Taco Sticks

Taco sticks are buttery breadsticks made from pizza dough that is stuffed with seasoned taco meat and melted cheese. They’re super simple to make and taste incredible for dinner or a snack.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Ingredients

Taco Sticks Substitutions And Additions

GROUND BEEF: Ground chicken or ground turkey would also work for this easy recipe, or you could make vegetarian taco sticks using your favorite meat alternative.

TACO SEASONING: If you already have a fully stocked spice rack, then you don’t need to buy a taco seasoning packet. Check out our homemade taco seasoning recipe for instructions on making your own.

CHEESE: You can use any type of cheese sticks you’d like in this recipe. Mozzarella cheese sticks will give a more mild flavor, sharp cheddar cheese sticks will have more flavor, and pepper Jack cheese sticks will give it a kick of heat.

GARLIC: This recipe uses fresh garlic and garlic powder. If you don’t have both, then you can substitute one for the other.

JALAPEÑOS: If you love spicy food, you can add jalapeño peppers inside these cheesy taco pizza sticks.

VEGETABLES: Sneak some veggies into your kids’ meals by adding some mushrooms, peppers, onion, or corn to the beef mixture.

BEANS: Try adding black beans or refried beans to these taco sticks for even more flavor and protein.

How To Make This Taco Sticks Recipe

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Keep the tubes of pizza dough in the refrigerator until ready to use.

STEP TWO: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, cook beef for five to seven minutes until thoroughly cooked. Drain off the excess grease. 

STEP THREE: Into the frying pan with the beef, add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and the amount of water called for on the seasoning package.

Cook on high for two to three minutes until the water has evaporated. Remove from the heat. 

STEP FOUR: Remove the pizza dough from the can and unroll it on the parchment paper. Using your hands, shape into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.

STEP FIVE: Cut the dough into 12 even pieces.

When each tube is rolled out and cut into six rectangles, each piece will be 4 x 4 inches.

STEP SIX: Scoop three tablespoons of meat mixture into the center of each pizza dough rectangle.

Cut a cheese stick in half and place a halved cheese stick on top of the meat.

STEP SEVEN: Bring up the sides of the dough and pinch them together. Then pinch each end together and fold it up to the same side as the pinched center seam.

Place the seam sides down on the parchment-lined baking sheets.

STEP EIGHT: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley.

Use a spoon to evenly coat each of the taco sticks with the melted butter mixture. 

STEP NINE: Bake in the preheated oven on a large baking sheet for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden brown.

STEP TEN: Serve hot. Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even ranch dressing would be a delicious dip for these!

How To Serve Taco Sticks

These delicious cheesy taco sticks are a great way to reinvent taco night. You could serve with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce and fresh diced tomatoes. They would be very yummy with our creamy ranch crack dip, too!

These would also be a delicious idea for a school snack or lunch. Send the kiddos with a small container of dip, and they will have a fun surprise to enjoy.

For more taco recipes, our taco lasagna and sheet pan tacos are two more winning choices.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover taco sticks can be stored in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze these easy cheesy taco sticks for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Taco Sticks

• In the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Reheat your taco sticks for eight to ten minutes until warmed through. You may want to cover with foil to prevent them from browning too much.
• In the Air Fryer: Heat your air fryer to 350°F and line the cheesy taco sticks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for three to four minutes.
• In the Microwave: Put the taco sticks on a microwave-safe plate and and warm in 30-second increments until the desired temperature before serving.

Why These Taco Sticks Are the Best

Fun Twist on Tacos: Combines the flavors of traditional tacos in a unique, stick-like form.

Convenience: Easy to make, ideal for quick meals or snacks.

Portability: Great for on-the-go eating.

Customizable: Can be filled with a variety of ingredients to cater to different tastes.

Texture and Taste: Crispy exterior with a savory filling, offering a pleasing sensory experience.

Cheese taco sticks are a cross between Mexican tacos, Italian pizza, and the American favorite, cheese sticks. They have a crispy pizza crust shell filled with taco beef and lots of cheese. It’s a fun combo that the whole family will love.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Taquitos
• Taco Salad
• Frito Pie
• Taco Bake