Cheesy Taco Sticks – Fun & Flavorful Hand-Held Snack

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a creative twist on tacos—seasoned meat and melty cheese tucked inside rolled dough, then brushed with garlic‑butter and baked to golden perfection.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun weeknight dinner
• Combines classic taco flavors with gooey cheese and soft dough
• Easy to dip—serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso
• Can be customized with your favorite meat or vegetarian filling

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~12 minutes
• Total Time: ~22 minutes
• Yield: ~10 sticks (depending on dough)
• Method: Baking
• Diet: Meat / Appetizer

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Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
• 5 cheese sticks (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend), halved
• 60 ml (¼ cup) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Taco Meat
   • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Drain excess fat.
   • Add taco seasoning and a little water if needed. Cook until well combined.
2. Shape the Sticks
   • Preheat oven to 220 °C (425°F).
   • Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangular strips.
   • Place some of the seasoned meat and half a cheese stick in the center of each strip.
3. Roll & Seal
   • Roll the dough so that it encloses the filling, pinching the seams tightly to prevent leaking.
4. Add Garlic Butter
   • Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
   • Brush the tops of each stick generously with this mixture.
5. Bake
   • Place the sticks on a baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve
   • Let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

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You Must Know

• Don’t overfill the dough—too much meat or cheese may make it hard to seal.
• Make sure the seams are pinched tightly so the cheese doesn’t ooze out while baking.
• Use a soft dough like pizza dough so the sticks bake up light and fluffy.

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 175 °C (350°F) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian meat substitute.
• Use crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
• Change the cheese: try mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked cheese for variety.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with dips: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or spicy queso.
• Add a side salad or Mexican rice for a fuller meal.
• Garnish with fresh pico de gallo or chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

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Pro Tips

• Use a pizza cutter for clean, even strips of dough.
• Let cooked meat cool slightly before rolling to prevent soggy dough.
• Brush butter carefully and thoroughly for a golden, flavorful top.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes — you can prepare them, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

→ Can I freeze them?
Yes — after baking and cooling, wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat from frozen in a warm oven.

→ Can I make them spicy?
Yes — add chopped jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for extra heat.

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Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun, hand-held snack that brings all the flavors of a taco into a bite-sized, gooey-filled stick. Perfect for parties, kids, or a savory weeknight treat, they’re easy to make and always a hit.

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