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Take classic pizza dough to new heights with these flavorful Taco-Style Cheese Breadsticks. The blend of Mexican-spiced beef and melted cheese wrapped in golden, garlicky bread creates an easy handheld meal perfect for any occasion.
This recipe came together during busy weeknight experiments and has since become a reliable favorite. The contrast between the crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling makes these irresistible.
Key Ingredients
- Ground beef: 80/20 blend recommended
- Pizza dough: Let sit at room temp
- String cheese: Whole milk mozzarella
- Taco seasoning: Fresh ground spices
- Butter: Use salted variety
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced
- Parsley: Finely chopped fresh
Preparation Steps
- Cook Beef:
- Brown thoroughly and crumble finely. Remove excess fat. Add seasonings. Cool fully.
- Prepare Dough:
- Let warm up naturally. Roll thin. Cut into rectangles. Keep covered.
- Fill and Shape:
- Add meat and cheese. Seal edges well. Check seams. Space apart.
- Season Surface:
- Combine melted butter with herbs. Brush generously. Save extra.
- Bake Until Done:
- Use hot oven. Monitor closely. Turn pan. Check bottom. Rest briefly.
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This recipe developed from experimenting with new ways to serve taco ingredients.
Baking Temperature Guide
Precise temperature control makes all the difference. A well-preheated 425°F oven creates the perfect balance of crispy exterior and melted interior. Rotating halfway ensures even browning throughout.
Advance Preparation
Plan ahead by preparing the meat filling up to two days early. The assembled sticks can be refrigerated for 4 hours before baking - just add extra cooking time as needed.
Storage Instructions
Store cooled leftovers in sealed containers up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for optimal crispiness, or microwave briefly if needed, though texture may change slightly.
Accompaniments
Offer multiple dipping options like warm cheese sauce, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and Mexican crema. Complete the meal with a fresh Southwest salad or seasoned rice.
Recipe Variations
Try different fillings like spicy peppers for heat or black olives for extra flavor. Morning versions work well with eggs and chorizo instead of taco meat.
Common Solutions
Don't worry about minor cheese leaks - they create tasty crispy edges. If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil to finish baking.
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These savory sticks blend the best of Italian and Mexican flavors into one satisfying dish. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and buttery garlic crust creates an irresistible meal that pleases all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How soon can I prep these?
- You can make them ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, but they taste best fresh out of the oven.
- → Can I switch out the cheese?
- Absolutely. Any melt-friendly cheese will work, like a Mexican blend or mozzarella sticks.
- → Why does the meat need to cool first?
- If the beef is too hot, it makes the dough harder to handle and may also start melting the cheese while wrapping.
- → Can I use something besides beef?
- Yes, ground turkey or chicken seasoned the same way is a great substitute.
- → How do I stop the cheese from oozing out?
- Make sure to tightly seal every seam on the dough when wrapping to keep the cheese inside.