Description
Irresistible Cheesy Taco Sticks combine Mexican-inspired flavors with crispy, melted cheese goodness. Quick appetizers bring zesty comfort perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- ¼ cup water
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- 2 tbsps butter, melted
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat: Warm the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal baking environment.
- Prep Surface: Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
- Dough Preparation: Spread crescent roll dough flat, creating a rectangular base for the taco sticks.
- Layer Ingredients: Distribute ground beef mixture evenly across the dough, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cheese Distribution: Generously scatter shredded cheese over the seasoned meat, creating a rich flavor foundation.
- Rolling Technique: Tightly roll the dough into a compact cylinder, carefully sealing the edges to lock in the filling.
- Cutting and Positioning: Slice the rolled dough into uniform segments and arrange on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing.
- Final Cheese Topping: Sprinkle additional cheese on top of each taco stick for an enhanced crispy exterior.
- Baking Process: Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until achieving a golden-brown coloration.
- Serving: Allow the taco sticks to rest briefly, then serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Maintain Even Thickness: Spread ground beef mixture uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent undercooked or dry sections.
- Seal Edges Tightly: Press dough edges firmly to prevent cheese and meat from leaking during baking, preserving the structural integrity of taco sticks.
- Control Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese strategically to avoid burning and create a perfect melted texture across the entire surface.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version or use lean turkey for lower-fat alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg