Craving that perfect blend of crispy and savory, but tired of the same old taco routine? Imagine biting into warm, golden Taco Sticks, bursting with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a taco in a fun, dippable format – get ready to become a taco stick pro!
The Good Stuff: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1/2 cup water
For the Taco Sticks:
- 2 cans (11 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (or regular crescent rolls, pinched together)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, green onions
Let’s Talk Substitutions & Swaps
Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions you can make:
- Ground Beef: Substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Taco Seasoning: Make your own taco seasoning blend! There are tons of recipes online. Or, just use chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Puff pastry can be used, but it will have a flakier texture.
- Cheese: Use any cheese you like! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend would be delicious.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Taco Sticks Dreams a Reality
Getting Started: Prepping the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
Assembling the Taco Sticks: The Fun Part!
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the crescent roll dough.
- Spread the cooked taco meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the taco meat.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheese and meat mixture. Again, if using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together.
- Gently press down on the top layer of dough to help everything adhere.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
Baking to Golden Perfection: Almost There!
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the taco sticks cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Dress ‘Em Up!
These Taco Sticks are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with toppings! Here are a few ideas:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Chopped tomatoes
- Green onions
- Hot sauce
Pro Tips and Tricks: Taco Stick Success!
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can make the taco sticks difficult to cut and keep together.
- Seal the edges: Press the edges of the top and bottom layers of dough together to help prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Adjust baking time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the taco sticks and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Turning Up the Heat: Spicy Variations
Want to add a kick to your Taco Sticks? Try these variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco meat mixture.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
- Top the taco sticks with jalapeños before baking.
- Serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce.
Other Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers You’ll Love
If you’re planning a party or get-together, you might also enjoy these other delicious appetizers. For a classic party snack, try Pigs In A Blanket. If you’re looking for something cheesy and savory, Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are always a hit. For a festive and flavorful dip, Spicy Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a great option. And for a fun and interactive appetizer, consider making Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread.
Comfort Food Cravings? More Meal Ideas!
If these Taco Sticks have you craving comfort food, you might also enjoy these satisfying meals. Chicken Taco Soup is a warm and hearty option. For a cheesy and filling casserole, Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is always a winner.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftover Taco Sticks? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
- Taco Sticks are soggy: Make sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef. Also, don’t overfill the taco sticks.
- Taco Sticks are falling apart: Press the edges of the top and bottom layers of dough together firmly to seal them.
- Taco Sticks are burning: Reduce the oven temperature or shorten the baking time.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary? These Taco Sticks are about to become your new go-to appetizer – get ready for smiles and empty plates!
Can I make the taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
What are some good substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for ground beef. Make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and other spices. Puff pastry can be used instead of crescent roll dough. Any cheese you like can be used, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
How should I store and reheat leftover taco sticks?
Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.
What can I do to prevent the taco sticks from becoming soggy?
Make sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after browning it. Also, avoid overfilling the taco sticks with too much meat and cheese.
Taco Sticks Easy Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If using regular crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the crescent roll dough.
- Spread the cooked taco meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the taco meat.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheese and meat mixture. Again, if using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together.
- Gently press down on the top layer of dough to help everything adhere.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the taco sticks cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, or green onions, if desired.
