Irresistible Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe for Family Taco Night

Crafting delectable cheesy taco sticks at home brings pure culinary excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make this snack irresistible for anyone seeking a quick bite.

Mexican-inspired flavors blend perfectly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Spices dance across melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a flavor fiesta.

Teens and adults alike will devour these tasty morsels faster than you can say “delicious.” Kids especially love dipping these crispy treats into cool, tangy salsa or creamy guacamole.

One bite guarantees you’ll become the neighborhood snack champion, so roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

Why Cheesy Taco Sticks Are So Fun and Satisfying

• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins or add different cheeses to match family preferences and create a personalized flavor adventure.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with familiar taco flavors and irresistible cheesy goodness, these sticks will win over both kids and adults at any gathering.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal solutions.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Versatile enough for game day, potlucks, or casual dinners, these taco sticks become an instant hit with minimal kitchen effort.

What Goes Into These Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Ground Beef: A savory meat that provides a rich and hearty flavor to the taco sticks.
• Shredded Chicken: A tender protein that adds variety and lightness to the filling.

• Cream Cheese: A smooth ingredient that helps bind the meat mixture and adds creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A mild cheese that creates a stretchy, gooey texture in the taco sticks.
• Eggs, Milk: Ingredients used to create an egg wash for a golden, crispy exterior.
• Sour Cream: A cool and tangy component for the dipping sauce.

• Pizza Dough: The base that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the classic taco flavor to the meat mixture.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: An additional seasoning that adds depth and complexity to the filling.
• Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that create a crispy, seasoned coating for the taco sticks.
• Cilantro, Jalapeños: Optional fresh herbs and spicy element for garnishing.
• Salsa: A zesty sauce for dipping the taco sticks.

Making Taco Sticks at Home Is This Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Zone

Heat your oven to a toasty 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a clean cooking surface.

Step 2: Cook the Protein Party

Brown ground beef and shredded chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into tiny crumbles until it’s completely cooked through.

Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture

• Taco seasoning
• Ranch seasoning mix

Coat the protein thoroughly with these flavor-packed seasonings.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese into the seasoned meat mixture until everything is well combined and looks super smooth.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Spread pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, stretching it into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 6: Layer the Cheese Blanket

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Leave a small border around the edges.

Step 7: Add the Meat Filling

Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 8: Roll into a Delicious Log

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to lock in all that tasty filling.

Step 9: Prepare the Egg Wash

Whisk together eggs and milk, then brush the outside of the rolled dough to create a golden finish.

Step 10: Create the Crunchy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Roll the log to coat with this crispy seasoned mixture.

Step 11: Slice and Arrange

Cut the log into 1-inch thick segments and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sticks turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts completely.

Step 13: Add Fresh Garnish

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced jalapeños (optional)

Step 14: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Whisk together salsa and sour cream for a zesty accompaniment to your cheesy taco sticks.

Tips for Taco Stick Perfection

• Master Meat Mixing: Ensure ground beef and chicken are finely crumbled for consistent texture and even flavor distribution throughout the filling.
• Seal Seams Securely: Pinch dough edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, maintaining the integrity of each cheesy taco stick.
• Crumb Coating Trick: Create a crispy exterior by thoroughly coating the log in seasoned breadcrumbs, which adds extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm meat is fully cooked, reaching 160°F internally for safe consumption.
• Dipping Sauce Magic: Experiment with salsa-sour cream ratios to create a personalized sauce that complements the rich, cheesy taco sticks.

Flavor Ideas for Cheesy Taco Stick Fans

• Tex-Mex Vegetarian Sticks: Replace ground beef and chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and diced bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Sticks: Add diced green chilies, cayenne pepper, and pepper jack cheese to increase heat and create a fiery flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion Sticks: Substitute taco seasonings with za'atar spice blend, use feta cheese, and incorporate spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Buffalo Chicken Sticks: Swap taco seasoning with buffalo sauce, use shredded rotisserie chicken, and include blue cheese crumbles for a wing-inspired appetizer.

Best Sides to Serve with Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Craft a tangy lime margarita with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to complement the rich, cheesy taco sticks and cut through their savory intensity.
• Elevate with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Prepare a vibrant elote-style salad with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime to provide a fresh, bright side that balances the heavy, meaty sticks.
• Cool Down with Creamy Avocado Dip: Blend ripe avocados, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of sour cream to create a smooth, cooling dip that adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy, cheesy bites.

Keeping Taco Sticks Tasty for Later

• Store leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual taco sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed taco sticks at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to restore crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Quickly heat taco sticks for 30-45 seconds, but be cautious as microwaving may soften the crispy exterior.

Your Taco Stick Questions, Answered

• Why use both ground beef and chicken in this recipe?

The combination provides a richer flavor profile and adds more protein variety, making the taco sticks more interesting and satisfying.

• Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the log and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps develop deeper flavors and makes meal prep easier.

• Do I need any special kitchen equipment to make these?

No, just a basic skillet, baking sheet, and standard mixing tools are required to create these delicious taco sticks.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra taco seasoning, include diced jalapeños in the meat mixture, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb coating for more heat.

Mega-Cheese Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy taco sticks bring Mexican street food magic straight to home kitchens, combining crispy tortilla edges with melted cheese and zesty seasoned beef. Guests and family will devour these irresistible handheld snacks that deliver bold flavor in each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded chicken

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)

Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a clean preparation surface.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and shredded chicken over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until fully cooked.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat and stir in taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix, coating the protein thoroughly.
4. Mix cream cheese into the seasoned meat mixture until well combined and create a uniform filling.
5. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, stretching it into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
6. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to seal in the filling completely.
9. Whisk eggs and milk together, then brush the exterior of the rolled dough with the egg wash.
10. Combine breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, then roll the log to coat with the seasoned crumb mixture.
11. Slice the log into 1-inch thick segments and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted, with a crispy exterior.
13. Garnish with chopped cilantro and optional diced jalapeños before serving.
14. Mix salsa and sour cream for a quick dipping sauce and serve alongside the cheesy taco sticks.

Notes

• Use fresh ground beef and chicken for maximum flavor and ensure both meats are completely cooked through to prevent foodborne illness.
• Drain meat thoroughly to avoid soggy dough and maintain a crispy exterior when baking.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and lean meats for a healthier version of this indulgent recipe.
• Experiment with gluten-free pizza dough or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg