Cheesy Taco Breadsticks

Cheesy taco breadsticks bring together everything you love about taco night and gooey cheese bread into one irresistible snack. This recipe is perfect for game days or casual get-togethers because it is easy to make ahead and you will have a tray of melty, savory snacks ready in less than half an hour.

Every time I make these for movie night or game day, they are gone long before halftime. My kids love to dunk them in salsa or ranch.

Ingredients

• Ground beef 85 percent lean: This adds savory flavor and keeps the breadstick filling juicy Look for beef that is bright red and has minimal excess liquid for best flavor
• Taco seasoning mix: Adds the classic Tex Mex flavor punch Choose a trusted brand or make your own for less sodium
• Pillsbury pizza dough: Makes the prep quick and easy Go for a fresh can without any dents or tears in the package for best rise
• Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese sticks: The cheese gets gooey and helps bind the filling Use block cheese cut into sticks if you prefer a sharper flavor or a stretchier melt
• Butter melted: It gives the breadsticks an irresistible golden color and moisture Use high quality butter for better flavor
• Garlic powder: Lends an aromatic boost and pairs well with the taco seasoning Choose garlic powder with no clumping or off odors
• Dried parsley: For a little fresh finish and color Seek out bright green parsley flakes which taste fresher

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a large baking sheet with nonstick spray This ensures the breadsticks do not stick and encourages browning

Cook and Season the Beef:

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until completely browned and no pink remains Drain off any fat then return the pan to the heat Add taco seasoning and stir until all the beef is evenly coated in the spices Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl for cooling It is important to cool the meat so it does not melt the cheese too soon during assembly

Prepare the Dough:

On a floured surface roll out the pizza dough into a large even rectangle Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice lengthwise in half and then crosswise into ten rectangles Try to ensure each piece is roughly the same size for even baking

Fill and Roll:

On each rectangle place about one tablespoon of cooled taco meat and top with a stick of cheese Roll up the dough from one short end to the other then pinch all seams and the ends tightly closed This prevents cheese and beef from leaking out during baking

Butter and Season:

Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley Brush this mixture liberally over each rolled breadstick This adds flavor and a golden crust

Arrange and Bake:

Set your breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are golden and cheese is bubbling out of some seams This gives a crisp crust and gooey center

Cool and Serve:

Let the breadsticks cool for at least one minute before serving This helps the cheese set a bit and makes them easier to handle Serve with dips or extra taco toppings

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Honestly the melted cheese might be my favorite part Especially when you get that cheese pull after the first bite My family once ate the whole batch before I even had a chance to snap a photo

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze baked and cooled breadsticks in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag They reheat easily in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to get the crust crispy again

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version For a vegetarian option refried beans and sautéed peppers work great Feel free to use any cheese that melts well such as mozzarella or pepper jack

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Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside salsa guacamole or ranch for dipping Add shredded lettuce diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra cheese if you want more of a taco experience on the side These are also perfect paired with a crisp salad or chips

Cultural History

Cheesy taco breadsticks are not part of traditional Mexican cuisine but draw inspiration from classic Tex Mex tacos and American cheese bread They are a playful fusion snack that brings together familiar foods in a new party friendly format

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a lighter variation, just season to taste.

→ How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Pinch the seams tightly and place the seam side down on the baking sheet to help prevent leaks as they bake.

→ What cheeses work best for the filling?

Colby Jack and Cheddar melt nicely, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack can also create a gooey center.

→ Can these breadsticks be frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze baked breadsticks and reheat in the oven. They're great for make-ahead snacks.

→ What dips go well with these breadsticks?

Classic options like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso all pair deliciously with the breadsticks.

→ Can I make them ahead for parties?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving for optimal texture and flavor.