Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

Crispy Golden Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crispy ham and cheese sticks dance between comfort food and clever snacking for anyone seeking a quick bite.

Melted cheese promises pure delight inside a golden-brown wrapper.

Portable and irresistible, these little treats work magic during movie nights or casual gatherings.

Kids absolutely adore them while adults appreciate their simplicity.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated preparation steps.

Surprisingly easy to assemble, these sticks require just a few standard kitchen tools.

Why Ham and Cheese Sticks Are a Fun Favorite

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these delightful ham and cheese sticks with minimal prep and basic ingredients, making it a breeze for even novice home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these crispy, cheesy treats will have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey cheese, savory ham, and buttery, slightly tangy glaze that transforms simple crescent dough into an irresistible snack.
  • Versatile Meal Companion: Serve these sticks as an appetizer, lunch box treat, after-school snack, or alongside soups and salads for a satisfying and flexible meal addition.

Ham & Cheese Sticks Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Crescent Dough Sheets: Ready-to-use pastry for wrapping.
  • Ham Slices: Thin protein layer for filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Melty core ingredient for flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Rich coating for golden color.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy flavor enhancer.
  • Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment for depth.
  • Dried Minced Onion, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasoning boost.
  • Poppy Seeds: Decorative and slightly nutty topping.
Preparation Extras:
  • Parchment Paper, Baking Sheet: Essential for non-stick baking surface.

Ham and Cheese Sticks How-To

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set oven to 350°F. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Dough

Unroll crescent dough sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles, making 8 pieces total.

Step 3: Assemble Rolls

Place a ham slice and cheese stick on each dough piece. Fold ends and roll tightly, sealing the filling inside.

Step 4: Arrange on Sheet

Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Make Glaze

Mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, and poppy seeds.

Step 6: Glaze Rolls

Brush each roll generously with the glaze.

Step 7: Bake

Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cheese melts.

Step 8: Serve

Cool slightly and enjoy warm.

Tips for Rolling Out Ham and Cheese Snack Sticks

  • Seal Edges Perfectly: Pinch the dough edges tightly to prevent cheese and ham from leaking during baking, ensuring a clean and neat appearance.
  • Cheese Choice Matters: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for unique flavor variations and interesting taste profiles.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place sticks on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation, keeping the bottom crisp and avoiding moisture buildup.
  • Glaze with Precision: Apply the butter mixture evenly and generously for a glossy, flavorful exterior that enhances the overall taste and appearance of the sticks.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the ham and cheese sticks in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake, making them perfect for quick entertaining or meal prep.

Save Ham and Cheese Sticks the Right Way

  • Store ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange frozen or refrigerated sticks on baking sheet. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Quick option for reheating. Zap refrigerated sticks for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 10-15 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Snack Ideas for Ham and Cheese Sticks

Perfect Pairings for Ham and Cheese Sticks:
  • Refresh with Zesty Dips: Combine tangy ranch, spicy honey mustard, or cool cucumber tzatziki to complement the rich ham and cheese flavors.
  • Crisp Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette to balance the hearty appetizer and add fresh crunch.
  • Wine and Beverage Match: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or enjoy a cold craft beer with light hop notes to enhance the savory snack.
  • Quick Fruit Side: Add a small portion of green apple slices or grapes to provide a sweet contrast and cleanse the palate between bites.

Ham Cheese Snack Combos

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ham with roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini strips, using plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use thin sliced turkey or chicken as the wrap, replacing dough with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add jalapeño slices or sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the sticks for extra heat and bold flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Are these ham and cheese sticks easy to make?

Yes, they’re super simple! With just a few ingredients and basic steps, even beginner cooks can whip these up quickly. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

  • Can I use different types of ham or cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap ham for turkey or salami, and try different cheese like Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella. Just keep the size similar to the original recipe for best results.

  • What can I serve these sticks as?

These are perfect as appetizers, game day snacks, after-school treats, or party finger foods. Kids and adults both love them because they’re handy, tasty, and convenient to eat.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these?

No special tools required! Just a baking sheet, parchment paper (optional), a small bowl for the glaze, and a basic oven. You’ll likely have most items in your kitchen already.

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Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy ham and cheese sticks deliver golden-brown perfection with savory fillings that dance between traditional comfort and delightful crunch. Cheese lovers will savor these portable snacks packed with rich flavors, ready to elevate any gathering or quick meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Liquid and Fat:

  • 1/4 cup butter (melted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Carefully unroll the crescent dough sheets and slice each sheet into four equal rectangular sections, creating eight total dough pieces.
  3. Layer a slice of ham onto each dough rectangle, positioning it to cover most of the surface.
  4. Position a cheddar cheese stick at one end of the ham-covered dough piece.
  5. Delicately fold the shorter ends of the dough inward to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
  6. Gently roll the dough around the ham and cheese, ensuring a tight seal with the seam positioned underneath.
  7. Arrange the rolled sticks on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for even cooking.
  8. Combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, and poppy seeds in a small mixing bowl.
  9. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the exterior of each ham and cheese roll with the seasoned butter mixture.
  10. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the dough turns a rich golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the sticks to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and enhance flavor development.

Notes

  • Seal the edges tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and contained snack.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
  • Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Prepare these sticks ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute appetizers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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