Need an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner or party snack? These Cheesy Taco Sticks are here to save the day! They’re melty, savory, and wrapped in golden crescent rolls basically everything you love about tacos, but portable. If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy taco sticks recipe, you’re in for a real treat.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cheesy Taco Sticks
First of all, they’re fun! Whether you’re whipping up easy cheesy taco sticks for a family game night or craving something tasty you can eat with your hands, these little guys check all the boxes. You can bake them, air fry them, or even swap in tortillas if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, with cheesy taco sticks crescent rolls as the base, they’re practically foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef: The savory filling base.
- Taco seasoning: Adds bold, classic flavor.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend your choice!
- Onion: Adds sweet, savory flavor.
- Salsa: Brings moisture and a flavor punch.
- Crescent rolls: Flaky, buttery dough perfect for wrapping.
- Cooking spray: Keeps everything golden and nonstick.
- Optional extras: Jalapeños, bell peppers, black olives, extra cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
Add taco seasoning and salsa to the beef. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 2: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. If you want thicker sticks, press two triangles together to make a rectangle.
Spoon some of the taco beef onto each dough piece, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add any optional extras you like. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
Step 3: Bake (or Air Fry!)
Place the taco sticks seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
For air fryer cheesy taco sticks, cook at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes, checking halfway through.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
Estimated Nutrition and Prep Time
Nutrition Facts (per taco stick)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition may vary based on size and toppings.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Tips for the Best Baked Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Don’t overfill: A little filling goes a long way otherwise, they’ll burst.
- Seal them well: Pinch the seams tightly to keep all that cheesy goodness inside.
- Get creative: Try cheesy taco bread sticks by adding extra shredded cheese right into the dough!
- Want it spicier? Toss some jalapeños into the beef mixture for an extra kick.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks
Serve cheesy taco sticks hot with a side of salsa, sour cream, or queso dip. They’re also perfect next to a crisp green salad or a big plate of nachos if you’re going all out!
These are a big hit for game day parties, after-school snacks, or even an easy dinner when you’re running short on time.
Preparing Ahead and Storing
You can prepare the taco meat a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Once baked, leftover cheesy taco sticks can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy goodness — microwaving works, but the crust might get a little soft.
A Little Storytime
The first time I made baked cheesy taco sticks was during a “what can I make with just a few ingredients?” moment. Turns out, a package of crescent rolls and some leftover taco meat can create something absolutely magical. Now they’re a staple whenever friends drop by unexpectedly!
FAQs About Cheesy Taco Sticks
Can I use tortillas instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! For cheesy taco sticks tortilla style, wrap the filling in small flour tortillas and bake seam-side down.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer cheesy taco sticks are golden and crispy. Cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
Can I freeze them?
Definitely. Bake, cool, and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
What other cheese can I use?
Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a spicy Mexican blend all work wonderfully.
Can I make vegetarian cheesy taco sticks?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Can I make them spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning.
How do I keep them from leaking?
Make sure to pinch all seams tightly and don’t overstuff!
What sides go well with taco sticks?
Guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, or a crisp salad are all perfect pairings.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making classic cheesy taco sticks crescent rolls style, baking them, or trying air fryer cheesy taco sticks for a quick snack, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying they are. Packed with flavor, fun to eat, and a guaranteed hit for any occasion!
Cheesy Taco Sticks
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 cup salsa
Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
- cooking spray
Optional Add-ins
- sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, black olives, extra cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and salsa to the beef. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. If desired, press two triangles together to form a rectangle for larger sticks.
- Place some taco beef mixture and shredded cheese in the center of each dough piece. Add optional extras if using. Fold dough over filling and pinch edges to seal.
- Place sticks seam-side down on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping!