Hey y'all! If you're here, you probably love Taco Bell's cheesy, gooey, craveable snacks just as much as I do. This Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe brings that same melty, savory goodness right to your kitchen, using simple ingredients you probably already have. These cheesy taco sticks are perfect for game nights, parties, family dinners, or just a fun afternoon snack. Ready to wow your friends and satisfy your cravings? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Super easy and quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with gooey cheese and savory taco flavor in every bite.
- Ideal for parties, game days, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings or cheese blends.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together as a family!
Ingredients for Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade, see this recipe)
- ¾ pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions: How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Taco Meat
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, stir in 2 tablespoons water, and let simmer for 1-2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prep the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Cut into 8 equal strips.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Spoon a line of taco meat (about 2 tablespoons) and sprinkle cheeses down the center of each dough strip.
- Fold the dough over the filling, pinching edges to seal and form a log shape. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Bake
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush over each taco stick.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- For extra crispy sticks, brush with an extra layer of butter halfway through baking.
- Don’t overfill the dough to prevent leaks—leave a ½-inch border.
- Try using low-moisture cheeses to avoid sogginess.
Variations on Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for black beans or crumbled tofu with taco seasoning.
- Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese as the filling.
Required Equipment for Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions for Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Let taco sticks cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 30-45 seconds. For longer storage, freeze wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or classic Mexican rice.
- Great alongside cold beverages like lemonade or a refreshing iced tea.
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Seal the edges of each stick well to keep all that molten cheese inside (learn more about dough sealing here).
- Let the filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
- Don't skip the garlic butter—it adds restaurant-quality flavor and beautiful color.
FAQ: Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
- Absolutely! Crescent roll dough works great for a flakier, buttery texture—just adjust baking time to 12-14 minutes.
- Can I make these cheesy taco sticks ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble them a few hours ahead, cover, and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- What dipping sauces go best with these taco sticks?
- Salsa, ranch, guacamole, or spicy queso dip pair perfectly with the cheesy and savory flavors!
Enjoy your homemade, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe! Happy snacking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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3Unroll the pizza dough and cut into 8 equal rectangles. Place a spoonful of taco meat and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese onto each rectangle.
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4Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, forming sticks. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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5Brush each stick with melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
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6Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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