These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are a delightful, savory snack or appetizer that combine flaky puff pastry with savory ham and melted cheese. They’re quick to assemble and bake up golden and crispy, perfect for gatherings, game days, or a tasty snack. You can customize them with fresh herbs or serve with mustard for extra flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)

• 4-6 slices of ham (thinly sliced)

• 4-6 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella)

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

• Optional: fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), mustard for dipping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide, long enough to hold the ham and cheese.

3. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each pastry strip. Sprinkle fresh herbs if desired.

4. Fold each strip over the ham and cheese to create a stick shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.

5. Brush the tops of each stick with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.

6. Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and puffed.

7. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 200–250 kcal

• Protein: 6–8 g

• Fat: 14–18 g (mostly from butter in puff pastry and cheese)

• Carbohydrates: 15–18 g

• Fiber: 1–2 g

• Sugar: 1–2 g

• Sodium: 300–400 mg (from ham, cheese, and salt in pastry)

These are rough estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and portion sizes used. Puff pastry is rich and buttery, so these sticks are best enjoyed as an occasional treat or appetizer.

The Magic of Puff Pastry

At the heart of this recipe lies the puff pastry—a laminated dough known for its delicate layers and airy texture. When baked, puff pastry puffs up dramatically, creating a light, crispy shell that contrasts beautifully with the rich fillings inside. The buttery layers add a subtle richness that elevates the simple ham and cheese combination into a more sophisticated snack.

Using store-bought puff pastry keeps the process straightforward and time-efficient, while still delivering professional-quality results. When properly thawed and handled gently, the pastry dough rolls out smoothly and bakes into perfect golden sticks, creating an appealing visual and textural experience.

Flavorful Ham and Cheese Filling

The filling is simple but classic—thinly sliced ham paired with cheese that melts deliciously during baking. The choice of cheese is flexible, with Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella all offering unique qualities. Swiss cheese provides a nutty and mild flavor, cheddar brings sharpness and depth, while mozzarella offers a creamy, stretchy texture. This flexibility allows you to tailor the sticks to your taste or what you have available.

Ham adds a salty, savory element that complements the cheese’s richness, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. The combination is timeless and crowd-pleasing, ideal for serving at any casual gathering or as a quick comfort snack.

Simple Yet Elegant Assembly

The preparation of these pastry sticks is straightforward but benefits from some small details that enhance the final product. Rolling out the puff pastry and cutting it into uniform strips ensures even baking and consistent portion sizes. Folding the pastry strips over the ham and cheese creates a neat package that holds the filling securely, while crimping the edges with a fork not only seals the dough but also adds a charming rustic finish.

Brushing the tops with a beaten egg wash before baking is a crucial step for achieving that beautiful golden color and glossy shine that makes the sticks so appetizing. This small touch transforms simple ingredients into an elegant-looking snack that can impress guests with minimal effort.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

One of the great advantages of these puff pastry sticks is how easily they can be customized. Adding fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme before folding the dough introduces fragrant, herbal notes that complement the savory filling and add complexity. This allows the basic recipe to be adapted to different flavor profiles, whether you prefer classic, Mediterranean-inspired, or herbaceous accents.

Serving the sticks with mustard or other dipping sauces can also elevate the experience. A tangy Dijon mustard pairs wonderfully with the ham and cheese, cutting through the richness with a sharp bite. Other options include honey mustard, spicy aioli, or even a simple marinara sauce for a twist.

These sticks are ideal for sharing, making them perfect for appetizers, cocktail parties, or as part of a larger snack spread. Their handheld nature and crisp texture invite casual enjoyment and easy eating.

Nutritional Considerations

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are indulgent treats, thanks primarily to the buttery puff pastry and cheese content. They are moderate in calories and fat, providing a satisfying source of energy and protein from the cheese and ham. However, due to their richness and sodium levels—mainly from processed ham and cheese—they are best enjoyed in moderation.

The puff pastry contributes most of the carbohydrates and fat, making these sticks more of an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday snack. Adding fresh herbs and serving with mustard or other dips can enhance flavor without significantly increasing calories.

For those seeking a lighter version, reducing the amount of cheese or choosing a lower-fat cheese variety may help, though the buttery, flaky texture will always be a rich component.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks offer a perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and savory, melty filling, making them an ideal snack or appetizer for a wide range of occasions. Their quick preparation, combined with the ability to customize with herbs and dips, makes them a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.

Whether served at a casual get-together, a game day party, or as a simple, satisfying snack, these pastry sticks are sure to delight. Their comforting flavors and elegant presentation allow even novice cooks to impress with minimal effort. Including this recipe on your website will give your readers an easy, delicious option to elevate their entertaining repertoire or enjoy a tasty homemade treat.