Cheesy Taco Sticks
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a crowd-pleasing party appetizer featuring seasoned taco beef and gooey cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for game nights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want a fun, handheld snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 16 taco sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet or homemade)
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1 small onion, diced or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks or mozzarella string cheese (cut in half if desired)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cans refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz each)
- Flour, for dusting
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until saucy and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Unroll pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Slice each sheet into 8 rectangles (16 total).
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of taco meat onto the center of each dough rectangle. Place a cheese stick (or half) over the beef and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Fold the sides of the dough over the filling, pinch the seams closed, and gently roll into a log. Ensure seams are sealed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange taco sticks seam-side down, spaced apart.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush tops of taco sticks with the mixture.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes if desired.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
Seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking. Don’t overfill to avoid bursting. Let the filling cool before assembling. For a crispier finish, use an egg wash instead of butter. Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 6 hours before baking. Variations include vegetarian, spicy, breakfast, low-carb, and gluten-free adaptations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 390
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, party appetizer, taco sticks, easy appetizer, Tex-Mex snack, game day food, kid-friendly, cheese pull, pizza dough, handheld snack