Get ready for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying snack or quick meal with these amazing Cheesy Taco Breadsticks! These golden, crispy breadsticks are packed with savory seasoned ground beef and gooey melted Mexican cheese, making them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are an absolute go-to in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore them for their ultimate convenience and deliciousness! What’s not to love about taking classic taco flavors – savory ground beef, aromatic onion and garlic, and zesty taco seasoning – and encasing them in tender, baked pizza dough with plenty of melty Mexican cheese? They’re incredibly quick to assemble, bake up beautifully golden, and are fantastic for dipping into salsa or guacamole. They offer all the excitement of tacos in a convenient, portable, breadstick form, making them a huge hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Cheesy Taco Breadsticks:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (455 g)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 lb pizza dough (455 g), pre-made or homemade, rolled out into a rectangle
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (100 g), shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salsa, for dipping (optional)
- Guacamole, for dipping (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease. Ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork can also be used.
- Pizza Dough: Refrigerated pre-made pizza dough is super convenient for this recipe. You can also use a homemade dough if you prefer.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: This typically includes Monterey Jack, cheddar, and other melty cheeses, perfect for taco flavor. Any good melting cheese blend (like cheddar and mozzarella) will work.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand of taco seasoning. Adjust the amount to your taste preference for spice and flavor.
- Onion and Garlic: Finely diced onion and minced garlic provide a savory base.
- Olive Oil: For brushing the breadsticks, helping them get golden and crispy.
- Dipping Sauces: Salsa and guacamole are classic pairings, but sour cream, hot sauce, or queso are also great options.
Preparation
Let’s get these delicious Cheesy Taco Breadsticks baked!
- Prepare Taco Filling: In a large skillet, sauté the diced 1 small onion and minced 1 tablespoon garlic over medium heat until they become transparent and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the 1 lb ground beef and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease thoroughly. Remove from heat and set the cooked taco beef mixture aside.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out the 1 lb pizza dough into a large rectangle (approximately 10×15 inches).
- Fill & Form Breadsticks: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pizza dough rectangle lengthwise into 5 even strips. Place spoonfuls of the cooked beef mixture into the middle of each strip, followed by a sprinkle of about 1/4 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend onto each. Carefully fold one side of the dough over the filling to meet the other side, then firmly pinch the edges together along the entire length of the strip to seal the filling inside. Ensure to close off the ends of the breadsticks as well, forming a sealed log.
- Brush & Bake (Initial): Lightly brush each breadstick with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Carefully transfer the prepared breadsticks to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Add More Cheese & Final Bake: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully top each breadstick with a bit more shredded Mexican cheese blend. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the breadsticks are cooked through and lightly crisped.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the breadsticks cool for just a minute or two before slicing them into smaller, individual portions if desired. Serve warm with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Drain Beef Well: This is crucial for preventing soggy breadsticks.
- Seal Dough Tightly: Ensure the dough is pinched firmly around the filling to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, too much filling can make the breadsticks difficult to seal and may cause them to burst.
- Hot Oven: Baking at 425°F ensures the pizza dough cooks quickly and gets a nice golden crust.
- Serve Warm: These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the crust is warm.
- Customization: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef for extra heat, or other toppings like finely diced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are incredibly versatile and perfect for:
- Party Appetizer: They’re ideal for game days, potlucks, or any casual gathering.
- Quick Dinner: Serve with a simple side salad or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: A guaranteed hit due to their familiar flavors and fun, easy-to-eat shape.
- Dipping Sauces: Essential! Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, queso, or even a spicy ranch are fantastic options.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing cheesy dips, consider our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The dough may soften slightly.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining some crispness, reheat individual breadsticks in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350-400°F (175-200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soft and chewy.
- Freezing (Unbaked): You can assemble and freeze the unbaked breadsticks. Place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time, until golden and cooked through.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of these taco breadsticks, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings:
- For another easy one-pan dinner with Tex-Mex flavors, check out our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of simple, flavorful casseroles, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcutis a fun option.
- And for a great way to feed a crowd with minimal fuss, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a winner.
- Finally, for a fun, interactive way to serve a crowd, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying snack or meal to your table with ease. They’re perfect for a quick bite, a fun family dinner, or anytime you crave pure, cheesy taco goodness!
Give this recipe a try and let these delicious breadsticks become a new family favorite! What’s your go-to fun food that’s perfect for sharing? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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