Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These ham and cheese sticks are flaky, cheesy, and endlessly versatile. They come together quickly with minimal ingredients and bake into golden perfection. You can twist them for a fun presentation or leave them flat for dipping. The combination of salty ham, creamy cheese, and crisp pastry creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s irresistible. Serve them with your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a snack everyone will love — whether it’s a casual appetizer or an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Ham and Cheese Sticks – A Savory Snack Delight
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Diet: Halal
Description
Ham and Cheese Sticks are a savory snack delight featuring layers of salty ham and gooey melted cheese wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. Golden and crisp on the outside with a cheesy, smoky center — they’re perfect for parties, brunch, or a quick snack anytime of day.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 6 slices cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or provolone)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or honey mustard (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth creases and slightly enlarge it.
- Spread Dijon or honey mustard evenly over the pastry (if using).
- Arrange ham slices over the pastry in a single layer, followed by cheese slices on top.
- Fold the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise and gently press down to seal the layers.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Twist each strip a few times and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Brush each twist with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with honey mustard, marinara, or ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked ham and sharp cheddar cheese.
- These can be made ahead — assemble and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for crispiness.
- Perfect as a holiday appetizer, brunch snack, or game day finger food.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff Pastry Sheets: Buttery and flaky, this forms the perfect crisp exterior.
Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham — honey, smoked, or black forest ham all work beautifully.
Cheese: Mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar for the perfect melt.
Egg: Beaten, for brushing the pastry and giving it that lovely golden sheen.
Dijon Mustard (optional): Adds a subtle tangy note that enhances the savory flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Sesame Seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional): For extra texture and presentation.
Fresh Parsley (optional): To garnish once baked for a touch of color.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if desired. Lay down the ham slices, followed by the cheese slices. Top with another pastry sheet and gently press to seal.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into ¾-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip gently or leave flat, and place them on the baking sheet.
Brush each stick with beaten egg, then sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, and optional sesame seeds or bagel seasoning.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving — the cheese inside will be molten hot!
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 sticks. Prep time is 10 minutes, bake time is 18 minutes, for a total of 28 minutes — perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving — it can make the pastry soft.
Variations and Customizations
Italian Ham & Cheese Sticks
Use prosciutto and provolone with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Kick
Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
Garlic Butter Finish
Brush the sticks with melted garlic butter right out of the oven for extra richness.
Breakfast Style
Add scrambled eggs and cheddar between the ham and cheese for a hearty breakfast version.
Honey Mustard Twist
Drizzle with honey mustard before serving for a sweet and tangy touch.
Veggie Version
Skip the ham and add spinach, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions for a vegetarian alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate before baking, then pop them in the oven when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked sticks on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Swiss or Gruyère add more depth of flavor.
4. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes — it creates a softer texture but still tastes fantastic.
5. Can I air fry these?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. What dipping sauces go well with them?
Honey mustard, ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli are all great choices.
7. Can I make them vegetarian?
Definitely — just replace the ham with your favorite veggies or skip it entirely.
8. Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
Yes — just distribute it evenly to ensure it melts nicely.
9. Can I serve them cold?
They taste best warm, but are still delicious at room temperature.
10. How can I make them extra crispy?
Bake on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to allow air to circulate underneath.
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Sticks are the ultimate savory snack — buttery, cheesy, and delightfully flaky. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from brunch to game night. The combination of ham’s saltiness, cheese’s creaminess, and pastry’s crunch makes every bite irresistible. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them vanish — these savory sticks are comfort food in the most satisfying form.
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