In this post, you’ll learn how to make crispy, gooey Cheesy Taco Sticks that combine taco flavors with breadstick comfort. Perfect for snack time, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner. This easy recipe is made with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and golden-baked pizza dough. We’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step method, smart storage tips, and creative variations. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, these cheesy taco sticks are sure to be a hit.
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Cheesy Taco Sticks: Bold, Gooey & Perfectly Snackable
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks combine savory taco-seasoned beef with melted cheese wrapped in golden, buttery dough. Perfect for parties, snacks, or dinner!
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salsa and sour cream for dipping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning as directed.
3. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
4. Spread taco meat on one half of dough. Top with both cheeses.
5. Fold the dough over and press edges to seal.
6. Cut into 1-inch strips, twist and place on baking sheet.
7. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top.
8. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
9. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream.
Notes
Use crescent dough or puff pastry as an alternative.
Let meat cool before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
Add jalapeños or beans for variation.
Grandma’s Flavor, Modern Fun
Cheesy taco sticks might sound like a modern food hack, and in a way, they are. But in our multigenerational kitchen, anything with melted cheese and bold Mexican flavor has a seat at the table. This particular recipe was born on a Friday evening, just after my daughter got home from school and Grandma insisted we “make something cheesy, crunchy, and fun.” She had no idea she was describing taco sticks, but when I showed her the idea, seasoned beef tucked inside pizza dough, melted cheese oozing out the sides, her eyes lit up like I’d offered her a new version of her favorite empanadas.
We grabbed what we had: a can of refrigerated dough, some leftover ground beef, a blend of cheeses, and taco seasoning. Twenty minutes later, we were pulling golden, crispy sticks from the oven while my daughter danced around the kitchen in anticipation. As we dipped each one into salsa and sour cream, even my mom—who rarely snacks—couldn’t stop at just one. These cheesy taco sticks quickly became a weeknight staple, and now I’m thrilled to share our version with you.
Why Cheesy Taco Sticks Just Work
Cheesy taco sticks are everything you love about tacos—seasoned beef, rich melted cheese, and zesty seasoning—wrapped in golden dough that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re fast, filling, and family-approved. What’s not to love?
Ingredients & Prep Notes
What You’ll Need for Cheesy Taco Sticks
To make these gooey, golden cheesy taco sticks, you only need a handful of simple ingredients—many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of seasoned meat, stretchy cheese, and buttery dough creates the perfect snack or easy dinner.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients List:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salsa and sour cream for dipping
This recipe makes 8 hearty taco sticks, ideal for feeding a family or serving as a party platter. You can easily double the batch for a bigger crowd. The melted cheddar brings that bold taco-shop flavor, while mozzarella adds the stretchy, cheesy pull that kids (and adults) love.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
If you don’t have refrigerated pizza dough, no worries. Crescent roll dough works great and adds a flakier texture. For a crispier crust, you could also try puff pastry—but reduce the baking time slightly. You can even use homemade dough if you have a favorite family recipe.
Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner option, and vegetarians can substitute black beans or lentils cooked with taco seasoning. If you’re going for max cheese pull, always shred your cheese fresh off the block—it melts better and gives that gooey effect.
And for a fun twist, sprinkle a little jalapeño or chopped green chiles into the beef mixture for some heat. If you’re already a fan of our Birria Pizza, you’ll appreciate how this recipe captures that same comforting, cheesy richness in a grab-and-go form.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
These cheesy taco sticks come together fast, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how to bring that melty, savory magic to life in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned—about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water as directed on the packet. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Roll the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle. This will be the base for your taco sticks, so make sure it’s evenly flattened.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spoon the taco meat onto one half of the dough, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat—don’t skimp! Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal.
Step 4: Slice and Twist
Using a pizza cutter or knife, slice the dough into 1-inch strips. Gently twist each strip once or twice and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overfill the dough—this is the #1 reason taco sticks burst open. Keep filling to about 2 tablespoons per strip. Also, make sure your meat mixture is fully cooled before adding it to the dough. Hot filling softens the dough and causes leaks.
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if you want that ideal cheese pull. Pre-packaged blends contain anti-caking agents that mess with melting. Instead, shred fresh for the best results. And while this recipe is oven-friendly, you could adapt it for an air fryer, just like we do in Air Fryer Empanadas, for an even crispier finish.
Serving, Variations & Storage
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
These cheesy taco sticks are a crowd-pleasing snack, but they can easily double as a fun dinner, especially for picky eaters or busy nights. We love to serve them with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, or creamy guacamole for dipping. If you’re feeling bold, try chipotle mayo or queso blanco for extra flavor.
For parties or game night, arrange them on a platter next to our Entomatadas for a spicy, cheesy spread that balances crunch and comfort. Want to make it a full meal? Pair your taco sticks with Mexican rice or a crisp salad for a satisfying combo.
And yes—these are totally kid-approved. My daughter calls them “cheese tacos on a stick,” and she loves dipping each bite in both salsa and sour cream (at the same time, of course). They’re handheld, low-mess, and fun to eat. Win-win.
Variations, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
There are so many ways to make this recipe your own. Want more spice? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mix. Craving more texture? Toss in black beans or corn. You can even use ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version.
For vegetarians, swap the beef for seasoned lentils or black beans. Use whole wheat dough or cauliflower crust for a health-conscious twist.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until crispy again. Avoid the microwave—it softens the dough too much.
Want to freeze? Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheesy taco sticks good for meal prep?
Yes, cheesy taco sticks are great for meal prep. You can fully assemble them ahead of time, refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked for later. After baking, they store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely. Crescent roll dough is a great substitute if you’re looking for a flakier, buttery crust. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
What cheese works best for taco sticks?
A combo of cheddar and mozzarella is ideal. Cheddar gives you that classic taco flavor, while mozzarella adds the melty cheese pull. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Oaxaca cheese for a traditional Mexican twist.
How do I store and reheat cheesy taco sticks?
Store cooled taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 6–8 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped sticks in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Conclusion
Cheesy taco sticks aren’t just a snack—they’re a full-on flavor experience wrapped in golden, melty goodness. Whether you’re making them for your kids, your friends, or yourself after a long day, they deliver all the bold, comforting taste of tacos with none of the mess. From weeknight dinners to party platters, they’ve quickly earned their spot in our family recipe rotation.
What makes them extra special? They’re versatile, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable. Add your favorite fillings, play with the dough, or pair them with crowd-favorite dips—just like we do in our Birria Pizza. However you serve them, these cheesy taco sticks are bound to bring smiles to the table.
So go ahead—grab that dough, turn on the oven, and get twisting. You’re only 30 minutes away from your new favorite cheesy bite.