The Crispiest Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crispy golden sticks filled with gooey ham and cheese will have everyone reaching for seconds.

These delightful ham and cheese sticks deliver a perfect crunch with every bite.

Melted cheese and savory ham create an irresistible combination that satisfies all comfort food cravings.

The recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

You can whip up these crowd-pleasing snacks in no time for game day, movie night, or unexpected guests.

Serve them hot and watch how fast they disappear from the plate.

Prepare to become the snack hero your friends and family can’t resist.

Why Ham and Cheese Sticks Are the Ultimate Snack

• These ham and cheese sticks are perfect for busy families wanting a fast, delicious bite that comes together in minutes.
• Guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game nights, or potlucks with their irresistible combination of savory ham and melted cheese.
• Swap ingredients like different cheeses or meats to match your taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible for any gathering.
• Children will love the handheld format and cheesy filling, making mealtime fun and stress-free for parents.

Ham and Cheese Stick Ingredients for Perfect Munching

• Crescent Dough Sheets: A versatile pastry base that provides a soft and flaky wrapper for the ham and cheese filling.
• Ham Slices: Savory meat that adds a classic protein flavor to the sticks.
• Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Creamy and melty cheese that creates a rich and gooey center for the ham and cheese sticks.

• Butter, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: A flavorful combination that adds depth and tanginess to the exterior of the sticks.
• Minced Onion, Poppy Seeds: Seasonings that provide extra aromatic and textural elements to the glaze.

• Parchment Paper or Baking Spray: Used to prevent the sticks from sticking to the baking sheet and ensure easy removal.

Kitchen Tools to Prep Ham and Cheese Sticks

• Baking Sheet: Essential for baking the ham and cheese sticks evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Optional, helps prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out the crescent dough smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing the glaze ingredients.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for generously coating the sticks with butter mixture.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut the crescent dough into pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate glaze ingredient amounts.

Making Ham and Cheese Sticks: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or lay down a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape The Dough

Unroll those crescent dough sheets and slice each one into four equal rectangles.

You’ll end up with eight perfect dough pieces ready for filling.

Step 3: Layer The Filling

Spread ham slices across each dough piece.

Place a single cheese stick right on top of the ham.

Gently fold the dough’s edges over the filling, then roll and pinch the sides to create a secure pocket.

Step 4: Position On Baking Sheet

Carefully transfer your rolled ham and cheese bundles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each stick.

Step 5: Create Flavor Glaze

• Melted butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Finely chopped onion
• Poppy seeds

Step 6: Apply Glaze

Use a pastry brush to generously coat each stick with the flavor-packed butter mixture.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the sticks turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Pull out these gorgeous ham and cheese sticks and serve them piping hot.

Watch them disappear in minutes!

Tips for Melty, Crunchy Ham and Cheese Sticks

• Pinch the dough edges firmly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect, intact stick every time.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that complement the ham.
• Apply the glaze evenly and generously for a golden, crispy exterior that adds rich, savory notes to the sticks.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety, especially with ham.
• Swap crescent dough with low-carb alternatives like almond flour wrap or lettuce leaves for a lighter version.

New Ways to Flavor Ham and Cheese Sticks

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough. Use gluten-free ham and cheese options for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ham with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or plant-based protein slices. Choose mozzarella or Swiss cheese for lighter flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use thin sliced turkey or chicken instead of dough. Wrap ingredients in large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps for protein-packed snack.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Replace Worcestershire sauce with olive oil and dried oregano for Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sticks for Parties

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden ham and cheese sticks on a decorative wooden board with small dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Lunch Box Star: Pack these sticks in kids' or adult lunch containers with a side salad or fresh fruit for a delicious midday meal that stays warm and tasty.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these crispy sticks during sports watching parties as a quick, handheld snack that's easy to grab between cheering and excitement.
• Brunch Breakthrough: Include these savory sticks alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit as a protein-packed addition to weekend breakfast gatherings.

Storing Ham and Cheese Sticks for Anytime Snacking

• Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each stick individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled sticks in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated sticks and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Reheat refrigerated sticks for 30-45 seconds. For best texture, avoid microwaving frozen sticks as they may become soggy.

FAQs

• What type of dough works best for this recipe?

Crescent dough sheets are ideal because they’re pre-rolled, flexible, and create a perfect golden-brown exterior that wraps the ham and cheese beautifully.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the ham’s flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These ham and cheese sticks are bite-sized, easy to eat, and have mild flavors that children typically enjoy. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks.

Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy ham and cheese sticks deliver a delightful appetizer perfect for party snacking. Golden-brown rolls packed with savory ham and melted cheese provide a simple yet satisfying treat you’ll enjoy sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
• 1 lb (454 grams) deli-sliced ham
• 8 cheddar cheese sticks

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

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

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 60 milliliters) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light greasing.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and divide into 8 equal rectangular sections.
3. Layer ham slices across each dough piece, ensuring even distribution.
4. Position a cheese stick on top of the ham in the center of each dough rectangle.
5. Carefully fold the dough’s edges inward, completely encasing the ham and cheese.
6. Tightly roll each stick to create a sealed cylindrical shape, pressing edges to prevent opening during baking.
7. Whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds in a small mixing bowl.
8. Generously brush the prepared glaze over each ham and cheese stick, coating the entire surface.
9. Arrange the glazed sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between each piece.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
12. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, savory appetizer immediately.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and better dough texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough.
• Experiment with different cheese types like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• Prep these sticks ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a convenient make-ahead appetizer or snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg