This Cheesy Taco Breadsticks Delight is the ultimate party starter or weeknight indulgence. Itโs everything you love about tacos wrapped up in a cheesy, golden breadstick thatโs bursting with bold flavors. Think taco-seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a soft yet crispy crustโready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving something fun and comforting, these breadsticks hit the spot every single time.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Flavor Bomb: Loaded with taco seasoning, ground beef, and a generous layer of melted cheese.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, snacks, or even dinner when you want something fun and delicious.
- Customizable: Tweak the toppings to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients Youโll Need
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade, acts as the base for these breadsticks. Let it come to room temperature for easier stretching.
- Ground Beef: The star protein. Cook it until browned and crumbly.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite blend to give the beef that irresistible Tex-Mex flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: For melty, golden deliciousness. Shred your own for best melt and flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooeyness and stretchiness. A perfect partner to the cheddar.
- Olive Oil: Helps get a crispy, golden crust.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory kick to the dough.
- Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions: Optional for garnish, but they add freshness and color.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef with seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeรฑo slices or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Mini Breadsticks: Slice smaller for party appetizers or kid-friendly bites.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Breadsticks Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Layer the Goodness
Spread the taco beef mixture evenly over half of the dough. Top with a generous layer of both cheeses. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, like a giant calzone.
Step 4: Seal and Slice
Press the edges to seal, then brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Slice into breadstick shapes using a pizza cutter, but donโt separate them.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in a preheated 425ยฐF oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let cool slightly before separating the breadsticks. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Let the Dough Rest: If the dough is too springy, let it rest a few minutes to make it easier to stretch.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: It melts better and has a cleaner flavor than pre-shredded.
- Donโt Overfill: Keep the filling evenly spread to avoid spillage while baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
How to Serve
Serve these breadsticks warm, straight from the oven. Theyโre perfect with sides of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping. Pair with a simple side salad, or enjoy them solo as a satisfying snack. Great for game day spreads, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Wrap unbaked, filled breadsticks tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF for 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust wonโt be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes! Itโs a great shortcut. If you prefer homemade, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
What kind of dough works best?
Any pizza dough works. Refrigerated dough is super convenient. Just make sure to bring it to room temp before rolling.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pizza dough and double-check your taco seasoning for any gluten-containing ingredients.
What dip goes best with these breadsticks?
Sour cream, guacamole, and chunky salsa are all fantastic options. Even queso dip if you want to go all in on the cheesy goodness!
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Taco Breadsticks Delight is the kind of recipe that delivers big on flavor without taking up your entire evening. Itโs cheesy, savory, fun to eat, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try and make taco night a little more exciting!
PrintCheesy Taco Breadsticks Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Soft, buttery breadsticks stuffed with seasoned taco meat and gooey cheeseโperfect for a fun appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube (approx. 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 5 Colby Jack cheese sticks, halved
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ยฐF and prepare a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Brown ground beef over medium heat, drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning until coated; set aside to cool.
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into 10 rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of taco meat and half a cheese stick on each rectangle.
- Roll dough over filling, pinch seams and ends closed.
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley; brush over each stick.
- Bake 10โ12 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- Let taco meat cool slightly before assembling to prevent cheese from melting prematurely.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso for dipping.
- Use cooked, seasoned ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated; reheat in oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 365mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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