Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe – Ultimate Snacks for Party | Easy & Irresistible
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe: Are You Ready to Fall in Love with the Ultimate Party Snack?
What happens when gooey cheese, seasoned beef, and golden dough come together in a single bite? You get Cheesy Taco Sticks—a party-perfect snack that’s been stealing the internet’s heart! But the real question is… will you be able to stop at just one?
Whether you’re looking for the best snacks for party, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a weeknight family treat, this recipe hits every note. And yes, it’s going viral for a reason.
Let’s break down why these cheesy taco sticks are so dangerously good—and how you can whip them up in under 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Cheesy: Melty mozzarella and taco-seasoned beef, all wrapped in golden dough.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep, no fancy tools, and ready in just about 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly & Party-Ready: Loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for potlucks, game nights, or family movie time.
- Freezer Friendly: Make ahead and bake when needed—total lifesaver for busy weeks.
- Customizable: Vegetarian? Spicy lover? You can tweak this recipe effortlessly.

Perfect For
- Birthday parties or potlucks
- After-school snacks
- Weeknight dinners with a twist
- Game day appetizers
- Quick & delicious freezer meals
Ingredients You Need for 4 Persons
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz)
- ½ cup water
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salsa or sour cream for dipping
Ingredient Highlights for 4 Persons
- Ground Beef: Use 85/15 or 90/10 for juicy, flavorful filling without excess grease.
- Taco Seasoning: Choose your preferred blend—store-bought or homemade works great.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Keep them cold so they hold shape while baking.
- Pizza Dough: Pillsbury classic crust is a great store-bought option.
- Butter & Herbs: Adds a golden, garlicky crust you’ll crave.
- Shredded Cheddar (Optional): Boosts cheesy goodness if you want extra richness.
Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Total Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Stir and simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prep the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 even rectangles using a pizza cutter or knife.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Spoon a line of seasoned beef onto one side of each dough piece. Place a mozzarella stick on top.
Fold the dough over, pinch the edges to seal completely. You can roll slightly for a tight seal.
Step 5: Brush & Bake
Place each stick on the baking sheet, seam-side down.
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a bowl. Brush over the tops.
Bake for 13–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Let cool for 2 minutes and serve warm with salsa or sour cream on the side.
Table of Calories per Person
Component | Quantity | Calories |
---|---|---|
Ground Beef | 113 g | 250 |
Mozzarella Stick | 1 | 80 |
Pizza Dough | 85 g | 200 |
Taco Seasoning & Herbs | — | 20 |
Butter (brushed) | 7 g | 50 |
Total per serving | — | 600 |
How to Serve
- Dipping Sauces: Offer salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or spicy ranch.
- Party Tray: Cut them into halves and serve on skewers with a garnish of cilantro.
- Family Dinner: Pair with a side salad or corn on the cob for a full meal.
- Lunchbox Favorite: Reheat and pack for school or work.

How to Store
Refrigerator:
Store cooled taco sticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Wrap each stick in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Microwave Reheat:
Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30–40 seconds (for soft texture). For crispiness, use an oven or air fryer.
Additional Tips
- Seal Well: Ensure edges are pinched tight to prevent cheese leakage.
- Cool Filling: Let the beef mixture cool a bit before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
- Double Batch: Planning a big party? This recipe easily doubles or triples.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the beef mixture for heat.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Taco Sticks: Use plant-based ground meat or black bean mix.
- Buffalo Chicken Sticks: Replace beef with shredded buffalo chicken + ranch.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast Taco Sticks: Scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar wrapped in dough.
- Sweet Taco Twists: Try Nutella & banana inside crescent dough for a dessert twist.
Special Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife
- Basting Brush
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crescent rolls instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent roll dough gives a flakier texture but works well with the same instructions.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Seal the edges tightly and bake seam-side down. You can even crimp with a fork for extra security.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Add 2–3 extra minutes if baking from frozen.
Are these good for kids?
Yes! They’re fun to eat, not too spicy, and perfect for tiny hands.
Can I air fry them instead of baking?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks aren’t just a snack—they’re a party in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a group or feeding your family on a busy weeknight, this cheesy taco sticks recipe is quick, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Add them to your go-to snacks for party list and get ready for compliments.
Hungry for more? Explore our other crowd-pleasing snack recipes or try our crispy oven-baked nachos next!
Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Share your experience with us
good for a nice dinner
nice