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