1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Ham and Cheese Sticks

Ham and Cheese Sticks

Featured in Perfect Bites for Every Occasion.

Ham and cheese sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that combines deli ham and cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Each stick gets a special coating of butter glaze mixed with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds before baking to golden perfection. They're ready in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. These sticks can be prepared ahead and frozen, then baked whenever needed. Serve them warm from the oven, plain or with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or honey mustard.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Tue, 28 Jan 2025 18:45:09 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Ham and Cheese Sticks Pin it
Ham and Cheese Sticks | recipebyme.com

The perfect combination of gooey melted cheese and savory ham wrapped in golden, flaky dough creates an irresistible treat that brings comfort food to a whole new level. These ham and cheese sticks transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering snack that works brilliantly for everything from casual family gatherings to elegant appetizers.

Last weekend, I made these for my nephew's birthday party, and they disappeared faster than the birthday cake. The adults kept asking for the recipe while the kids begged for seconds. Even my picky sister-in-law, who usually avoids party snacks, couldn't resist having three.

What Makes Each Ingredient Special

  • Fresh crescent roll dough: Creates that irresistible flaky texture and golden exterior while keeping preparation simple
  • Premium deli ham slices: Provide the perfect savory foundation, look for ham that's sliced medium-thick for the best texture
  • High-quality cheese sticks: Ensure proper melting and that satisfying cheese pull, choose whole milk mozzarella or sharp cheddar for best results

Creating Your Perfect Ham and Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Start your oven preheating to 350°F. While it warms, unroll your crescent dough onto a clean countertop. Gently press the perforations to seal them completely.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Take each rectangle and place a slice of ham across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Position your cheese stick at one end.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
Starting from the cheese end, roll the dough tightly around the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal completely, ensuring no cheese can escape during baking.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Place each roll seam-side down on your baking sheet, leaving space between them for even browning.
Step 5: Add Seasoning
Whisk together melted butter with your seasonings until well combined. Brush this mixture generously over each roll, making sure to coat all surfaces.
Step 6: Bake
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown, typically 12-15 minutes.
Cheesy Ham and Cheese Sticks Pin it
Cheesy Ham and Cheese Sticks | recipebyme.com

Growing up, my grandmother always used Swiss cheese in her version. She claimed it had the perfect balance of flavor and melt, and after years of making these myself, I completely agree. The nutty flavor of Swiss pairs beautifully with any ham variety.

Perfect Pairings

Create an unforgettable snack spread by serving these alongside marinara sauce for dipping, fresh vegetable crudités, and a variety of mustards. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a light garden salad dressed in vinaigrette.

Make It Your Own

Transform these sticks into your signature appetizer by experimenting with different cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the butter mixture, or wrap them in prosciutto instead of regular ham for an elegant twist.

Keep Them Fresh

Store any leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.

Close-up Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe Pin it
Close-up Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe | recipebyme.com

Having made these countless times for everything from game day gatherings to elegant cocktail parties, I can confidently say these ham and cheese sticks are one of the most reliable and beloved recipes in my collection. The combination of buttery crust, savory ham, and melted cheese creates pure comfort food magic that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ham and cheese sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead and freeze them. When ready to serve, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
→ What's the best cheese to use for these sticks?
Cheddar cheese sticks work great, but you can also try Swiss for a nuttier flavor or Gouda for a smoother melt.
→ How should I store leftover ham and cheese sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ What can I serve with these sticks?
They're great with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping. They also pair well with a fresh salad.
→ Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry works well as a substitute. Keep it cold until ready to use for the best results.

Ham and Cheese Sticks

These ham and cheese sticks combine deli ham and cheddar wrapped in flaky dough, topped with a buttery glaze for the perfect warm snack.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Sana


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 ham and cheese sticks)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough and Fillings

01 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
02 1 pound deli-sliced ham
03 8 cheddar cheese sticks

→ Glaze

04 ¼ cup melted butter
05 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
06 ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 ½ tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
08 ½ tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roll out your crescent dough sheets and cut each one into 4 pieces, resulting in 8 pieces total.

Step 03

Distribute the ham evenly among the 8 pieces of dough. Place a cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece. Fold in the ends of each piece and then roll to seal.

Step 04

Place the prepared sticks on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion, and poppy seeds.

Step 06

Brush the butter mixture over each stick.

Step 07

Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 08

Enjoy your Ham and Cheese Sticks hot and fresh from the oven!

Notes

  1. For best results, choose quality ingredients. A higher-quality ham and cheese will significantly enhance the flavor.
  2. Keep dough refrigerated until just before assembly for better handling and puffiness.
  3. These sticks freeze well - assemble, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
  4. Try serving with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for mixing glaze
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (crescent dough)