Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate mash-up of comfort food and party snack, combining everything you love about tacos and melted cheese inside a warm, golden breadstick. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with savory taco-seasoned beef and stretchy mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea, a game-day appetizer, or a quick lunch recipe, these taco sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, totally customizable, and come together in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold taco flavor: Seasoned ground beef gives every bite that classic taco taste.
Melty, gooey cheese: The combination of mozzarella and cheddar adds rich, creamy flavor.
Crispy golden crust: The pizza dough bakes up perfectly for a satisfying crunch.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love these cheesy taco sticks.
Fast and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes using simple, store-bought ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salsa and sour cream for dipping
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water according to package instructions. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cooked taco meat evenly over one half of the dough, then top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal tightly.
Step 3: Slice and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stuffed dough into strips about one inch wide. Gently twist each strip a couple of times and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Brush each stick with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with bowls of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. These cheesy taco sticks are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Taco Sticks are one of those recipes that fit just about any occasion — whether you’re serving them as a fun party snack, a quick family dinner, or a grab-and-go lunch. They’re especially popular during movie nights or game days when everyone wants something warm, cheesy, and easy to eat with their hands. Try pairing them with a side of fluffy Mexican rice or creamy guacamole for a full meal that’s bursting with flavor. They also go perfectly with salsa, sour cream, or even a drizzle of queso for that extra gooey goodness. For something lighter, serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy dressing — it balances out the richness beautifully. And if you’re feeling playful, set up a “dipping bar” with ranch, chipotle mayo, and spicy taco sauce so everyone can mix and match their favorite combinations. These Cheesy Taco Sticks are endlessly versatile and guaranteed to disappear fast from any table.
Storage and Reheating
To keep your Cheesy Taco Sticks tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each stick tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can — while it’s convenient, it tends to make the bread soft instead of golden and crunchy.
FAQs About Cheesy Taco Sticks
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even spicy sausage work wonderfully. Each adds its own unique twist to the classic taco flavor.
2. Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the sticks, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
3. What’s the best dough to use?
Refrigerated pizza dough is super convenient, but if you enjoy baking from scratch, homemade dough adds a soft and flavorful touch.
4. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out while baking?
Make sure the edges of your dough are sealed tightly. You can pinch them closed or use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
5. What kind of cheese melts best inside?
A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance between creaminess and stretch. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack can be added for extra flavor or heat.
6. How can I make them extra crispy?
Brush the tops with melted butter or olive oil before baking, and finish with a light sprinkle of garlic powder or Parmesan cheese for golden, crisp edges.
7. Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap each stick individually in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.
8. What are the best dips to serve with them?
Salsa, sour cream, queso, or even ranch dressing make great dips. For more spice, try chipotle mayo or jalapeño-lime sauce.
9. How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back their crispy texture.
10. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the taco meat with black beans, refried beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and onions for a tasty vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory — a fun twist on tacos that’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent, these easy taco sticks deliver all the flavor of your favorite taco night in handheld form. Warm, melty, and full of zesty goodness, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning (and water if directed on package) and simmer briefly to absorb flavors.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Spread the seasoned beef evenly over one half of the dough. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top of the beef.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing to seal the edges tightly so cheese and meat don’t leak out.
- Cut the stuffed dough into 1‑inch‑wide strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Twist each strip gently and place on a parchment‑lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
- Brush each stick with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.