Ham and Cheese Sticks are a savory, indulgent snack that combines the rich flavors of ham and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a crispy dough. Perfect for game nights, after-school snacks, or party appetizers, these sticks are simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough or puff pastry

• Deli-sliced ham or smoked ham

• Cheese sticks (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp poppy seeds

• Coarse salt (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the dough: Lay out your dough on a clean surface and gently roll it out if necessary. Slice the ham into strips that fit within the dough. Cut the cheese sticks to match the dough length.

3. Assemble: Place a piece of ham on each dough section and top with a cheese stick. Carefully roll the dough around the cheese and ham, ensuring the edges are sealed tightly.

4. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and poppy seeds.

5. Brush and bake: Brush each stick with the glaze mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

6. Cool and serve: Allow the sticks to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, honey mustard, or ranch.

Nutrients

• Calories: 200-250 per stick (estimate)

• Protein: 10-12g

• Carbohydrates: 18-22g

• Fat: 12-15g

• Sodium: 500-700mg

The Perfect Dough Base

The dough is the foundation of these ham and cheese sticks, and you have two great options to choose from: crescent roll dough or puff pastry. Both doughs are easy to work with and offer a different texture. Crescent roll dough gives the sticks a soft, pillowy texture that’s perfect for a light snack, while puff pastry creates a flaky, buttery exterior that adds a touch of elegance to the snack.

Crescent roll dough is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy option that delivers a soft, classic texture, while puff pastry takes a bit more time and effort to handle but gives the sticks a crispier, more luxurious finish. Whichever dough you choose, the result will be a satisfying, crispy exterior that holds the ham and cheese filling perfectly.

A Delicious Filling: Ham and Cheese

The filling is where these sticks really shine. For the ham, you can choose deli-sliced ham or smoked ham, depending on your taste preferences. Deli ham offers a more subtle, classic flavor, while smoked ham adds a rich, slightly smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.

The cheese is just as important in this recipe, as it creates that gooey, melty center that makes these sticks so delicious. Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for its mild, stretchy quality, but cheddar cheese provides a sharper, more robust flavor. You can mix and match cheese types depending on your tastes, or even experiment with other options like gouda, provolone, or Swiss. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the savory ham.

How to Assemble Ham and Cheese Sticks

Assembling these ham and cheese sticks is a simple process that even beginners can handle with ease. After rolling out your dough, slice the ham and cheese to fit the length of your dough. The cheese should be cut to the same size as the dough to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed inside each stick. Once you’ve placed a slice of ham and a cheese stick on each section of dough, carefully roll it up, ensuring that the edges are tightly sealed so that the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking.

The rolling process is key to creating evenly shaped sticks that bake uniformly. If you’re using puff pastry, be mindful to roll the dough tightly so that the pastry crisps up around the filling. If you’re using crescent roll dough, the dough is typically pre-sliced into triangles, so you’ll just need to roll them up like traditional crescent rolls, making sure to wrap the ham and cheese snugly inside.

Adding a Flavorful Glaze

To take these ham and cheese sticks to the next level, a simple glaze of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and poppy seeds is brushed over the top. This glaze gives the sticks an extra layer of flavor, with the tang of Dijon mustard, the depth of Worcestershire sauce, and the mild sweetness of onion powder. The addition of poppy seeds gives a slight crunch and a pop of flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and ham. Brushing the glaze onto the dough before baking ensures that the tops turn golden brown and crispy, with a beautiful, glossy finish.

You can also experiment with the glaze, adding spices or herbs to tailor the flavor to your liking. For example, you could add a pinch of garlic powder, dried thyme, or even chili flakes for a spicy kick. The glaze is simple yet effective in enhancing the flavor of the ham and cheese sticks, making them even more delicious.

Baking to Perfection

Once your ham and cheese sticks are assembled and glazed, they are ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the sticks from sticking. Arrange the sticks on the baking sheet, making sure there’s enough space between them for the dough to cook evenly.

Bake the sticks for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking and ensure they stay soft and gooey on the inside while achieving a perfectly crisp exterior. The result should be a batch of beautiful, golden, and perfectly baked ham and cheese sticks that are ready to be devoured.

Serving and Enjoying

Once your ham and cheese sticks are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still gooey and melty. You can serve them as a standalone snack or pair them with dipping sauces for added flavor. Classic options like marinara, honey mustard, or ranch dressing are great choices for dipping, but you can also get creative with your sauces. A tangy barbecue sauce, a creamy garlic dip, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be fantastic additions.

These ham and cheese sticks are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing after-school snacks, or serving appetizers at a casual gathering, these sticks are sure to be a hit. Their warm, cheesy center and crispy, flavorful exterior make them a crowd-pleasing favorite for kids and adults alike.

Freezer-Friendly Option

If you make a large batch of these ham and cheese sticks and want to store some for later, they freeze beautifully. After baking, let the sticks cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to a few months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat the sticks in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through and the cheese is once again gooey and delicious.

Conclusion

Ham and cheese sticks are a delicious and indulgent snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With a savory filling of ham and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy dough, these sticks are sure to satisfy any craving. They are easy to make, highly customizable, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or just craving something warm and cheesy, these ham and cheese sticks are an excellent choice. Try them today, and enjoy this satisfying, mouthwatering treat!