Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

The Most Irresistible Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe Ever

Crispy ham and cheese sticks offer a delightful twist on classic snack-time favorites.

Our kitchen adventure starts with simple ingredients you can easily find.

Melted cheese and savory ham create a perfect combination inside a golden, crunchy exterior.

Comfort food rarely gets more satisfying than these bite-sized treats.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist their irresistible crunch and warm, gooey center.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear from the plate, these sticks will become your new go-to appetizer.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic happen in your kitchen.

What Makes Ham and Cheese Sticks an Easy Snack Favorite

  • Simplify Snack Prep: Grab crescent dough and ham to create delicious bites without complex cooking skills.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Mix and match different cheese types or add herbs to make these sticks uniquely yours.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Compact, handheld appetizers that wow guests at potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform basic ingredients into golden, crispy treats in just a few simple steps that anyone can master.

Essential Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sticks

Main Ingredients:
  • Crescent Dough Sheets: The foundation of the recipe that provides a soft, flaky exterior for the ham and cheese filling.
  • Ham: A savory protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the sticks.
  • Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Delivers a creamy, melty core that complements the ham perfectly.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: A flavor-packed combination that enhances the overall taste of the ham and cheese sticks.
  • Poppy Seeds, Onion: Additional seasonings that contribute depth and a subtle crunch to the exterior.
Optional Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface option for easy baking and cleanup.

How to Prepare Ham and Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly coating it with cooking spray or laying down a sheet of parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Gently unroll the crescent dough sheets and slice each one into four equal sections, creating a total of eight rectangular pieces.

Step 3: Load Up with Filling

Place a generous layer of ham on each dough piece. Top the ham with a single cheese stick. Carefully fold the shorter ends of the dough inward, then roll the entire piece to create a sealed tube.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Position the rolled-up ham and cheese bundles onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching each other.

Step 5: Whip Up the Flavor Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Poppy seeds

Stir the ingredients until they form a harmonious blend.

Step 6: Brush with Flavor

Use a pastry brush to generously coat each roll with the zesty butter mixture, ensuring every surface gets a delicious layer of flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals they’re ready.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and let cool for a moment. Serve these irresistible ham and cheese rolls while they’re warm and at their most tempting.

Tips to Get Ham and Cheese Sticks Just Right

  • Swap crescent dough with gluten-free options for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or provolone for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep ingredients in advance to save time during busy weeknights or quick meal preparations.
  • Store leftover sticks in an airtight container and reheat in oven for crispy texture.
  • Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure ham is thoroughly heated and safe to consume.

Variations to Add Variety to Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sticks: Replace ham with crispy bacon and add diced jalapeños inside the roll for a kick of heat.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Sticks: Swap ham for roasted zucchini, add feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Breakfast Sausage Rolls: Use breakfast sausage instead of ham, incorporate scrambled eggs, and top with cheddar cheese for a morning-inspired version.
  • Caprese Stick Variation: Fill with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking for an Italian-inspired appetizer.

Pairing Ideas to Enjoy with Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • Pair with Zesty White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of ham and cheese, offering crisp citrus notes that refresh the palate.
  • Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens, cucumber, and light vinaigrette to balance the savory, warm sticks with a cool, crunchy side.
  • Match with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Blend honey mustard or ranch dressing to provide a creamy, tangy counterpoint that enhances the ham and cheese flavors.
  • Serve with Sparkling Lemonade: Bright, bubbly citrus drink cleanses the mouth between bites and adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy appetizer.

Best Storage Methods for Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap each stick individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange sticks on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Reheat for 30-45 seconds, checking periodically to avoid soggy texture. Let stand for a minute before serving to distribute heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • Can I use different types of ham or cheese?

Yes, you can swap ham for turkey or bacon, and use mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone cheese instead of cheddar for variety.

  • Are these ham and cheese sticks good for kids' lunch boxes?

Absolutely! They’re portable, easy to eat, and can be served warm or cold, making them perfect for school lunches or snacks.

  • Do I need any special kitchen tools to make these?

No, just a basic baking sheet, parchment paper or cooking spray, and a small bowl for the glaze. Simple kitchen tools work perfectly.

  • Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sticks and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook them.

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Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy ham and cheese sticks deliver a delightful crunch that elevates simple ingredients into a mouthwatering snack. Golden-brown exterior meets gooey cheese and savory ham, promising a quick appetizer perfect for hungry guests craving comfort and flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound deli-sliced ham
  • 8 cheddar cheese sticks

Dough:

  • 2 tubes crescent dough sheets

Seasoning and Coating:

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
  2. Unfurl the crescent dough sheets and slice each into 4 equal rectangular sections, creating 8 total dough pieces.
  3. Layer thin ham slices across each dough rectangle, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Position a single cheddar cheese stick atop the ham layer on each dough piece.
  5. Carefully fold the shorter ends of each dough piece inward to prevent filling from escaping.
  6. Gently roll each section, pressing edges to completely seal the ham and cheese inside.
  7. Transfer the rolled sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  8. Combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, finely minced onion, and poppy seeds in a small mixing bowl.
  9. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each dough stick with the prepared herb-butter glaze.
  10. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the sticks transform into a golden, crispy exterior.
  11. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  12. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the melted cheese and savory ham filling.

Notes

  • Use crescent roll dough at room temperature for easier handling and better rolling.
  • Ensure ham and cheese are evenly distributed to prevent uneven cooking and filling leakage.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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