Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite appetizer: Ham and Cheese Sticks. This brilliant, crowd-pleasing snack wraps gooey cheddar and savory ham in fluffy crescent dough before getting a buttery, flavorful coating and a quick bake for golden perfection. Whether you’re whipping these up for a party platter, an after-school bite, or simply a treat-yourself snack, each bite offers melty, salty, fluffy comfort that will have you grabbing for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are delightfully straightforward, and every ingredient serves a purpose, layering in flavor, texture, and that irresistible bakery-style finish. You probably have most of these already on hand!
- Crescent dough sheets: These are the foundation, giving you those classic, flaky, buttery layers that wrap everything up in a cozy package.
- Deli-sliced ham: Choose a good quality ham for the best savory flavor—a little goes a long way in each bite.
- Cheddar cheese sticks: Using cheese sticks keeps things easy and guarantees a gooey, molten center in every roll.
- Butter, melted: Brushing butter on top helps to achieve that glossy, golden-brown crust while adding rich flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: This classic sauce brings subtle umami and depth, giving your sticks a little extra pop.
- Dijon mustard: Its gentle tang cuts through the richness and brings everything into balance.
- Dried minced onion or onion powder: Either adds a little aromatic sweetness to the coating, enhancing every bite.
- Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds offer that signature appearance and fun texture on top, plus a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Ham and Cheese Sticks won’t stick and makes for a super easy cleanup later. An evenly preheated oven is also the secret to getting that lovely golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent dough sheets onto a clean, flat surface. With a light touch, use a rolling pin to gently spread the dough a bit wider and smoother. This little trick makes it easier to wrap around the ham and cheese, giving you sticks that are perfectly uniform and generous in size.
Step 3: Assemble the Ham and Cheese Sticks
On each section of dough, lay down one to two slices of your favorite ham, then top with a hearty cheddar cheese stick. Next, roll the dough up tightly around the filling, tucking in the edges as you go to keep that cheesy goodness safely inside. You’re aiming for compact, log-shaped rolls, almost like savory pinwheels!
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and onion powder (or dried minced onion), then stir in the poppy seeds. This aromatically rich blend will infuse your Ham and Cheese Sticks with flavor and guarantee that signature bakery look and taste.
Step 5: Coat the Rolls
Place your assembled rolls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, then generously brush each one with the butter mixture. Don’t be shy—a thorough coating means max flavor and that gorgeous glossy finish. A little sprinkle on every nook and cranny makes a world of difference.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and let those Ham and Cheese Sticks bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch through the oven window as the dough rises and turns perfectly golden, while the cheese melts into irresistible pools. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Let Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Ham and Cheese Sticks to cool just slightly—enough to handle but still gooey inside. Slice or serve whole, and enjoy that sigh of satisfaction as you bite through the crisp exterior to reach the molten cheddar center.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sticks
Garnishes
Sprinkle a final flourish of extra poppy seeds or even a dusting of freshly chopped parsley right before serving. It not only perks up the appearance but also adds a little extra flavor dimension. For a touch of elegance, a light drizzle of honey or mustard on the serving platter can be a sweet-savory surprise.
Side Dishes
These Ham and Cheese Sticks pair beautifully with fresh, crisp salads—think arugula with a zippy vinaigrette or a classic coleslaw for contrast. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato salad for a comforting, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun arranging Ham and Cheese Sticks on a big wooden board with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli. For party fun, slice each stick into bite-sized rounds and skewer them with toothpicks. They’re also fantastic stacked in a breadbasket lined with parchment for a rustic, homey touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Ham and Cheese Sticks (a rare feat!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, staying fresh and flavorful for quick snacking or easy lunchbox additions.
Freezing
To freeze, let your Ham and Cheese Sticks cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw and enjoy just the number you need—no waste, and always a tasty treat on hand for busy days!
Reheating
Reheat your Ham and Cheese Sticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7 to 10 minutes; this restores their crispness far better than the microwave. If you’re in a rush, a quick 30-second zap in the microwave will heat them through, but warming in the oven keeps the dough flaky and the cheese perfectly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar sticks?
Absolutely! While cheddar melts beautifully, you can substitute with mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little spicy kick. Try to stick to cheese sticks or block cheese sliced into sticks for tidy, melty results within your Ham and Cheese Sticks.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?
Be sure to tuck in the dough ends tightly and roll each stick with a little overlap at the seams. Pinch any open edges closed before baking, and avoid overfilling with cheese so everything stays snug inside.
Can these be made ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the Ham and Cheese Sticks, leaving the butter coating for just before baking. Cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours in advance, then brush with the melted butter mixture, bake, and serve warm for ultimate crowd-pleasing effect.
Are Ham and Cheese Sticks kid-friendly?
Kids absolutely love these! Since they’re handheld, not too messy, and have melty cheese and mild ham, even picky eaters find them hard to resist. You can go lighter on the mustard in the coating if your little ones are sensitive to tangy flavors.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of dough sheets?
Yes, you can. If using the standard perforated crescent rolls, just press the seams together before rolling flat, and proceed as the recipe directs. The taste will be just as wonderful and flaky!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting, shareable, and altogether scrumptious, you can’t go wrong with a batch of Ham and Cheese Sticks. Whether they’re the star of your next gathering or just a special snack, they’re guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Give them a try, and don’t forget to make extra—they disappear fast!