Golden-brown cheesy taco sticks served with salsa and guacamole on a rustic wooden board, with a blurred summer outdoor setting in the background.

Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Fun, Flavorful, and Easy Summer Snack!

by

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate summer snack—crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful on the inside! These handheld delights are perfect for BBQs, game nights, or even a quick lunch. Inspired by classic American flavors, this recipe combines seasoned taco beef, melted cheese, and soft crescent roll dough for an irresistible treat.

Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer or a kid-friendly snack, these Cheesy Taco Sticks will be your go-to. If you love cheesy and hearty recipes, don’t miss our Beefy Melt Burrito—a cheesy, beef-packed delight!. Plus, they’re super simple to make and require just a few ingredients. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Perfect for Summer: Great for outdoor gatherings or a fun picnic.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, taco-flavored treats.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or sour cream.

Ingredients

To make Cheesy Taco Sticks, you’ll need:

For the Filling:

✔ ½ lb (225g) ground beef
✔ 1 tbsp taco seasoning
✔ ¼ cup water
✔ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
✔ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Dough:

✔ 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
✔ 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For Topping & Dipping:

✔ 1 tbsp melted butter
✔ ½ tsp garlic powder
✔ ½ tsp dried oregano
✔ ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
✔ Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream (for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  2. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and let the taco meat cool slightly.
A skillet with sizzling seasoned taco meat, mixed with rich spices, being stirred with a wooden spoon
Sautéed taco-seasoned beef—rich, flavorful, and the heart of every Cheesy Taco Stick!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Press the seams together to create a single sheet of dough.
  3. Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesy Taco Sticks

  1. Spoon a small amount of taco meat onto each piece of dough, leaving space around the edges.
  2. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the taco meat.
  3. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Crescent roll dough squares being filled with taco-seasoned beef and shredded cheese, ready to be folded into cheesy taco sticks.
The secret to the perfect cheesy taco stick? Fresh dough, seasoned beef, and lots of melty cheese!

Step 4: Brush & Bake

  1. Place the taco sticks on a lined baking sheet.
  2. Brush the tops with beaten egg to create a golden, crispy crust.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Add Flavor & Serve

  1. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and oregano, then brush over the warm taco sticks.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
  3. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Enjoy!
A crispy cheesy taco stick being dipped into salsa, with gooey melted cheese stretching between the taco stick and the dip.
A crispy, cheesy taco stick dipped into salsa—because every bite deserves the perfect dip!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Sticks

✔ Use fresh dough – Avoid over-handling the crescent roll dough to keep it light and flaky.
✔ Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
✔ Seal well – Use a fork to crimp edges to prevent cheese from oozing out.
✔ Customize the filling – Try adding jalapeños, black beans, or shredded chicken for a twist!

What to Serve with Cheesy Taco Sticks

These cheesy taco sticks pair perfectly with:

  • Dips: Salsa, queso, guacamole, or sour cream.
  • Sides: A fresh summer salad, Mexican rice, or grilled corn on the cob.
  • Drinks: A refreshing margarita, iced tea, or a chilled lemonade.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought taco meat?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked taco meat works just as well.

2. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a meat substitute.

3. Can I air-fry these?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate summer snack—easy, delicious, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just a fun meal at home, they’ll be a guaranteed hit.

ry them today and let me know how they turn out! And if you’re craving something sweet after your cheesy taco feast, check out our Libby’s Pumpkin Roll for a classic dessert to wrap up your meal!” 🌮🧀

Leave a Comment