Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love a delicious, cheesy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up these ham and cheese sticks—they’re a hit at parties, movie nights, or even just as a cozy snack on a quiet evening at home. Plus, they’re super easy to make! All you need is some puff pastry or crescent roll dough, which you can find in your local grocery store, along with a few other simple ingredients. Are you ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this recipe!
Nutritional Benefits
Now, let’s talk about why these little bites are not only tasty but can be a bit wholesome too! The ham provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and energy. Plus, mozzarella cheese adds calcium to your diet, great for those bones and teeth! If you opt for whole wheat pastry dough or even cut down on the cheese, you can make them a bit lighter. This way, you can snack without the guilt!
Fun Adaptations to Try
- Go Veggie!: Want a meatless option? Layer in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini along with the cheese for a delightful twist.
- Cheese Variety: Instead of mozzarella, try using cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a more intense flavor.
- Herbed-Up Version: Spice things up by adding fresh herbs like basil or spinach to the filling for extra freshness.
- Spicy Flair!: If you enjoy a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes inside or add a hot sauce to your dipping sauce.
Easy Ham and Cheese Stick Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry or crescent roll dough (thawed if frozen)
- 6–8 slices of deli ham
- 6–8 slices of mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella cheese sticks cut to size)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional dipping sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps with easy cleanup.
- Roll out the puff pastry or crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. This helps to smooth out any seams and creates a nice even thickness.
- Lay the ham slices evenly over the dough, slightly overlapping them if needed.
- Now, place the mozzarella slices on top of the ham, spreading them evenly.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough with ham and cheese inside into a tight log. Don’t worry if it gets a little messy, that’s all part of the fun!
- Cut the log into sticks, about 4–5 inches long, depending on how large you want them to be.
- Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them slightly apart for even cooking.
- Brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash—you want them to turn golden and beautiful!
- Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs and garlic powder (if using) over the tops. Add a touch of salt and pepper if you like.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While they’re baking, whip up the dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey (or cayenne) in a small bowl. Give it a taste—adjust as needed!
- Once baked, remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Trust me, they’ll be hard to resist!
- Serve warm with your dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy these savory, cheesy delights!
Practical Tips for Success
- For extra crispy sticks, try pre-baking the pastry for about 5 minutes before adding the fillings.
- If you have leftover filling, don’t toss it! You can spread it on crackers for a quick and tasty appetizer.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, gather these handy tools:
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A rolling pin or clean bottle to roll out the dough
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log
- A small bowl for mixing the dipping sauce
- A brush for egg wash or melted butter
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- What other meats can I use? Turkey, chicken, or even salami work great if you’re looking to switch things up!
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them in the oven for best results.
- Can I freeze them before baking? Yes, you can! Just assemble, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What dipping sauces work best? Besides the mayo-Dijon combo, feel free to try marinara sauce, ranch, or even BBQ sauce!
Now that you’ve got this delicious recipe in your kitchen arsenal, I want to know how it turns out! Did you add any special twists? Share your creations with me! Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and fun cooking inspiration that brings joy and flavor to your meals!
