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Cheesy Taco Sticks pack all your favorite taco flavors into a warm golden breadstick filled to the brim with melty cheese and savory taco meat. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day appetizers these are a hands down kid favorite in my house and disappear almost as quickly as I can bake them.
I threw these together during a movie night and the kids could not stop asking for more. Now they always show up at birthday parties and sleepovers because everyone raves about that melty cheese pull.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: This adds hearty flavor and bites of juicy meat go for an eighty twenty blend for the best balance of moisture
- Taco seasoning mix: This brings all the Tex Mex flavor and using homemade lets you control the spice level
- Ready made pizza dough: A tube of Pillsbury makes prep faster but any fresh or canned dough works use one that feels soft and elastic
- Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks: These melt beautifully and add both flavor and that dramatic cheese pull choose real cheese sticks not processed
- Butter: Melted for brushing keeps breadsticks tender and golden pick real butter for best taste
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor for a classic garlic bread twist choose a fresh bottle for the boldest flavor
- Dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and freshness opt for vibrant green flakes for best appearance
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to four twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with nonstick spray so nothing sticks and clean up is easy
- Cook Taco Meat:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat breaking it into fine crumbles This should take about seven minutes Drain off any fat then blend in the taco seasoning without water Turn off heat and let the mixture cool so the cheese does not melt too soon
- Shape and Fill:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and evenly flat Slice in half lengthwise then into ten rectangles Try to keep sizes even so the sticks bake at the same pace
- Stuff and Seal:
- On each rectangle spoon a generous tablespoon of cooled taco meat and lay half a cheese stick on top Roll it up pinching the edges and delighting in that anticipation Make sure seams are sealed to keep cheese inside while baking
- Brush and Bake:
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley Brush this mixture lavishly on each stick for maximum flavor and a shiny golden finish Arrange on your prepared sheet and bake for ten to twelve minutes until puffed and deep golden brown
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the cheesy taco sticks piping hot straight from the oven They are extra tempting when dunked in salsa guacamole or sour cream
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My favorite part of making these is picking out different cheese sticks Sometimes I mix in pepper jack for a little heat and it always reminds me of the time my niece insisted on helping roll them up for an after school treat Our kitchen was a glorious cheesy mess but the joy was unforgettable
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and stored in the fridge for up to three days When ready to eat reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to revive that crispy exterior and melty interior Microwave works in a pinch but the bread will be softer
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey chicken or even a vegan crumble if you want a lighter option Mozzarella can stand in for cheddar or colby jack in a pinch and pizza dough can be replaced with crescent roll dough for a fluffier twist
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy taco sticks shine on their own or alongside a platter of classic taco toppings like shredded lettuce sliced jalapenos chopped tomatoes and creamy dips For a complete meal pair with a hearty salad or black bean soup
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A Snack With History
Bread filled with savory meat and cheese has roots in many cultures from Italian stromboli to Latin American empanadas This variation mashes up Tex Mex and American comfort food and speaks to how fusion recipes bring everyone together around the table
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack work well and add different flavors to the breadsticks.
- → Is it possible to make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the breadsticks in advance and refrigerate them. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best results.
- → What can I serve with these breadsticks?
They pair perfectly with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a side salad for a light meal.
- → Can the meat be substituted?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to beef, and seasoned beans offer a vegetarian option.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.