These Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are my go-to game day snack. They’re so easy to make, and they’re always a huge hit with everyone. Who can resist the combination of soft, cheesy bread and all those delicious taco flavors?
I love how you can customize these breadsticks with your favorite toppings. I usually go for classic salsa and guacamole, but sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or some jalapeños for an extra kick. They’re also great for using up leftover taco meat or any random bits of cheese I have in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Taco Breadsticks
- Flavor Explosion: These breadsticks are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft pizza dough.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Perfect for Sharing: These breadsticks are great for feeding a crowd. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Breadsticks
Here’s what I use to make these delicious breadsticks:
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add a savory base to the filling.
- Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, but you can use any type of ground beef you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning: This adds all those classic taco flavors to the beef.
- Pizza Dough: I usually use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but you can use your favorite homemade dough if you prefer.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: A blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla adds a cheesy, gooey goodness.
- Olive Oil: This is used to brush the breadsticks before baking.
- Salsa and Guacamole: These are my favorite dipping sauces for the breadsticks.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Veggie Power: Add some sauteed bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture.
- Chicken or Turkey: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.
- Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Breadsticks
Step 1: Make the Filling
I start by sautéing the diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet until they’re softened. Then, I add the ground beef and taco seasoning and cook until the beef is browned.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
I preheat my oven to 425°F and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Then, I cut the dough into 5 strips.
Step 3: Assemble the Breadsticks
I spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough strip, followed by a sprinkle of the Mexican cheese blend. Then, I fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal it tightly.
Step 4: Bake
I brush the breadsticks with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Then, I bake them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. I remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each breadstick with more cheese. Then, I bake them for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
I serve the breadsticks warm with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
Tips and Tricks
- Even Filling: Try to distribute the filling evenly among the breadsticks.
- Seal Tightly: Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This will ensure that the breadsticks cook evenly.
How to Serve
I love serving these Cheesy Taco Breadsticks with:
- Salsa: A classic pairing!
- Guacamole: Adds a creamy, avocado flavor.
- Sour Cream: For a cool and tangy flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked breadsticks for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before baking.
- Storing: Store leftover breadsticks in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can use your favorite pizza dough or even crescent roll dough.
2. Can I add other toppings to the filling?
Absolutely! Try adding jalapeños, onions, bell peppers, or your favorite taco toppings.
3. Can I make these breadsticks vegetarian?
Yes, you can use a vegetarian meat substitute or just leave out the meat altogether and add more beans and veggies.
4. How can I reheat the breadsticks?
You can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.
There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Cheesy Taco Breadsticks. Enjoy!
PrintCheesy Taco Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
These Cheesy Taco Breadsticks are a fun and delicious twist on classic breadsticks. Filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings, they’re perfect for a party appetizer or a casual meal.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (455 g)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 lb pizza dough (455 g), rolled out into a rectangle
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (100 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salsa, for dipping
- Guacamole, for dipping
Instructions
- Make Filling: Sauté onions and garlic until transparent. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 425˚F (220˚C).
- Assemble Breadsticks: On a floured surface, cut the pizza dough into 5 strips. Place spoonfuls of the beef mixture into the middle of each strip, followed by the Mexican cheese blend. Fold and pinch the dough around the cheese and meat along the entire strip, ensuring to close off the ends.
- Bake: Brush each breadstick with olive oil and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each breadstick with more cheese. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy with salsa and guacamole for dipping!
Notes
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand of taco seasoning or make your own.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding jalapeños, sour cream, or your other favorite taco fixings.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the breadsticks ahead of time and bake them later. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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