Cheesy Ham and Cheese Sticks are the ultimate snack for any occasion — crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with savory ham flavor. Whether you’re planning a movie night, need a quick after-school bite, or want something delicious for a party platter, these golden sticks never disappoint. Made with flaky dough, melty cheese, and a buttery glaze, they’re irresistibly simple to prepare yet taste like a gourmet treat.
Ingredients
For the Sticks:
- 1 package crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, thawed)
- 8 slices deli ham or smoked ham
- 8 cheese sticks (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Optional Dips:
- Marinara sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough or puff pastry on a clean, floured surface. If using puff pastry, gently roll it out into a thin rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 even sections.
3. Assemble the Sticks
Place a slice of ham on each dough section, followed by a cheese stick. Roll the dough tightly around the filling, sealing the edges so no cheese escapes during baking.
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
5. Brush and Bake
Brush each rolled stick generously with the glaze mixture, then sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt. Arrange the sticks evenly on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and crisp.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the sticks cool for 5 minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be perfectly melted and stretchy. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, honey mustard, or ranch.
Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Seal the edges well: Press the dough edges tightly to keep the cheese from oozing out while baking.
- Use cold cheese: Slightly chilled cheese sticks hold their shape better while baking.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the sticks once they’re golden brown — overbaking can dry them out.
- Customize the filling: Try adding thinly sliced jalapeños, cooked bacon, or a bit of garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Reheat like new: Pop leftover sticks in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sticks, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with the glaze right before they go into the oven.
What’s the best dough to use?
Crescent roll dough gives you a soft, buttery bite, while puff pastry offers a flaky, more elegant texture. Both work beautifully — it depends on your preference.
Can I freeze them?
Definitely. After baking, let the sticks cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer bags. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts into a gooey center, cheddar gives a sharper flavor, and Swiss adds a nutty richness. Use a mix for the best flavor combination.
Can I make them without ham?
Yes — you can substitute turkey, cooked bacon, or keep them vegetarian with sautéed spinach and cheese.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ham and Cheese Sticks are one of those snacks that never fail to impress. They’re crispy, buttery, and filled with rich, melty cheese that makes every bite satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any event. Serve them warm, enjoy the cheese pull, and watch them disappear fast — these sticks are pure comfort food perfection.