The Zesty Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy golden ham and cheese sticks dance with irresistible flavor in this quick snack adventure.

Melted cheese hugs savory ham within a perfectly crunchy exterior.

Small hands and big appetites will rejoice over these simple delights.

Anyone can craft these delectable bites without complicated culinary skills.

Pantry staples come together in minutes to create something magical.

Perfectly portable and crowd-pleasing, these sticks guarantee smiles around the kitchen.

You won’t be able to stop at just one bite of these cheesy wonders.

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into extraordinary moments of deliciousness!

Why Ham And Cheese Sticks Are So Satisfying

• Quick Comfort Cuisine: Whip up these delightful ham and cheese sticks that deliver a satisfying meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for game day gatherings, kid’s parties, or casual family dinners, these sticks offer an irresistible combination of ham, cheese, and buttery, flaky dough that everyone will love.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using convenient crescent dough and basic pantry ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday items into a gourmet-style appetizer without requiring advanced culinary skills or complicated techniques.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap ham for different meats, experiment with cheese varieties, or adjust seasoning to create your personal twist on this crowd-favorite recipe, making it a flexible option for creative home chefs.

Ham And Cheese Stick Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Dough and Filling: .

• Crescent Dough Sheets: Soft and flaky pastry perfect for wrapping.
• Ham: Savory meat that adds delicious protein.
• Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Creamy and melty cheese for extra flavor.

Glaze Ingredients:

• Butter, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: Tangy and rich seasoning blend.
• Onion, Poppy Seeds: Aromatic and crunchy flavor enhancers.

Baking Preparation:

• Baking Sheet: Flat pan for even cooking.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy cleanup.

How To Make Ham And Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Unroll those crescent dough sheets and slice each one into four neat rectangles.

You’ll end up with eight perfect pieces ready for stuffing.

Step 3: Build the Filling

Time to load up your dough!

Spread the ham evenly across each dough piece.

Then place a cheese stick right on top of the ham.

Gently fold in the edges of each piece and roll them up tight to keep all that deliciousness inside.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Boost

• Melted butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Finely chopped onion
• Poppy seeds

Stir these ingredients until they’re well combined and looking glossy.

Step 5: Glaze and Prepare

Brush the flavor-packed glaze all over your rolled-up ham and cheese sticks.

Arrange them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let them bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull those gorgeous ham and cheese sticks out of the oven and let them cool for just a moment.

Serve them up while they’re hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips For Ham And Cheese Stick Perfection

• Select high-quality crescent dough, fresh ham, and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and texture.
• Pinch and fold dough edges carefully to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and tidy presentation.
• Brush glaze sparingly to avoid soggy sticks; use just enough to add rich flavor and golden-brown color.
• Swap cheddar with Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different taste profiles and exciting variations.
• Assemble sticks in advance and refrigerate before baking, making meal preparation quick and convenient for busy days.

Store And Reheat Ham And Cheese Sticks

• Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread sticks on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Reheat sticks on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain crispness.

Pairing Tips For Ham And Cheese Sticks

Savor Complementary Sips and Bites: Perfect Pairings for Ham and Cheese Sticks

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, cheesy flavor and refresh your palate with its light, zesty notes.
• Tangy Dipping Delight: Serve alongside a homemade honey mustard or marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor that complements the savory ham and melted cheese.
• Classic Beer Match: Choose a light lager or pilsner that won’t overpower the delicate flavors, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy appetizer.
• Fresh Side Kick: Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ham and cheese sticks, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Ham And Cheese Sticks

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free pastry dough or almond flour-based wrapper. Use turkey ham and dairy-free cheese for additional dietary accommodations.
• Low-Carb Variation: Substitute dough with thinly sliced ham as a wrap. Use mozzarella or swiss cheese inside, creating a protein-packed roll without traditional bread components.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Remove ham and replace with roasted bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Select vegetarian cheese like plant-based mozzarella or gouda for filling.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños inside the rolls. Incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the glaze for an extra kick of heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ham?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey ham, Black Forest ham, or deli ham slices depending on your preference.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese sticks are recommended, but you can also use mozzarella or Swiss cheese for variety.

• Do I need special tools to make these sticks?

You’ll need a baking sheet, parchment paper or cooking spray, and a small bowl for mixing the glaze. A rolling pin can help with dough preparation.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love these cheesy, crispy sticks and they’re easy to eat. The recipe is simple enough for children to help prepare under adult supervision.

Ham And Cheese Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy ham and cheese sticks bring delightful comfort to classic appetizer lovers. Golden-brown exterior meets melty cheese and savory ham, promising a quick, irresistible snack you’ll devour in moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
• 1 pound (1 lb) deli-sliced ham
• 8 cheddar cheese sticks

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

Finishing Ingredients:

(None)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray or a sheet of parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent dough sheets and slice each into 4 equal rectangular sections, creating 8 distinct pieces.
3. Layer thin slices of ham evenly across each dough rectangle, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Position a cheddar cheese stick precisely on top of the ham layer.
5. Carefully fold the shorter ends of each dough rectangle inward to prevent filling from escaping.
6. Gently roll each rectangle into a compact cylinder, pressing the edges to create a secure seal.
7. Arrange the rolled sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each.
8. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, finely minced onion, and poppy seeds until thoroughly combined.
9. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the exterior of each dough stick with the seasoned butter mixture.
10. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown coloration.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the filling to set.
12. Serve immediately while warm and crispy, offering a delightful blend of savory ham and melted cheese.

Notes

• Select crescent roll dough that’s fresh and not near expiration for best texture and easy rolling.
• Chop ham into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent bulk in one area.
• Use room temperature cheese sticks to help them melt more evenly during baking.
• Seal edges completely to prevent cheese leakage and maintain a neat appearance during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg