Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Delicious Twist on Taco Night

If you’re looking for a fun and easy twist on traditional tacos, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect solution. With a crispy pizza dough exterior, savory taco-seasoned beef, and a melty cheese center, these taco sticks are sure to be a hit at your next meal. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for your next gathering.

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

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside. This ensures your taco sticks won’t stick to the pan and will bake evenly.

2. Cook the Taco Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the stove. Add the taco seasoning (without water) and stir until the beef is fully coated. Remove from heat and allow the meat to cool to room temperature. This step helps the filling stay firm and easy to handle when rolling the dough.

3. Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a flat surface. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then cut it into 10 small rectangles. These rectangles will be the base for your taco sticks.

4. Assemble the Taco Sticks

Place about a tablespoon of the cooled taco meat in the center of each rectangle of dough. Top the meat with a halved cheese stick. Carefully roll up the dough around the filling, making sure to pinch all seams closed to keep the cheese from leaking out during baking.

5. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the taco sticks. This adds flavor and helps the taco sticks achieve a beautiful golden brown color.

6. Bake the Taco Sticks

Place the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Cheesy Taco Sticks hot, with your favorite taco toppings on the side for dipping. Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a spicy queso dip would make perfect accompaniments.

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per stick
• Servings: 10 taco sticks

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or black beans, for extra flavor and texture.
• Use Different Cheeses: If you prefer, swap out the colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any other melty cheese you love.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble these taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy all the best parts of a taco in a convenient, handheld form. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or party appetizers, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Give this recipe a try and watch these delicious taco sticks disappear from the plate in no time!

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