Cheesy Taco Sticks Breadsticks

When busy weeknights call for a quick win dinner or your next party needs a delicious crowd-pleaser, Cheesy Taco Sticks always come through. Buttery golden breadsticks hug seasoned beef and gooey cheese inside every bite, and I swear they disappear faster than I can set them down.

Every time I make these, my kids light up and usually sneak one before it hits the table. They are a guaranteed comfort food from my kitchen and have saved dinner more than once on hectic school nights.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: go for lean or 80 20 for maximum flavor and avoid too much grease
• Taco seasoning: choose your favorite packet or make your own for better control over salt and spice
• Ready made pizza dough: this saves so much time and makes sealing the sticks easy
• Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks: pick real cheese for extra melty texture
• Butter: use good quality for the best flavor in your garlic butter glaze
• Garlic powder: brings savory flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic
• Dried parsley: adds color and a mild herb finish to the tops

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Set your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with a little cooking spray or parchment so nothing sticks or burns during baking.

Brown the Beef:

Place your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Let the meat cook evenly until every bit is browned and crumbly. Once done, carefully drain off excess fat and put the pan back on the stove.

Season the Meat:

Pour the taco seasoning directly into the hot cooked beef and toss until each piece of meat is fully coated. Continue cooking another minute just to wake up the spices. Take the pan off the heat and let the filling cool to room temperature for easy handling.

Shape the Dough:

Unroll the pizza dough onto a clean work surface. Gently press and stretch it so it lies flat. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it in half lengthwise and then make four more cuts crosswise so you end up with ten small rectangles.

Fill and Roll Each Stick:

Spoon about a tablespoon of cooled taco beef right in the center of each dough rectangle. Lay half of a cheese stick on top. Wrap the dough over the filling, pinching the seams closed and tucking in the ends to keep the cheese from leaking.

Brush with Garlicky Butter:

Melt the butter and mix it with garlic powder and dried parsley. Use a pastry brush to generously coat every taco stick with this seasoned butter, making sure to cover the tops for a golden finish.

Bake:

Transfer the taco sticks to your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them so they are not touching. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are deep golden and the insides are bubbly.

Serve:

Let your taco sticks cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them hot straight from the oven with your favorite dips like salsa ranch or sour cream.

The cheese blend is my favorite part of every bite. I always use a mix of colby jack and cheddar because they melt beautifully but still have enough structure to stretch with every pull. My youngest daughter loves pinching the seams closed with me and it has become a fun little assembly line in our kitchen every taco night.

Storage Tips

Once cooled completely stash leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven for the best texture. You can also freeze baked or unbaked taco sticks for up to two months. Just thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or even plant based crumbles if you prefer to skip the beef. Feel free to swap in pepper jack or mozzarella cheese sticks as the filling. For the dough any canned crescent roll or biscuit dough can be pressed and used instead of pizza dough if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These pair perfectly with classic taco toppings like shredded lettuce diced tomatoes jalapenos or avocado slices for dipping. I often set out a build your own taco stick bar with bowls of salsa sour cream and guacamole for dipping fun on movie nights.

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and incredibly adaptable for any occasion. With every bite, you bring a little comfort and joy to the table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, mozzarella or pepper jack work well for melting inside the breadsticks, but use your favorite cheese for different flavors.

→ Is it possible to use homemade dough?

Absolutely. Any pizza or bread dough can substitute the tube dough, just roll it thinly and cut as needed.

→ How can I make the filling less spicy for kids?

Choose a mild taco seasoning or make your own to control the spice, and skip adding extra peppers.

→ Can I make these ahead and reheat?

Yes, bake them in advance and rewarm in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness before serving.

→ What sauces pair well with these breadsticks?

Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso all make great dippable options alongside these cheesy snacks.