A few weeks ago, my oldest came home from a friend’s house raving about some “cheesy taco sticks” they had for an after-school snack. She described them like they were some magical hybrid between tacos and garlic bread, and immediately asked if I could make something similar.
I love a challenge in the kitchen, especially when it involves reimagining comfort food. Plus, taco night is already a regular thing in our home, so I figured, why not twist it up?
That weekend, I pulled together ground beef, some taco seasoning, and those ever-handy Pillsbury pizza dough tubes I keep stocked for emergencies (or lazy Sunday nights). After a couple of tries, I found the perfect combo: spicy beef, melted colby-jack sticks, and golden-baked dough brushed in garlicky butter. The best part? They’re hand-held and mess-free, which makes them great for on-the-go dinners or movie night bites.
Since then, I’ve made them at least five more times, once for a potluck, once for a football game, and another batch for my husband’s work lunchbox. These breadsticks are ridiculously easy, always disappear fast, and honestly just fun to eat. They’re kind of like taco night got wrapped up in a buttery, cheesy blanket.
Short Description
Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese, rolled in pizza dough, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until golden. A fun, easy twist on tacos that’s perfect for sharing.
Key Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough
- 5 colby jack or cheddar cheese sticks, halved
For Topping & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl (small)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly spray or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Once cooked through, drain any fat. Return to heat, add taco seasoning (no water needed), stir to coat, then let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prep the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface. Cut it in half lengthwise, then make 4 vertical cuts to create 10 even rectangles.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Place about 1 tablespoon of taco meat in the center of each rectangle. Add half a cheese stick on top. Carefully roll up the dough and pinch all seams closed to seal the filling inside.
Step 5: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Place the breadsticks on the baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the seasoned butter. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco Flavor in Every Bite: All the zesty taco goodness wrapped in soft, cheesy bread.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or hard-to-find items.
Fast and Easy: From start to finish in under 30 minutes.
Great for Parties: Perfect finger food for any gathering or game night.
Kid-Approved: Fun to make, fun to eat—zero dinner table complaints.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Filling Leaks While Baking
Problem: Dough opens during baking.
Solution: Make sure to pinch seams tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Overstuffing
Problem: Cheese or beef oozes out.
Solution: Stick to about 1 tablespoon of meat and half a cheese stick per breadstick.
Soggy Bottoms
Problem: Undercooked or damp bases.
Solution: Bake directly on parchment and avoid adding extra liquid to the beef.
Tough or Overbaked Dough
Problem: Breadsticks get too dark or chewy.
Solution: Bake for 10–12 minutes and keep an eye on them after 10.
Using Hot Filling
Problem: Dough tears from steam.
Solution: Let the taco meat cool to room temp before assembling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
As a Main: Serve 3–4 breadsticks with a side salad or roasted veggies.
For Parties: Arrange on a platter with multiple dips like guac, queso, and salsa.
Lunchbox Ready: Wrap in foil and pack with fruit and yogurt for a fun lunch.
Game Day Favorite: Pair with nachos, sliders, or wings for a hearty spread.
Make It a Meal: Add rice, black beans, or corn salad on the side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each breadstick tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat in Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
Reheat in Air Fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes gives you a crispier finish.
Avoid Microwaving: It can make the bread soggy—use oven or air fryer instead.
FAQs
1. Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks?
Yes, but cheese sticks help keep the filling neat and melty without leaking as much.
2. Do I need to use Pillsbury dough?
Nope! Any refrigerated or homemade pizza dough works just fine.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. What kind of taco seasoning should I use?
You can use store-bought or a homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
5. Can I add veggies?
Sure! Try adding finely chopped bell peppers or cooked corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Let the beef cool before filling so the dough doesn’t tear or stretch.
Use parchment for easy cleanup and even baking.
Don’t skip the garlic butter—it adds tons of flavor and color.
If dough feels too sticky, dust your hands and surface lightly with flour.
Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy bite.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Taco Breadsticks
Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of colby jack. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
Vegetarian Option
Swap the beef for black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles seasoned the same way.
Breakfast Style
Use cooked breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs as filling. Add a bit of shredded cheese and bake the same way.
Chicken Fajita Breadsticks
Use cooked, shredded chicken mixed with fajita seasoning and sautéed peppers and onions.
BBQ Beef Breadsticks
Add 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce to the beef mixture, use cheddar cheese, and brush with plain butter instead of garlic butter.
Final Thoughts
These cheesy taco breadsticks are a twist on taco night but don’t require much cleanup or prep. My kids adore them, my husband always grabs an extra, and I get a little thrill seeing that golden, buttery crust every time I pull them out of the oven. They’re practical enough for a school night, tasty enough for a potluck, and easy enough to whip up last-minute.
I’ve even let the kids roll them up themselves, it’s messy, but totally worth it. Once you make a batch, you’ll see how flexible and delicious they are. Just be prepared to make them again soon… they go fast!
Cheesy Taco Breadsticks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade equivalent
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough
- 5 colby jack or cheddar cheese sticks halved
For Topping & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Set oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or spray lightly.
- Brown ground beef, drain fat, stir in taco seasoning (no water), and let cool.
- Roll out pizza dough, cut into 10 rectangles.
- Add 1 tbsp taco meat and half a cheese stick to each piece. Roll up and pinch seams closed.
- Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush tops with butter mix. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite taco dips.
