If you love a fun, flavorful snack that’s easy to make and downright addictive, then you’re gonna adore this Cheesy Taco Sticks with Garlic Parsley Butter Recipe. I absolutely love how these taco sticks come out—crispy on the outside, packed with seasoned beef and melty cheese inside, then brushed with buttery garlic parsley goodness. Whether it’s game day, a quick dinner, or just a craving for something cheesy and savory, these sticks hit all the right notes. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step and share my best tips so your batch turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes down to combining simple, everyday ingredients that pack serious flavor when they come together. Having fresh garlic and good-quality pizza dough really up your game, while the taco seasoning ensures the beef is packed with that classic taco zest.

• Lean ground beef: I recommend 90% lean; it cooks well without getting greasy.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch; garlic powder also comes in handy later.
• Taco seasoning mix: A classic packet is great, but homemade seasoning works just as well if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Pillsbury pizza dough: Using pre-made dough saves loads of time, and it bakes up beautifully puffy and golden.
• Colby Jack cheese sticks: These melt perfectly and have a mild taste that blends with the taco beef.
• Unsalted butter: For the garlic parsley butter; unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
• Garlic powder and dried parsley: These get mixed into the melted butter for a fragrant finish.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this Cheesy Taco Sticks with Garlic Parsley Butter Recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. I often switch up fillings or add extras depending on the occasion.

• Spicy Kick: One time, I mixed in some chopped jalapeños with the beef and my family went crazy for the extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices for a meatless treat.
• Cheese Swap: I sometimes use mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese flair—feel free to experiment!
• Herb Variations: Fresh cilantro can be a great swap or addition to the parsley in the butter for a brighter finish.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks with Garlic Parsley Butter Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat to Flavor Town

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the lean ground beef until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—that way your sticks won’t be greasy. Add in your minced garlic, taco seasoning, and the water amount called for on the packet. Turn the heat up and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the water evaporates and your beef mixture is thick and deeply seasoned. This is where the cheesy taco sticks get all their bold flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Shape Your Dough and Fill It Up

While the beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Keeping the pizza dough cold until now helps it stay manageable. Unroll the dough onto your parchment and press it into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 even squares — each around 4×4 inches, which is just the right size for filling and folding. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of your seasoned meat right into the center of each square—don’t overfill though, or it might leak out while baking!

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seal Your Taco Sticks

Cut your Colby Jack cheese sticks in half and nestle one piece on top of the meat in each dough square. Now the fun (and slightly tricky) part: fold up the sides and pinch the dough seams together tightly—first the sides, then the ends, folding those up neatly. Here’s what I learned: if you stretch the dough too much during this step, your sticks won’t puff up nicely in the oven. So keep it gentle but firm, and place each stick seam-side down on your parchment-lined trays.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Parsley Butter and Bake

Melt your butter in the microwave and stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Give each taco stick a generous brush of this butter mixture, which adds a beautiful golden color and flavor as they bake. Pop them into the oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the dough is cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell heavenly and have that perfect golden crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks with Garlic Parsley Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top just before serving—it adds a burst of color and freshness. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite salsa or guacamole for dipping. My family goes crazy when I add a squeeze of lime juice for a little zing!

Side Dishes

These taco sticks pair perfectly with a crisp side salad or some simple Mexican street corn. On busy days, I just whip up some quick nacho cheese dip and fresh-cut veggies to round things out. If I’m going all out, a side of black beans and rice helps turn it into a meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the cheesy taco sticks upright in a tall glass or vase lined with parchment paper—makes for a fun “taco stick bouquet” centerpiece. You could also serve them with mini dipping bowls for each guest to customize their flavor with different salsas or dips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (which, hey, sometimes happens), I usually pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheated properly, they still taste great—though they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing these before baking. Just assemble the taco sticks, place them seam-side down on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to eat, bake them straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheating in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes brings back crispiness, way better than the microwave which can make the dough soggy. I usually cover them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while warming through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the first time I made these Cheesy Taco Sticks with Garlic Parsley Butter Recipe, I couldn’t believe how easy and satisfying they were. Now, they’re a staple at our house for quick bites or when I want to impress friends with minimal effort. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—and if you try the recipe, let me know how it goes! These little pockets of cheesy taco joy never fail to bring smiles around the table.

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