Kid-Friendly Cheesy Taco Sticks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8 taco sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or use a mild version to avoid spice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild cheese works best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the taco sticks bake evenly and become golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet, place the ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken).
- Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the meat until it’s browned (around 5-7 minutes).
- Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once cooked, drain any extra fat from the skillet. This step keeps the taco sticks from being too greasy.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
- Add the taco seasoning to the skillet with the meat.
- Follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) and simmering for 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to make sure the seasoning is well mixed with the meat.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- While the meat simmers, open the package of refrigerated pizza dough.
- Place it on a clean surface (like a countertop or cutting board).
- Roll it out into a flat rectangle. If using crescent roll dough, just unroll it and pinch the seams together to make one large piece.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips, about 1-inch wide and 5 inches long.
Step 5: Assemble the Taco Sticks
- Take one strip of dough and place it on a flat surface.
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the taco meat mixture down the center of the dough strip.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat.
- Be careful not to overfill the dough, as you need to be able to fold it over without spilling the filling.
Step 6: Fold and Seal the Taco Sticks
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, covering the meat and cheese.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the taco stick. This helps keep the cheese inside while it bakes and prevents the filling from leaking out.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough strips and taco filling.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Place each taco stick on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching each other. This allows them to bake evenly on all sides.
Step 8: Brush with Olive Oil or Butter
- Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the top of each taco stick with olive oil or melted butter.
- This will help the taco sticks turn golden and crispy as they bake.
- Optionally, sprinkle the tops of the sticks with garlic powder for extra flavor (especially if your kids like garlic!).
Step 9: Bake the Taco Sticks
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- You can check them at the 10-minute mark to see if they need a little more time.
Step 10: Let Them Cool
- Once the taco sticks are baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Let the taco sticks cool for about 2-3 minutes so the cheese inside can firm up a bit. They’ll be easier to eat and less likely to burn little mouths!
Step 11: Serve and Dip!
- Serve the taco sticks on a plate with a side of sour cream for dipping.
- If your kids love other dipping sauces, you can also serve with ketchup, ranch dressing, or mild salsa.
- Enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness!
Kid-Friendly Variations:
Variation 1: Cheesy Chicken Taco Sticks
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (mild and kid-friendly)
- 1/4 cup mild salsa (optional, or you can skip it if you think it’s too much)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken and mix it with a small amount of mild salsa (just enough to lightly coat the chicken).
- Assemble: Place the chicken mixture down the center of each dough strip. Add cheese on top.
- Wrap and Bake: Fold over the dough, pinch the edges, and bake according to the basic recipe instructions.
Variation 2: Veggie Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1/2 cup cooked and diced carrots (can use frozen ones or lightly cook fresh ones)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional, or you can skip it if kids prefer plain)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions:
- Prepare Veggies: Mix together the corn, cooked carrots, and finely chopped bell pepper.
- Assemble: Place the veggie mix down the center of the dough strips and sprinkle with cheese.
- Wrap and Bake: Fold the dough over the veggies, pinch the edges, and bake according to the basic recipe instructions.
Variation 3: Pizza Taco Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (mild, or you can use pizza sauce)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (or small pieces of turkey pepperoni)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
Instructions:
- Prepare Filling: Mix together the marinara sauce and mini pepperoni pieces.
- Assemble: Place a spoonful of the sauce and pepperoni mixture down the center of each dough strip. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Wrap and Bake: Fold over the dough, pinch the edges, and bake as directed in the basic recipe.
Kid-Friendly Tips:
- Milder Flavors: Choose mild cheese and use less spice or avoid spicy taco seasoning. If your kids love cheese, add extra!
- Involvement: Kids love getting involved! Let them help roll out the dough, spoon the fillings, and pinch the dough to seal the sticks.
- Dipping Sauces: Kids adore dipping! Serve with kid-friendly dips like ketchup, ranch dressing, or mild salsa, or just go with sour cream.
- Fun Shapes: To make the taco sticks extra fun, you can use cookie cutters to shape the dough into fun shapes before filling and baking.
With these extra steps, it should be even easier for you and the kids to make these delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks. Have fun and enjoy your cheesy, crunchy creations!