Looking for a fun twist on taco night? Try these Cheesy Taco Sticks! This easy recipe combines savory ground meat, bold spices, and gooey cheese—all wrapped in crispy pizza dough. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo snack, these delicious sticks will satisfy your cravings. Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out the ground turkey for beef, chicken, or even a plant-based protein, and adjust the veggies to your liking.
- Cheesy Goodness: With both cheddar and cream cheese, these taco sticks are incredibly cheesy and satisfying, perfect for cheese lovers!
- Fun to Serve: These sticks are great for dipping into salsa or sour cream, making them a fun appetizer for parties or family movie nights.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
You need a mix of tasty ingredients for cheesy taco sticks. Ground turkey or beef is the base. Use one pound to give you a good filling. Taco seasoning adds that classic flavor. Grab a packet to save time.
Black beans and corn bring texture and nutrition. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Just make sure to drain and rinse those black beans first. Cheese lovers will enjoy a cup of shredded cheddar. Cream cheese keeps everything creamy and rich.
Adding fresh cilantro gives a nice pop of flavor. For the dough, choose a package of refrigerated pizza dough. It makes the process easy and quick. Finally, you will need one egg for the egg wash. This helps make your taco sticks golden and delicious.
These ingredients come together in a fun and simple way. You can mix and match based on what you have. Feel free to get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparation
To make cheesy taco sticks, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting the right texture. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up easy.
Cooking the Meat Filling
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook it until it is brown and no longer pink. After that, drain any excess grease. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes. This helps the flavors blend well.
Combining the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to make the filling. To the cooked meat, add 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Stir until the cheese melts and everything mixes nicely. Let it cool slightly before using.
Assembling the Taco Sticks
Prepare your pizza dough by rolling it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into strips that are about 3 inches wide. To fill each strip, place a generous spoonful of the taco filling on one end. Roll the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Place each stick seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Baking Instructions
For a nice golden finish, beat 1 egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of each taco stick. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and puffed. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with salsa or sour cream for dipping!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- How to avoid soggy taco sticks: To keep your taco sticks crispy, ensure the filling is not too wet. Drain the black beans and corn well. When mixing the meat with the other ingredients, avoid adding extra liquid. This step is key.
- Best methods for infusing flavor: Use fresh herbs like cilantro to add brightness. You can also add diced jalapeños for some heat. For a smoky taste, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. Mix these into the filling for a tasty boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Ideas for dipping sauces: Salsa is a classic choice for these cheesy taco sticks. You can also serve them with sour cream or guacamole. For a twist, try a chipotle mayo or a zesty ranch dressing.
- Pairing with sides or beverages: Serve the taco sticks with a side salad for a fresh touch. They also go well with Mexican rice or chips and salsa. For drinks, a cold soda or a refreshing lemonade complements the flavors nicely.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and cilantro can elevate the flavor of your taco sticks, providing a vibrant taste compared to canned options.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick and texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the sticks while baking; oven temperatures can vary, and you want them golden brown but not burnt.
- Experiment with Dips: While salsa and sour cream are great, try pairing your taco sticks with guacamole or a spicy ranch dip for a fun twist.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can personalize your cheesy taco sticks by changing the meat or cheese. Ground turkey and beef work well, but you can also use chicken for a lighter taste. If you want a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or lentils.
For cheese, cheddar is great, but feel free to mix it up. Use pepper jack for a spicy kick, or try a creamy queso for a different texture. You can also add extras like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for added flavor and crunch.
Dietary Modifications
If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza dough. Many brands offer this, so you can still enjoy the same texture and taste.
For a vegan version, swap meat for plant-based crumbles or beans. Use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free version. These changes let everyone enjoy cheesy taco sticks, no matter their diet.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your cheesy taco sticks fresh, let them cool first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat them, just reheat in the oven for a few minutes. This keeps the dough crispy and the filling warm.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your taco sticks, follow these steps. First, cool them completely. Then, wrap each stick in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sticks in a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep them tasty and enjoyable.
FAQs
Common Questions
How can I make cheesy taco sticks ahead of time?
You can prep the filling and roll the sticks ahead of time. After assembling, place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just brush with egg wash and bake.
Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Before rolling out, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with.
What are the best alternatives for taco seasoning?
If you want to swap taco seasoning, try using cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder instead. You can also add chili powder for extra heat. Get creative with herbs like oregano for unique flavors.
Troubleshooting
Why are my taco sticks not crisp?
If your taco sticks are soggy, they might have too much filling. Avoid overfilling them. Also, make sure to bake them until they are golden brown. A longer bake time can help achieve that crisp texture.
How do I fix overly runny filling?
If your filling is too runny, try adding more cheese or crushed tortilla chips. You can also drain the beans and corn well before mixing in. Letting the filling cool helps it firm up before you assemble the sticks.
We explored how to create delicious taco sticks using ground meat, beans, and cheese. With clear steps for assembling and baking, you can make these treats easily. Remember to use parchment paper to avoid sticking and ensure a nice crunch. Try different meats and flavors to find your favorite. Store leftover taco sticks properly to enjoy them later. This recipe is simple and fun for everyone. Enjoy making and sharing your tasty taco stick
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 2 cream cheese, softened
- 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 serving salsa or sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well mixed.
- To the cooked meat, add black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and cilantro. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into strips, approximately 3 inches wide.
- Place a generous spoonful of the taco filling on one end of each dough strip. Roll the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pinching them together. Place each stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl, and brush the tops of each taco stick with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and puffed.
- Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Serve with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
