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- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 cup corn kernels - 1 jalapeño, diced (optional) - 1/4 cup salsa - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) The ingredients for Cheesy Taco Sticks are simple but full of flavor. You start with pizza dough for a soft, warm base. You can use refrigerated dough, which saves time and effort. I love using cheddar cheese because it melts well and adds a rich taste. Next, you need cooked ground beef. I season it with taco seasoning for that classic taco flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef with more beans or veggies. Black beans and corn add texture and nutrition. They give the sticks a nice bite. If you like heat, dice a jalapeño for a spicy kick. You can skip this if you prefer a milder flavor. For the seasonings, salsa brings moisture and tang. Ground cumin adds warmth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. These will enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh cilantro is a great garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. When you put it all together, you get a fun and tasty snack that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting nice, crispy taco sticks. While the oven is warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will stop the taco sticks from sticking. Next, take your refrigerated pizza dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. A rolling pin will help you spread it evenly. This thickness gives you the perfect base for your taco sticks. Now, let’s make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, and diced jalapeño if you want some heat. Add the salsa, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir well so that all the ingredients mix evenly. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor. Spread the filling mixture over one half of the rolled-out dough. Leave about a half-inch border around the edges. This space lets you seal the dough properly. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the filling. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Stretch it gently if needed to cover completely. Pinch the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for added security. This step keeps all that tasty filling inside. Cut the stuffed dough into strips that are about 1 inch wide. Place the strips on your prepared baking sheet, spaced apart for even baking. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the taco sticks are golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Sealing the dough is key. If you don’t seal it well, the filling can leak out. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security. For a crispy texture, preheat your oven properly. Bake at 375°F until golden brown. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment helps too. This keeps the taco sticks from sticking and allows them to crisp up nicely. You can adjust the spice level easily. If you like heat, add the diced jalapeño. If not, skip it for a milder flavor. Try using smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a different kick. You can also mix in taco seasoning or chili powder for more depth in taste. Experimenting with spices is how you make this dish your own! Pair your cheesy taco sticks with tasty dips. Salsa is a classic choice, but guacamole or sour cream works well too. For presentation, arrange the sticks on a colorful platter. Add a small bowl of salsa in the center. Garnish with fresh cilantro to bring color and flavor. Lime wedges are a nice touch for zest. These simple ideas make your snack look great and taste even better! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality cheese can elevate the flavor of your taco sticks significantly. Consider using fresh corn and homemade salsa for the best results. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the heat level of your taco sticks by adding more or less jalapeño or incorporating other spicy ingredients like diced green chilies. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to switch up the filling ingredients! Try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or even shredded chicken for a different twist on the classic recipe. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside your taco sticks, such as guacamole, sour cream, or additional salsa, to enhance the dining experience. {{image_4}} You can easily make these taco sticks vegetarian. Start by swapping the ground beef for a plant-based protein. Options like lentils or soy crumbles work well. Next, add extra vegetables to the filling. Chopped bell peppers and zucchini add great flavor and texture. These tweaks create a tasty and filling snack without meat. Cheese is key to making these taco sticks extra delicious. While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to explore other types. Try Monterey Jack for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat. You can even mix different cheeses for a unique flavor. Combining cheeses can make your taco sticks stand out. To change up the flavor, think outside the box with spices. Adding paprika gives a nice smoky touch. You can also mix in taco sauce for extra zest. Different salsas can add variety too. Consider using mango salsa for sweetness or a spicy salsa for heat. These small changes will make your snack even more exciting. To keep your cheesy taco sticks fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and prevents them from getting soggy. If you want to keep them for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them in two ways. The oven gives the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place taco sticks on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you use a microwave, place a damp paper towel over them. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but note that they may get a bit soft. You can freeze taco sticks before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap each stick in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To bake, just take them out and cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you bake them first, let them cool completely. Then, freeze them in a single layer. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven as mentioned above. Yes, you can prepare the filling before. Cook the ground beef and mix in the beans, corn, and spices. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. This way, you can save time when you are ready to bake your taco sticks. Cheesy taco sticks last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. If they start to lose their crispness, you can reheat them in the oven for the best taste. Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pizza dough instead of regular dough. Many stores sell gluten-free options that work well. Just check the package instructions, as baking times may vary. Salsa is a great choice for dipping. It adds a fresh flavor. You can also try sour cream or guacamole. For a spicy kick, a chipotle dipping sauce works well too. These sauces enhance the taco sticks' cheesy, savory taste. You now have a plan for making cheesy taco sticks. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and lots of tips. You learned how to customize your taco sticks and store leftovers. Try different cheeses and spices to find your favorite flavor. Enjoy making these tasty snacks for your next gathering. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Taco Sticks

Delicious taco-inspired sticks filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and beans, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning
  • 0.5 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 0.5 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 whole jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
  • 0.25 cup salsa
  • 1 whole egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangular shape, aiming for about 1/4 inch in thickness.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, diced jalapeño (if using), salsa, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the seasonings.
  • Spread the beef and bean mixture uniformly over one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the seasoned meat mixture.
  • Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling, gently stretching it if necessary to cover completely. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, and then use a fork to crimp the edges for added security.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the stuffed dough into strips about 1 inch wide to create your taco sticks.
  • Place the taco strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
  • Brush the tops of each taco stick with the beaten egg to promote a beautiful golden color as they bake.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and crispy.
  • Once baked, remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

Serve with salsa and lime wedges for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, cheese, snack, taco