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I’ve gotta tell you about our go-to family spin for taco night: these melt-in-your-mouth Cheesy Taco Sticks. This all started when I wanted to switch things up from usual tacos—and wow, they've been a game changer ever since! Toasty bread, gooey cheese, and hearty meat together just can't be beat.
Why You'll Crave These
If you think they’re regular breadsticks, think again. Every bite is packed with all the taco tastes we love. They’re also fast to whip up, which is awesome on crazy weeknights. My kiddos actually ask for these when they spot the ingredients coming out.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Seasonings: Toss in any extras you like to pump up the taste.
- Pizza Dough: Total lifesaver for easy prep.
- Butter: For that shiny, yummy finish on top.
- Cheese Sticks: Melty goodness every time.
- Ground Beef: Don’t go too lean or you’ll lose out on flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought—whatever’s handy.
Jump In
Start off by browning your beef until it’s just right, then sprinkle in your taco seasonings. A little advice? Let the meat cool a bit before putting together your sticks. It keeps the dough easier to work with and stops it from getting sticky.
Build Your Sticks
This part's a blast. Flatten your pizza dough and slice it into rectangles. Drop some seasoned beef on each, then top with half a cheese stick. Really pinch those edges shut—think of it as wrapping up tiny little gifts.
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Hot Out Of The Oven
Once you’ve got your oven set to 375°F, brush your taco sticks with garlic butter to make them extra golden and flavorful. The kitchen smells amazing while these bake!
Topping Bar Fun
We go all out with a topping bar—think sour cream, salsa, and guac. The kids love picking their own combos and piling them high for dipping.
Try Something New
Don’t stick to just the basics. Swap in pepper jack for extra zing, or stir black beans and corn into the filling. These can be made so many ways—it’s tough to mess them up!
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in a container with a tight lid. I swear, I almost like them better the second day after a quick pop in the air fryer—they turn extra crispy!
Warm 'Em Right Up
A simple trick for reheating: if you're using your oven, cover the sticks loosely with foil. They’ll heat up perfectly without drying out.
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Get Kids Involved
My kids absolutely love pitching in on these! They’re just right for little hands to fill and fold. Just keep an eye on sealing, so nothing leaks out.
Great for Gatherings
This is my top pick for party food. Make them bite-size and watch them disappear. They're easy to prep ahead and warm up when folks arrive.
Easy on the Wallet
Love that you don’t have to spend much here! Grab ground beef when it’s on sale—a single batch goes far for family dinner and even lunch leftovers.
Crank Up The Heat
If you're into spicy food, try stirring some chopped jalapeños into the meat. For the brave, set out hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Saucy Goodness
I’m always mixing up new dips. Lately, ranch blended with taco sauce is my favorite, but a dollop of cilantro lime crema is amazing too.
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Freeze Extras
They freeze so well! I usually double up and stash half in the freezer before baking. On busy nights, just bake straight from frozen—no thawing needed.
Fillings Left Over?
If you’ve got extra taco filling, pop it onto chips for nachos or stuff it into a quesadilla. It’s great having options for a quick meal later.
Skip the Meat
For veggie night, we swap in black beans with taco spices instead of beef. Tastes awesome, especially for meatless Monday.
Crunchy Surprise
If you love crunch, toss some crushed tortilla chips in the middle before closing up your sticks. Everyone always loves that crispy layer inside!
Total Family Staple
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are basically a tradition now at our place. Way more than a meal—they’re a family favorite we look forward to making together. Try them and bet they’ll become your favorite too!
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Go ahead and cook the taco meat earlier and stash it in the fridge. Wait to build and bake the breadsticks until you’re nearly ready to chow down so the cheese stays super melty.
- → What can I serve with these taco sticks?
Dip them in guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or whatever taco toppings you love. You could even toss together a side salad for something extra.
- → Can I use different cheese?
Totally! Swap out colby jack for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any gooey Mexican cheese blend you like best.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Pop any extras in a container and keep in the fridge. Warm them back up in the oven or toaster oven so they get crisp again.
- → Can I make these with ground turkey?
Ground turkey is a great swap if you want it a bit lighter. Just use it like the beef and season it up with taco spices.