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Imagine all the best parts of taco night and cheesy bread mashed together into bite-sized snacks you can just grab and munch. These cheesy taco breadsticks are a breeze to prep before a big game or a chill hangout. Just a quick bake and you've got a pan of gooey, tasty snacks ready in no time flat.
Can’t make a batch for a party without watching them vanish early on. My kids are big fans and love dunking these in ranch or salsa.
Tasty Ingredients
- Dried parsley: Gives a splash of green color and freshness. Go for parsley that’s a bright green for the best taste.
- Garlic powder: Bumps up the aroma and works hand-in-hand with taco flavor. Use it fresh (no clumps or weird smells).
- Butter melted: Makes your breadsticks shiny and adds tons of flavor. Choose good quality for awesome taste.
- Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese sticks: Turns super gooey and helps hold your filling together. You can use block cheese cut into sticks for more stretch or tang.
- Pillsbury pizza dough: Takes out the guesswork so you don’t need to fuss with homemade dough. Use a can that’s not damaged for best baking.
- Taco seasoning mix: Packs the punch of Tex Mex goodness. Pick your fave brand or use homemade for a lighter sodium kick.
- Ground beef 85 percent lean: Keeps your filling super juicy and full of flavor. Look for bright red beef and as dry as possible for tastiest breadsticks.
Awesome Step-by-Step Guide
- Cool and Serve:
- Wait a minute or so, then serve up fresh breadsticks. The cheese settles just enough so they’re easy to grab and dip in your favorite sauces.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Spread each rolled dough stick out on your greased baking pan. Give them space. Bake around 10 to 12 minutes till the top’s golden and some cheese oozes from the sides.
- Butter and Season:
- Brush each little roll heavy with your melted butter combo, mixed with garlic powder and parsley. Makes the outside pop with taste.
- Fill and Roll:
- Place a cheese stick and a spoonful of cooled ground beef on one end of each rectangle. Roll tightly from that end up, pinching seams and ends closed to keep all the cheesy filling inside.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Lay your pizza dough on a floured spot and flatten it into one big rectangle. Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice it in half the long way, then chop across to make ten equal rectangles.
- Cook and Season the Beef:
- Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. Once browned through (no pink left), drain off fat. Stir in taco seasoning, mix till coated, and let cool down in a bowl. Cooling is key so your cheese doesn’t melt early.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Fire up your oven to 425°F and gently oil a big baking sheet. Helps keep things from sticking and lets breadsticks get crispy.
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That cheese ooze is the best part for real. You know it’s a win when you get that melty cheese pull on your first bite. My family once polished off every single one before I could even take a picture!
Simple Storage
Pop leftovers in an airtight container and stick in the fridge for up to four days. For longer, freeze cooled breadsticks on a tray, then toss in a freezer bag. A few minutes in the oven or air fryer brings back their crunchy edges.
Other Ingredient Ideas
Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter filling instead of beef. If you want meatless, try sautéed peppers and refried beans. Any melty cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack works great too.
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Fun Pairings
Dip them in guacamole, salsa, or ranch—whatever you like. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a little extra cheese for a crunchier side. These are awesome with a crisp green salad or just a handful of chips too.
Origins and Fun Facts
You won’t find cheesy taco breadsticks in old-school Mexican cooking. They take flavor cues from Tex Mex tacos and American cheesy bread—so it’s a mashup snack that’s all about fun and sharing.
Common Questions
- → Could I swap out the ground beef for something else?
For a lighter spin, go with ground turkey or chicken. Just add your favorite seasonings and cook them up the same way.
- → How do I stop the filling from squeezing out?
Press the seams together well and make sure you lay the seam side down before baking. That way, the filling stays put.
- → Which kinds of cheese work best inside?
Cheddar and Colby Jack melt really well, but you can totally use Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for stretchy, gooey bites.
- → Is it okay to freeze these breadsticks?
Absolutely! Bake them first, then freeze. You can just pop them back into the oven to warm up anytime.
- → What should I use for dipping these breadsticks?
Try classic dips like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or queso—they all taste awesome with these.
- → Can I prep them ahead of time for a crowd?
You bet! Just put them together in advance and refrigerate. Bake them off when you’re ready to eat for the yummiest results.