaty flavor and a substantial filling that anchors the whole dish.
- Taco Seasoning: Brings that authentic, zesty Tex-Mex taste in one easy scoop.
- Water: Helps the seasoning coat and infuse the beef perfectly.
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough or Pizza Dough: The shortcut to golden, pillowy sticks that bake up with a flaky exterior.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, tangy flavor and gorgeous melt in the center.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For stretchy cheese pulls and a creamy counterpoint to the cheddar.
- Butter (melted): Brushed on top for rich flavor and a shiny, bakery-style finish.
- Garlic Powder: Lends savory depth and aromatic lift to the buttery topping.
- Dried Parsley: Makes the tops irresistibly pretty and adds a hint of freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked and any excess fat is drained, stir in your favorite taco seasoning along with a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken and let all those spices soak into the beef. This savory taco filling forms the heart of your Cheesy Taco Sticks!
Step 2: Set Up the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Next, unroll your crescent roll dough or pizza dough. Separate it into eight rectangles—if you’re using crescent dough, pinch the seams together so the filling stays tucked inside. This dough is the fluffy blanket wrapping up all that taco goodness.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Sticks
On each dough rectangle, spoon a generous spoonful of your warm taco meat down the center. Sprinkle on a combo of cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t skimp—the cheesier, the better! Now fold the dough sides over the filling and pinch all the seams closed, shaping each one into a neat little stick. Place them seam-side down so they hold together while baking.
Step 4: Add Buttery Topping
Brush the tops of your Cheesy Taco Sticks with melted butter, then sprinkle them with a dusting of garlic powder and dried parsley. This not only ensures a beautiful golden-brown finish but also adds next-level flavor that makes these extra special.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed and beautifully golden. The kitchen will smell incredible. Serve them warm—and alongside your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, they’ll be the first thing to disappear at any gathering.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Garnishes
To take your Cheesy Taco Sticks to the next level, try sprinkling the finished sticks with extra parsley or a dash of chili powder for extra color and zing. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro just before serving adds a hit of freshness and makes the presentation pop!
Side Dishes
Pair these taco sticks with a crisp chopped salad, creamy coleslaw, or some spicy Mexican street corn. A platter of tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole makes for a festive, Tex-Mex spread that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Cheesy Taco Sticks in a ring shape on a large serving board with bowls of different dips in the center—think guacamole, queso, pico de gallo. Or, for lunchboxes, wrap each stick in parchment paper for a portable, mess-free treat that stays warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (not likely!), let Cheesy Taco Sticks cool completely before packing them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days while staying fairly fresh and tasty for quick snacks or easy lunches.
Freezing
These freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, layer Cheesy Taco Sticks between sheets of parchment paper in a sealable freezer bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month, making them fantastic for grab-and-go snacks or last-minute party appetizers.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crisp outside. For an even quicker option, a microwave will do the trick, though the dough may not stay as perfectly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken work perfectly and make a slightly lighter version. Just cook as you would the beef and proceed with the recipe. The signature Cheesy Taco Sticks flavor will shine either way.
How can I make these vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the ground beef for refried beans or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure to add the taco seasoning and a splash of water to get that classic Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even corn are excellent additions. Just be sure not to overfill each stick so they stay sealed during baking.
What dipping sauces go best with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Try classic salsa, creamy guacamole, or tangy sour cream. For a spicy kick, drizzle with hot sauce or serve with your favorite queso dip on the side.
Do Cheesy Taco Sticks work as a make-ahead freezer meal?
Yes—they’re one of the best make-ahead snacks out there. Bake, freeze, and reheat as needed for quick, satisfying snacks on busy days or unexpected guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and impressively easy recipe, Cheesy Taco Sticks check all the boxes. They bring everyone to the table—kids, adults, and anyone in between—and guarantee cheesy, taco-inspired happiness every time. Try them once and watch them become a regular in your snack rotation!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious Tex-Mex twist on traditional breadsticks, filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, perfect for parties or as an after-school snack.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Taco Sticks:
- 1 can (8-count) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the dough and separate into rectangles. Fill each with taco meat and cheese. Fold the sides over, pinch to seal, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the sticks with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- You can use turkey or refried beans for variations.
- Add jalapeños or green chilies for extra heat.
- These freeze well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
