Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun snack loaded with melted cheese, seasoned beef, and zesty spices all wrapped up in crispy dough. Perfect for game time or a quick treat!
These tasty sticks are great for sharing, but be careful; you might not want to! I often make extra so I can enjoy them during a movie marathon. 🍿
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just roll, stuff, and bake. They’re a perfect way to spice up snack time without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I sometimes mix in a bit of sausage for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a meatless option, cooked black beans or lentils work well too!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought mixes are convenient, but homemade seasoning gives you control over spices. I like blending chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Feel free to adjust to taste!
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheeses: These two are perfect for melting. If you want something different, pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you can try a Mexican blend cheese for more flavor. Vegan cheese is great for a dairy-free alternative!
Crescent Dough: If you can’t find crescent dough, puff pastry works too! It may give a different texture, but it’s still delicious. For a low-carb option, consider using bell peppers or zucchini slices as a wrap instead.
How Do I Roll the Crescent Dough Properly?
Rolling crescent dough might seem tricky, but it’s all about gentle handling. Always start with chilled dough; it’s easier to work with!
- Unroll the dough on a clean, dry surface. Keep the triangles intact as you separate them.
- Place the beef and cheese filling at the wide end, using about a spoonful for each triangle.
- Gently roll from the wide end and tuck in the sides while rolling to keep the filling inside.
- Make sure the seams are well-sealed to prevent any leakage during baking.
Enjoy watching them puff up and become golden in the oven! Happy cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
For the Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough
For Serving:
- Salsa (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty taco sticks in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your taco sticks bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and completely cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your taco sticks from being greasy.
3. Add the Taco Seasoning:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the amount of water specified on the packet. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely. This will give your taco sticks a wonderful flavor!
4. Mix in the Cheeses:
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt and blend well into the beef mixture. If you’re using green onions, now’s the time to add them for a fresh kick!
5. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and gently separate the triangles. This is where your tasty filling will go!
6. Fill the Dough:
Take a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture and place it at the wide end of each dough triangle. Don’t be shy—make sure each stick is well-filled!
7. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end, roll the dough over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to seal in all that cheesy goodness. This will help keep the filling from escaping during baking.
8. Bake the Taco Sticks:
Place your rolled taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier! Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and delicious.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let them cool for a minute. Serve hot with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy taco sticks with friends or family!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, as lean meats can sometimes dry out. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Crescent Dough?
If you don’t have crescent dough on hand, puff pastry or even biscuit dough can work well. Just roll it out to about the same thickness, and follow the same rolling instructions. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
How to Store Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the dough crispy.
Can I Make These Taco Sticks Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these vegetarian! Simply replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and bell peppers. You can also add extra spices or your favorite meatless taco seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant.
