– **Title**: Cheesy Taco Sticks
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– Salsa, for dipping
– Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing the baking sheet
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a light coat of olive oil.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning according to package instructions. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Open the crescent roll dough and unroll it on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles following the pre-cut lines.
5. Take a tablespoon of the meat mixture and place it at the wider end of each crescent triangle. Top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and diced tomatoes and green onions if using.
6. Roll up each crescent from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling completely. Place the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Allow the cheesy taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with salsa for dipping. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While I use ground beef for its flavor, ground turkey is a healthier option that works just as well. For a meat-free version, consider using black beans or lentils instead to keep that taco flavor!
Taco Seasoning: The packet is super convenient, but you can make your own seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This way, you can control the spice level to your liking.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic pairings. If you want to mix it up, use pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a vegan cheese option if you’re avoiding dairy.
Crescent Roll Dough: If you’re looking for a healthier dough, use whole wheat or puff pastry. Just keep an eye on the baking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Green Onions & Cilantro: These add freshness, but you can skip them if you’re not a fan. Chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of lime juice adds nice flavor as an alternative.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cheesy Filling?
Mixing the cheese with the beef filling is an essential step. Allow the beef to cool slightly after cooking; this prevents the cheese from melting too quickly. You want that gooey stretch without it becoming runny.
- Combine cheese with the beef once it’s cooled for the best texture.
- Add in green onions and cilantro to enhance flavor; they’re optional but really help!
- Make sure to roll the dough tightly around the filling to keep everything secure when baking.
- Brush the egg wash evenly to create that golden, crispy texture on top.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dough:
- 1 package of crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For Dipping:
- Salsa, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty snack or appetizer that everyone will enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Beef:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook your ground beef (or turkey) until it’s fully browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat so your filling isn’t greasy.
2. Adding Seasoning and Cheese:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning with the beef and follow the package instructions, adding any necessary water. Once mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. After it cools for a few minutes, mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, along with green onions and cilantro if you decided to use them. Get everything mixed well together!
3. Preparing the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles, then pinch the seams together to form a single rectangular piece. This will help hold in your yummy filling better. Now, take a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture and place it at the widest end of each triangle. Roll that dough tightly over the filling to create a stick shape and make sure to seal the ends, so nothing leaks out while baking.
4. Baking the Taco Sticks:
Lay the filled taco sticks on a lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of all the sticks. This step is essential for getting that beautiful golden finish! Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with salsa for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy taco sticks—these will be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and works perfectly in this recipe. Just remember that it may require a slightly shorter cooking time, so keep an eye on it while it’s browning.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as a substitute. Just ensure you roll it out to a similar thickness to maintain the cheesy filling inside. Baking times may vary slightly, so check for golden brown color!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that crispy texture again, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’re in a hurry, although they may not be as crunchy.
Can I Make These Taco Sticks Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the taco sticks ahead of time! Just assemble them, place on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just brush with egg wash and follow the baking directions.
