Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
If you’ve been craving the perfect mash-up of Mexican flavors and cheesy, buttery bread, Cheesy Taco Sticks are here to win you over. Imagine all the best parts of taco night—zesty seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and that irresistible, golden crust—all wrapped up in a handheld, dunkable treat! These Cheesy Taco Sticks are absurdly easy to whip up, making them a huge hit for busy weeknights, family dinners, or fun parties where snacks must shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Cheesy Taco Sticks rests in their simplicity. These ingredients are kitchen staples, but each one pulls its weight in creating a snack that’s crave-worthy and comforting in every bite.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The ultimate shortcut for chewy, fluffy, golden-brown sticks without any hassle.
- Ground beef: Juicy, hearty, and the perfect partner for savory taco seasoning.
- Taco seasoning: Instantly infuses the meat with a bold, unmistakable flavor—use your favorite packet or a homemade blend.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, classic cheesy kick that stands up to the spices.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings the ultimate gooey stretch; combined with cheddar, it’s pure melty heaven.
- Butter, melted: Brushing this over the top creates a gorgeous sheen and buttery depth.
- Garlic powder: Just a sprinkle elevates each bite, making them impossible to resist.
- Salsa and sour cream (for dipping): These creamy, tangy sides transform Cheesy Taco Sticks into an unforgettable appetizer or main.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat up a skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef, and cook until it’s deliciously browned and crumbly. Once the beef is cooked through, make sure to drain away any excess fat—no one likes a greasy stick! Sprinkle in your taco seasoning, stir in a splash of water as the packet directs, and simmer just until all those beefy crumbles are rich with flavor. Let the mixture cool off a bit while you prep your dough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your countertop with a little flour and gently roll out your refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle—aim for about a quarter-inch thick. This gives your Cheesy Taco Sticks a perfect fluffy interior and crisp, golden exterior. Don’t worry about getting the rectangle perfect; rustic edges only make them more charming!
Step 3: Layer on the Fillings
Spoon the seasoned beef evenly across one half of your rolled-out dough, getting all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in each bite. Next, scatter on a generous layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. The double-cheese approach is truly what makes these Cheesy Taco Sticks swoon-worthy—think melty, gooey, and completely satisfying.
Step 4: Fold, Seal, and Slice
Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the beef and cheese filling, pressing along the edges to seal everything inside. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch-wide strips. Each strip is going to become a glorious, cheesy twist just waiting to be baked.
Step 5: Twist and Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then take each strip and give it a gentle twist to create those signature swirls. Arrange the twists on your sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Brush the tops liberally with melted butter, then sprinkle them with garlic powder for an aromatic upgrade. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Cheesy Taco Sticks are puffed, crispy, and deeply golden.
Step 6: Serve and Dip!
Once the Cheesy Taco Sticks are hot out of the oven, transfer them to a platter and serve alongside bowls of salsa and sour cream for dipping. The contrast of warm, cheesy bread and cool, tangy dips is nothing short of magical.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Garnishes
While Cheesy Taco Sticks are loaded with flavor as-is, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and fresh taste. You can also add a touch of jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of extra cheese right before baking for more excitement.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Taco Sticks make a fabulous centerpiece for any meal, but they play well with simple sides. Think crisp romaine salad with a tangy vinaigrette, Mexican-style street corn, or a big bowl of crunchy tortilla chips. If you’re serving them for dinner, a side of black beans or a festive corn salad rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Arrange the Cheesy Taco Sticks in a basket lined with colorful parchment, or stand them upright in a tall glass for a party-friendly snack display. Skewering each stick like a bread-on-a-stick creation makes them easy to grab and fun for kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once cooled, simply stack them with parchment between layers to prevent sticking and sogginess.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cheesy Taco Sticks! After baking and cooling them completely, arrange them on a baking sheet uncovered and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag—this keeps them from sticking together. They’ll stay tasty for up to one month.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven crisp and gooey cheese, reheat Cheesy Taco Sticks in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too (about 30 seconds per stick), though the crust won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat or make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. The taco seasoning will bring any filling to life, so don’t be afraid to mix it up.
What kind of cheese works best?
Classic cheddar and mozzarella are a dream team, but don’t hesitate to try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Colby for extra creaminess. Mixing different cheeses can add complexity and fun to your Cheesy Taco Sticks.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the sticks a few hours in advance, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and bake just before serving. They’re also easy to reheat if you prepare them the day before.
Why is my dough not browning or crisping up?
Make sure you’re baking at a hot enough temperature, and avoid overcrowding your baking sheet—circulating air is key to that golden, crispy finish. Brushing with melted butter also helps the crust develop a perfect sheen.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough (either store-bought or homemade). Just make sure to adjust the baking time as some gluten-free doughs cook more quickly or slowly.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the definition of comfort food—fun to make, endlessly customizable, and downright irresistible straight from the oven. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s big on flavor and low on fuss, give these a try and make them a permanent star in your snack or dinner rotation!
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Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These crispy, cheesy sticks are perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family meal.
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
Dough:
Taco Meat:
Cheese Blend:
Additional:
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and mix in taco seasoning. Set aside.
- Prepare dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Assemble: Spread the taco meat over half of the dough, sprinkle with cheeses, fold over, press to seal, and cut into strips.
- Twist and bake: Twist each strip, place on a baking sheet, brush with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the taco sticks with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, black olives, or diced tomatoes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Cheesy Taco Sticks, Taco Sticks, Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks, Party Food, Game Day Snack