Can I make these Cheesy Taco Sticks vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, seasoned black beans, or a mixture of mushrooms and walnuts processed to a similar texture. The taco seasoning works equally well with these alternatives, and you'll still achieve that satisfying taco flavor profile.

How far in advance can I prepare these for a party?

You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and the assembled (but unbaked) sticks up to 24 hours in advance, stored covered in the refrigerator. For the freshest results, bake them just before serving or up to 2 hours ahead and keep warm in a 200°F oven.

Are Cheesy Taco Sticks suitable for freezing?

Yes! These freeze exceptionally well both before and after baking. For pre-baked freezing, allow them to cool completely, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to airtight containers. They maintain optimal quality for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.

What's the best way to transport these to a potluck?

Allow the baked sticks to cool for 5-10 minutes, then arrange them in a single layer in a container with a tight-fitting lid. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers. Transport them at room temperature if serving within 2 hours; otherwise, use an insulated carrier with heat packs.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and allows you to customize the flavor with herbs or whole grain flours. Just ensure it's rolled to approximately the same thickness as store-bought dough (about 1/8 inch) for proper cooking.

How can I adjust the spice level of these Cheesy Taco Sticks?

To increase heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling, use pepper jack cheese in your blend, or incorporate 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the taco meat. For a milder version, use a reduced-sodium taco seasoning and omit the green chilies.

Cheesy Taco Sticks For The Ultimate Delicious Party Food

Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks For The Ultimate Delicious Party Food
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 packages (13.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza dough; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio); 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 2 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained; 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a convenient and crowd-pleasing party food that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the grabbable convenience of breadsticks.

Ingredients

Scale

2 packages (13.8 oz each) refrigerated pizza dough
1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
2 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minute.
In a medium bowl, combine Mexican-blend cheese, red onion, green chilies, and cilantro.
Unroll pizza dough and cut each package into two rectangles. Stretch each rectangle to approximately 9×12 inches.
Brush each dough rectangle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and sea salt.
Spread seasoned ground beef evenly across two of the dough rectangles, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Distribute the cheese mixture on top of the beef.
Place the remaining dough rectangles over the filling (oil side down), and press the edges firmly to seal.
Slice each rectangle into 10-12 sticks, approximately 1-inch wide. Twist each strip 2-3 times.
Transfer the twisted sticks to your prepared baking sheets. Brush with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Substitution Options:
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative
- Gluten-free pizza dough
- Dairy-free cheese alternatives
- Red pepper flakes
Serve with guacamole, salsa, or lime-cilantro sour cream.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stick
Calories: 165 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Sticks, party food, taco appetizers, easy snacks, Mexican-inspired, cheesy breadsticks, finger food