Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect mash-up of two favorites: tacos and cheesy breadsticks. Packed with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, then wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked until golden, these handheld sticks are irresistible. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for busy weeknights, parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can serve these taco sticks as an appetizer, a main dish, or even a snack alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside, they deliver bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients :
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
For Assembling
- 1 can (13.8 oz / 390 g) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Optional for Serving
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
1. Cook the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.
3. Season the Meat
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the pizza dough out into a large rectangle and cut it into 10 even strips.
5. Assemble the Taco Sticks
Spoon a line of the beef filling down the center of each dough strip. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the filling. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a stick shape.
6. Add the Topping
Place each stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and dried parsley.
7. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy taco sticks warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. They pair perfectly with a fresh salad, corn on the cob, or simple rice for a complete meal. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
Conclusion :
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines bold taco flavors with gooey cheese and soft, golden dough. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a fun alternative to traditional tacos and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a casual dinner, or looking for a creative snack, these taco sticks deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.
