Cheesy Taco Sticks (Kid-Friendly)

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful fusion of tacos and cheesy breadsticks, offering a handheld snack that’s both satisfying and W-W friendly. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or a fun twist on Taco Tuesday!​

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 25 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 8

🏷️ W-W Points: Approximately 7 points per serving 

🥗 Dietary Tags: W-W Friendly, Kid-Friendly

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 93% lean)

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1/2 cup salsa

• 1 package refrigerated crescent rolls (reduced-fat if available)

• Cooking spray

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).​

2. Cook Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.​

3. Season: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.​

4. Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.​

5. Assemble Sticks: Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each triangle, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll up and seal the edges to enclose the filling.​

6. Bake: Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.​

7. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.​

💡 Additional Notes

• Customize: Feel free to add chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor.​

• Dipping Options: Serve with light sour cream or guacamole for dipping.​

🧂 Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips

• Ground Beef: Using 93% lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.​

• Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheese to keep the W-W points in check.​

• Crescent Rolls: Using reduced-fat crescent rolls can further decrease the overall points.​

🍽️ Serving and Presentation

• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.​

• Presentation Tip: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.​

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Information

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.​

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked assembled sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.​

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 300

• Protein: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fat: 15g

• W-W Points: Approximately 7​

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and can help reduce the W-W points.​

Q: Are there vegetarian options?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or a mixture of beans and vegetables.​

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the sticks and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.​

📝 Author Note

As a professional chef specialist, I love creating dishes that are both delicious and mindful of our health goals. These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a family favorite, combining the comforting flavors of tacos with the fun of finger food.

Call to Action

Have you tried making these Cheesy Taco Sticks? We’d love to hear how they turned out! Feel free to leave a rating and share your experience in the comments below.