Easy Taco Sticks with Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, savory snack or a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Easy Taco Sticks with Cheese Recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — flaky pizza dough wrapped around zesty taco-seasoned beef and melty Colby Jack cheese. When I first tried this, I was hooked instantly, and now my family goes crazy for these skillet-to-oven gems every time I make them. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through how to master these tasty bites with all the tips I’ve learned along the way!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver big taco flavor wrapped in soft, golden dough. Using ready-made pizza dough keeps things simple without sacrificing texture, and the Colby Jack cheese sticks are just perfect for melting straight into the center.

• Lean ground beef: I like using 90% lean for less grease but plenty of flavor.
• Minced garlic: Fresh adds a nice punch, but jarred works great too.
• Taco seasoning: Store-bought is convenient; just follow package instructions for water.
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Keeping the dough cold until use helps it be easier to handle.
• Colby Jack cheese sticks: These melt quickly and add a mild, creamy contrast to the spicy beef.
• Unsalted butter: Melting it with garlic powder and parsley gives the perfect buttery glaze.
• Garlic powder and dried parsley: Sprinkled on top to boost flavor and add a fresh touch.

Variations

I love experimenting with these taco sticks to keep things fresh. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your own twist—this recipe really encourages you to make it your own.

• Spice it up: I add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the taco seasoning for a smoky kick that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Cheese swap: Sharp cheddar or pepper jack can be fun alternatives if you want a bolder cheese flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for seasoned beans or sautéed veggies; I’ve had great results with this on busy weeknights.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pizza dough or tortilla wraps as the outer layer.

How to Make Easy Taco Sticks with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Start by heating your frying pan over medium-high heat, then cook the lean ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sticks from being greasy. Toss in the minced garlic, the taco seasoning packet, and the water as directed on the seasoning. Cook on high heat, stirring until the water evaporates—this concentrates the flavors. Removing it from the heat here prevents the meat from drying out once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough and Fillings

Keep the pizza dough chilled until you’re ready to work with it—that makes it less sticky and easier to handle. Open each tube and unroll it onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping each into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into six even 4×4-inch pieces. This way, you’ll have 12 perfectly-sized bases for your taco sticks.

Step 3: Assemble Your Taco Sticks

Place about 3 tablespoons of the seasoned beef mixture in the center of each dough piece. Then cut each cheese stick in half and lay one half on top of the meat. Now comes the fun part: gently bring up the sides of the dough to enclose the filling, pinching the dough in the middle and then pinching each end. Fold these pinched ends neatly to one side. Be careful not to stretch the dough too much here—if it’s too thin, your sticks won’t puff up nicely. When you flip them over to bake, set them down with the seam side touching the parchment. This helps keep the filling secure while they bake.

Step 4: Butter and Bake

Next, melt unsalted butter in the microwave and stir in garlic powder and dried parsley. I use a pastry brush to give each taco stick an even coat of this flavorful butter mixture—it really amps up the aroma and gives the crust that beautiful golden color. Pop your baking sheets into a 425°F oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the dough is cooked through. The smell from your kitchen at this point? Simply amazing.

How to Serve Easy Taco Sticks with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve these taco sticks with a dollop of sour cream and fresh salsa on the side. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors. Guacamole is also a fantastic dip that pairs perfectly and adds a creamy texture that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always a simple Mexican-style street corn salad or a crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. If I’m feeling indulgent, a bowl of refried beans or some seasoned rice rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the taco sticks upright in a mason jar or on a serving board with small bowls of salsa, guac, and sour cream nestled around for dipping. It’s a great way to let guests graze and adds a fun, festive vibe. I’ve even served them mini-style as appetizers by cutting full sticks into bite-sized pieces—so easy to pop and perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled, I store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for about 4-5 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Just make sure to reheat properly so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

If I want to make these ahead, I assemble the taco sticks but don’t bake them. I freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This trick saves so much time!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover sticks in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to help keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty again. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the dough chewy and the outside less appealing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Taco Sticks with Cheese Recipe brings together comforting flavors and fun handheld convenience. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to special occasions. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll find yourself making these again and again—just like my family and me. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and get ready for some serious kitchen applause!

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