If you’re in the mood for a quick and easy snack or appetizer, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are the perfect choice. With flaky crescent dough, savory deli ham, and gooey cheddar cheese, this recipe brings together the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a snack for a party or as a fun meal for the family, these cheesy, ham-filled sticks are sure to disappear fast!

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Comforting

The combination of warm, melty cheddar cheese and salty ham, all wrapped up in buttery, flaky crescent dough, makes for a perfectly comforting snack. A slight tang from Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor, while the poppy seeds give a subtle crunch and unique twist.

Perfect for Gatherings

These Ham and Cheese Sticks are great for parties, game days, or as an appetizer to serve at dinner gatherings. They are easy to make, portable, and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Their golden-brown crust and gooey cheese filling are bound to impress guests and satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Quick and Simple

This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes of baking time. It’s a great last-minute snack or an easy meal that looks and tastes much more complicated than it actually is.

Ingredients & Substitutions

2 tubes crescent dough sheets: This dough is key for creating the flaky, golden crust. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture.
1 lb ham, deli-sliced: Use thinly sliced deli ham for easy rolling. You could also swap for turkey or chicken slices if you prefer.
8 cheddar cheese sticks: These cheese sticks create gooey pockets of melted cheese. If you don’t have cheese sticks, you can use slices of cheddar or any melty cheese like mozzarella or gouda.
1/4 cup butter, melted: Butter adds richness to the crust and helps with browning. You can use olive oil or a butter substitute if needed.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: This adds a savory, umami flavor to the butter mixture. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce as an alternative.
1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy kick to the butter sauce. Yellow mustard works as a substitute if needed.
1/2 tbsp onion, dried minced or onion powder: For extra flavor. You can use fresh onion or garlic powder for a different taste.
1/2 tbsp poppy seeds: These give a slight crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Sesame seeds or flaxseeds can be used as alternatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the dough.
Prepare the crescent dough: Roll out the crescent dough sheets and cut each one into 4 pieces, making 8 pieces in total.
Assemble the sticks: Place a slice of ham evenly on each piece of dough, then top with a cheddar cheese stick. Fold in the ends of the dough and roll it up to seal the bottom.
Prepare the baking sheet: Place the assembled sticks on a greased foil or parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly.
Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
Brush the butter mixture: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the top of each rolled-up stick.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the sticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove the Ham and Cheese Sticks from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. These are perfect with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, mustard, or marinara.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sticks

These savory sticks are best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and melty. You can serve them as an appetizer at a gathering, alongside a salad for a light meal, or as a snack during movie nights. They’re also delicious dipped in your favorite sauces—try ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a bit of hot sauce for some extra kick.

How to Store Ham and Cheese Sticks

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, though the crust won’t be as crispy.

Pro Tips from the Chef

Use room-temperature butter: Let your butter melt slowly so it’s warm but not too hot when brushing it on the dough. This ensures it evenly coats the sticks without making the dough soggy.
Don’t overfill: Make sure the cheese stick is completely covered by the dough to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking.
Top with extra seasoning: For an added flavor boost, sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top of the buttered sticks before baking.
Try different cheese: Experiment with different cheese flavors like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to mix up the flavor profile.
Freeze for later: Make a big batch and freeze the unbaked sticks. When you’re ready to eat them, just bake from frozen at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace the ham with vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the butter mixture to give these sticks a spicy kick.
Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar sticks for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you like that melts well.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can use puff pastry or phyllo dough as an alternative. Puff pastry will give the sticks a flakier texture, while phyllo dough will result in a more delicate and crispy texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the Ham and Cheese Sticks ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then bake them just before serving. They can also be assembled, frozen, and baked later for convenience.

Can I use a different protein instead of ham?
Absolutely! You can substitute ham with turkey, chicken, or even pepperoni for a different twist.

Conclusion

These Ham and Cheese Sticks are a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. With their buttery, golden crust and gooey cheese center, they’re sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a quick meal, or packing them for lunch, these savory sticks are always a hit. So go ahead and try them out—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious they are!