Cheesy Taco Sticks – A Delicious New Take!
Nothing beats biting into a hot, cheese-filled snack that combines crunchiness with melted goodness. Introducing Cheesy Taco Sticks – the perfect comfort snack ideal for sports events, social occasions, or casual dinners at home.
This creation combines beloved Mexican flavors wrapped in a crispy, buttery shell. Unlike regular tacos, these rolls are neat to eat, portable, and delightfully simple to prepare!
I was using plain ground beef, combining it with spicy chorizo sausage for enhanced flavor depth, and use flaky crescent roll pastry for extra butteriness. The crowning touch? A specially crafted garlic-butter coating enhanced with aromatic smoked paprika. Time to start cooking!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: These savory rolls are effortless to prepare using readily available ingredients.
- Flavor-Rich: The blend of seasoned meats and melted cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as party food, packed lunch option, or casual snack time treat.
- Adaptable: Mix up the cheese types, incorporate vegetables, or use shredded chicken as an alternative!
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 10 taco sticks
- Equipment Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, skillet, pastry brush
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 1/4 lb chorizo, casing removed
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 5 mozzarella cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chorizo, breaking them apart as they cook. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Lightly stretch each piece to create a slightly larger surface area.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon a small portion of the seasoned meat mixture onto each triangle. Place a halved mozzarella stick on top of the meat. Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the wider end, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Make the Garlic Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley.
- Brush and Bake: Arrange the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving. Dip into salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra deliciousness!
Helpful Tips:
- Want more flavor & color? Try adding some diced onion or bell pepper when you cook the beef and chorizo.
- For extra melty & tasty cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack would be great alternatives!
- Freshness boost! Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top after baking for a lovely touch.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- Dipping Options: Fresh salsa, mashed avocado dip, Mexican crema, or warm cheese sauce.
- Accompaniments: Sweet corn medley, Spanish rice, or creamy bean puree.
- Fresh Addition: A light avocado-tomato mix provides perfect contrast to the rich rolls.
Store Leftovers and Reheating
- Storage: Keep unused rolls in a sealed container, refrigerated for 3 days maximum.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or air-fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for optimal crispness.
- Freezing: Store uncooked rolls frozen up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
Food and Drink Pairings
- Beverages: Match with traditional horchata, zesty margaritas, or chilled Mexican lager.
- Extra Snacks: Complement with tortilla chips or loaded potato wedges for enhanced variety.
Pro Cooking Tips for the Best Crunchy Cheese Rolls
- Temperature Matters: Work with chilled dough to prevent sticking and ensure easier handling.
- Secure Edges: Press edges firmly to contain melting cheese during baking.
- Cheese Variations: Consider spicy pepper jack or smoky gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Extra Glaze: Apply additional garlic butter post-baking for enhanced taste and shine.
Savor these delectable Mexican cheese rolls at your next meal or gathering—they’re guaranteed to impress everyone!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 1/4 lb chorizo, casing removed
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 5 mozzarella cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chorizo, breaking them apart as they cook. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Lightly stretch each piece to create a slightly larger surface area.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon a small portion of the seasoned meat mixture onto each triangle. Place a halved mozzarella stick on top of the meat. Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the wider end, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Make the Garlic Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried parsley.
- Brush and Bake: Arrange the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving. Dip into salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra deliciousness!
Notes
- Cheese: For a better cheese pull, you might want to use more cheese or a cheese that melts really well!
- Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking. You can even add some chili powder or fresh chili if you like it extra spicy!
- Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, try brushing the dough with egg white before the garlic butter.
- Salt: Chorizo can be salty, so taste the mixture and be careful with how much taco seasoning and extra salt you add.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American