These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate Appetizer, filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, wrapped in soft pizza dough and topped with garlic butter. Perfect for game day, parties or a fun family dinner. These Taco Sticks are quick, easy and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, inspired snack, these cheese tacos are a must try!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like ground beef, tortillas, and cheese, making it a cost-effective yet satisfying dish.
- Customizable: Spice things up with jalapeños, switch the meat, or even make them vegetarian – the possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a game day, party, or family dinner, these cheesy taco sticks are always a favorite.
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Sticks
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible taco sticks:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco spice blend)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 8 small flour tortillas (soft and flexible)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Sour cream (for dipping)
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or salsa
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of cheesy goodness:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the taco seasoning (and water, if required by the packet) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef in the center and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly into a cylinder shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Place the rolled taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each stick with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the taco sticks for 10-12 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the taco sticks cool for a minute, then serve warm with a side of sour cream for dipping. Add optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños for a flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Salsa & Guacamole: Classic dips that complement the savory, cheesy filling perfectly.
- Mexican Rice: Serve alongside fluffy, seasoned rice for a heartier meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances the richness of the taco sticks.
- Refried Beans: Add a side of creamy refried beans for a complete Tex-Mex experience.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the taco sticks and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store Leftovers: Keep leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked taco sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain their crispiness.
Customize Your Cheesy Taco Sticks
Make this recipe your own with these fun variations:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or mix in a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans, seasoned veggies, or refried beans.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of honey over the baked taco sticks for a unique twist.
FAQ: Cheesy Taco Sticks
Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A: Flour tortillas work best because they’re flexible and bake up golden and crisp. Corn tortillas may crack, but if you prefer them, warm them first to prevent breaking.
Q2: How do I make these taco sticks gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free tortillas and a gluten-free taco seasoning mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Q3: What other dips work well with these taco sticks?
A: Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a zesty queso dip all pair wonderfully with these cheesy bites.
Q4: Can I air-fry the taco sticks instead?
A: Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crisp.
Q5: Are these kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy filling and soft, crispy crust. Adjust the spice level to keep them mild.
More Appetizers Recipes You Must Try
Conclusion
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a must-try for any taco lover. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun family snack. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, you’ll want to make them again and again. So, roll up some taco goodness and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Looking for more tasty appetizers? Explore our collection of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes at Food and Tips!
Cheesy Taco Sticks - The Ultimate Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco spice blend)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 8 small flour tortillas (soft and flexible)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Sour cream (for dipping)
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or salsa
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the taco seasoning (and water, if required by the packet) and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef in the center and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly into a cylinder shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Place the rolled taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each stick with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the taco sticks for 10-12 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the taco sticks cool for a minute, then serve warm with a side of sour cream for dipping. Add optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños for a flavor boost.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the taco sticks and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store Leftovers: Keep leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked taco sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain their crispiness.
