Cheesy Taco Sticks
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun twist on traditional breadsticks, combining buttery dough with flavorful taco meat and gooey cheese. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or an easy snack, these cheesy delights are bound to please both kids and adults alike. Their unique combination of flavors makes them a standout choice for taco night or any casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore the cheesy filling and fun shape, making dinner time enjoyable.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and a 12-minute bake time, you can have these tasty snacks ready in no time.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your Cheesy Taco Sticks with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Perfect for Parties: These finger foods make great appetizers for parties or game day gatherings.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze some for a quick meal later.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Cheesy Taco Sticks is simple when you have the right tools at hand. Here are the essentials you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Small bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large baking sheet: Provides ample space for all your taco sticks to bake evenly.
- Skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground beef quickly and efficiently.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the meat while it cooks.
Ingredients
These super simple Cheesy Taco Sticks are buttery breadsticks filled with taco meat and lots of cheese! The kids will love them!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
– 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
– 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
– 4 tbsp butter (melted)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried parsley
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This step ensures that your Cheesy Taco Sticks bake perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside. This will help prevent sticking during the baking process.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat before returning the skillet to the stove. Mix in the taco seasoning packet without adding water, stirring until every piece is coated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Prepare Pizza Dough
Spread out the pizza dough until it’s flat. Cut it in half lengthwise, then make four cuts across, creating ten small rectangles. Place about a tablespoon of taco meat in the center of each rectangle, add a halved cheese stick on top, then carefully roll up each pizza stick, pinching all seams closed to ensure they stay filled during cooking.
Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of each cheesy taco stick. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or as a quick snack, here are some creative ideas to elevate your serving experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Sour Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and tang.
- Guacamole: Rich and flavorful, guacamole complements the taco filling perfectly.
- Salsa: Fresh salsa provides a zesty kick that enhances the flavors of the cheesy taco sticks.
As a Meal
- Taco Salad: Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks alongside a fresh salad topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a complete meal.
- Tacos: Create mini tacos using the sticks as a crunchy side for added texture.
- With Rice and Beans: A hearty side of Spanish rice and refried beans rounds out this meal nicely.
For Kids’ Parties
- Fun Platter: Arrange Cheesy Taco Sticks on a colorful platter with various dips for an eye-catching presentation.
- Themed Decor: Use taco-themed decorations to enhance the fun atmosphere of a party.
How to Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
To make your Cheesy Taco Sticks even more delightful, consider these simple tips.
- seasoning choice: Use homemade taco seasoning for fresher flavors that cater to your taste buds.
- Even meat distribution: Ensure you place an equal amount of meat in each stick so they all cook evenly.
- Seal well: Pinch the seams tightly when rolling up the sticks to prevent any fillings from leaking out during baking.
- Brush generously: Apply melted butter mixture generously on top for added flavor and golden color.
- Experiment with cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied tastes.
- Adjust bake time: Keep an eye on the oven; baking times may vary based on oven type, so ensure they’re golden brown before removing.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Taco Sticks
Completing your meal with delicious sides can enhance the overall experience of enjoying Cheesy Taco Sticks. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and spices is a vibrant side that pairs well with tacos.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and are perfect for dipping or spreading alongside your cheesy sticks.
- Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices balances out the flavors in your meal beautifully.
- Guacamole Salad: A refreshing mix of guacamole with crispy greens adds brightness and freshness.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime create a refreshing topping or side that complements every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy Taco Sticks, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overstuffing the dough: Adding too much filling can lead to a messy baking process. Use just enough taco meat and cheese to keep them sealed.
- Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can result in uneven cooking. Always set your oven temperature ahead of time for best results.
- Skipping the garlic butter topping: This step adds flavor and richness. Don’t skip it; brush it generously on top before baking!
- Using cold pizza dough: Cold dough is harder to roll and seal properly. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
- Not letting the meat cool: Adding hot meat directly can make the dough soggy. Allow the taco meat to cool before assembling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Wrap each stick individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning until evenly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Cheesy Taco Sticks:
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
How do I make homemade taco seasoning?
Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Adjust spices according to your taste.
What can I serve with Cheesy Taco Sticks?
These sticks pair well with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils mixed with taco seasoning for a delicious vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks are not only fun and easy to make but also versatile! You can customize them with different meats or vegetables, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful snack that everyone will love!
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on traditional breadsticks, combining buttery dough with flavorful taco meat and gooey cheese. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or as a quick snack, these cheesy delights are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these savory sticks that are ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Each bite is packed with flavor, making them an irresistible choice for any casual gathering or taco night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning until well combined and set aside to cool.
- Roll out the pizza dough flat and cut into ten rectangles. Place a tablespoon of taco meat and half a cheese stick in each rectangle, then roll up tightly and pinch seams.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush over the top of each rolled stick.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cheesy Taco Stick (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
