Taco Sticks with Cheese

Taco sticks are my answer to hectic weeknights or last minute gatherings when everyone wants something comforting and cheesy but I do not want to fuss with tortillas. Wrapping savory, well seasoned beef and gooey cheese in puffy pizza dough makes the ultimate hand-held treat that disappears in minutes.

The first time I served these at a birthday party my friends begged for the recipe and now it is one of my most requested appetizers for game day. It is always fun watching kids and adults grab a second one before the tray is even empty.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: The base of the filling for rich meaty taste Go for 90 percent lean so your filling stays flavorful but not greasy
• Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the beef Fresh or preminced both work
• Taco seasoning: Brings all the classic taco flavors together Choose your favorite brand and watch label for salt level
• Pillsbury pizza dough: Makes the prep effortless and yields pillowy sticks Keep it chilled till ready to roll so it stays easy to handle
• Colby Jack cheese sticks: The gooey cheesy filling melts perfectly Colby Jack gives bold flavor but mozzarella works in a pinch
• Unsalted butter: Creates a golden finish and helps season the crust Choose good quality for best flavor
• Garlic powder: For boosting the savory notes in that buttery topping
• Dried parsley: Gives a little herby freshness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pans:

Before starting anything preheat your oven to 425 degrees to ensure even baking throughout Place parchment paper on two baking sheets to prevent sticking and aid cleanup

Brown the Beef:

In a frying pan over medium high heat crumble and cook ground beef for about five to seven minutes until there is no raw pink left Drain off all excess fat to keep the filling from getting soggy

Season the Filling:

With the beef still in the pan add the minced garlic and your full packet of taco seasoning Pour in the amount of water called for on your seasoning package so the flavors blend nicely Turn the heat up to high and cook for about two to three minutes stirring until most of the water evaporates After it looks saucy and thick take off the heat

Shape the Dough:

Remove your pizza dough from the fridge and place it right on your parchment lined sheet Unroll and stretch or pat it into a rectangle about twelve by eight inches Use your hands if needed for straight edges Cut this rectangle into twelve even squares about four by four inches each

Fill with Meat and Cheese:

Spoon a generous amount about three tablespoons of the beef mixture right into the center of each dough piece Then slice a cheese stick in half and place both halves side by side on top of the beef

Seal the Taco Sticks:

Carefully lift up the dough edges over the filling and pinch tightly to seal both the sides and ends together Tuck in the ends to keep everything secure Flip each stick over so the seam is facedown on the baking sheet This helps keep them puffy rather than flat

Butter and Season:

Melt your butter until just liquid then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley Using a pastry brush dab the mixture generously over each exposed dough stick You want every inch shiny and flavorful

Bake Until Golden:

Place your trays in the hot oven Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until the tops of the taco sticks are nicely puffed and lightly golden brown

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My favorite part is definitely the melty center You can never have too much cheese in my house and Colby Jack makes these irresistible I once let my kids stuff them themselves and now it is their favorite kitchen job they love making gooey cheesy surprises

Storage Tips

Leftover taco sticks save well in the fridge just seal them in a zip top bag or airtight container They taste great reheated in a toaster oven which revives the crisp crust better than a microwave If you want to freeze them bake fully then cool and wrap tightly They will keep for up to two months Flash bake again right from the freezer for a perfect snack

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option If Colby Jack is not on hand mozzarella cheddar or pepper jack all melt beautifully Want it spicy Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the meat or use hot taco seasoning blend

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Serving Suggestions

These taco sticks are perfect game day snacks but they also make a fun weeknight dinner Serve with salsa guacamole or sour cream for dipping A simple side salad or Mexican style rice completes the meal If you love a dipping sauce queso or ranch are a huge hit with kids

Cultural and Historical Notes

This recipe is a playful spin on classic Tex Mex tacos blending the convenience of American ingredients like biscuit or pizza dough with beloved taco flavors The evolution of handheld snacks like these comes straight from potluck culture where the goal is always fuss free sharing

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep taco sticks from falling apart during baking?

Seal the edges firmly and place seam side down on the baking sheet to maintain shape while baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can be great alternatives to Colby Jack for varied flavor.

→ What sauces pair well with taco sticks?

Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream are delicious for dipping and add extra Tex-Mex flavor.

→ Is it possible to make taco sticks ahead of time?

You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake for fresh results.

→ Can ground turkey be substituted for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option while still keeping great flavor.