Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble these taco sticks earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to bake. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if they're going in cold. You can also freeze them assembled but unbaked for longer storage.

How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to really pinch those seams closed and consider using a bit less cheese if you're having trouble. You can also try wrapping the cheese completely in the meat before wrapping in dough for an extra layer of protection.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Crescent roll dough makes a delicious substitute, though it will give you a slightly different texture. Press the seams together before cutting into rectangles, or use the perforations as guides for where to place your filling.

How do I know when they're done baking?

The tops should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you're unsure, you can carefully check one by cutting it open – the dough should be cooked through with no raw spots, and the cheese should be completely melted.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a quick and delicious twist on tacos, combining gooey cheese, seasoned taco meat, and flaky pizza dough for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Taco Filling

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix

For the Dough

- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough

For the Cheese

- 5 sticks Colby jack and cheddar and/or pepper jack cheese sticks, halved

For the Topping

4 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside.
Prepare the taco meat: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix along with the water as instructed on the seasoning packet. Stir and cook until all the water has evaporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough until it’s flat, and cut it into 10 small rectangles.
Assemble the taco sticks: Place about 1 tablespoon of the prepared taco meat in the center of each rectangle. Add a halved cheese stick on top. Carefully roll up the dough around the filling, ensuring the seams are fully pinched closed to seal.
Prepare the butter topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the assembled taco sticks.
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 the tops are golden brown.
Serve: Remove the sticks from the oven and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, or any of your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

Ensure the seams of the dough are tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.
You can use your choice of cheese sticks, such as Colby Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack, for varying levels of flavor and spiciness.
Serve immediately for best taste, as the cheese is wonderfully gooey when warm.
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as guacamole or chopped onions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco stick
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg