These Ham and Cheese Sticks are the ultimate comfort food turned crowd-pleasing appetizer! Made with flaky crescent dough, gooey cheddar, and savory sliced ham, this easy cheese sticks recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick snack. Each stick is brushed with a flavorful butter glaze featuring Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving them with dipping sauces or enjoying them straight from the oven, these cheese sticks deliver big on flavor. Quick to prep, freezer-friendly, and always a hit—this ham and cheese snack will become your new go-to for delicious appetizers!
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe
The Ham and Cheese Sticks are a delightful appetizer that combines simple ingredients into a crave-worthy snack. Here’s why this recipe will become a go-to for your gatherings:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flaky dough, melty cheese, and savory ham makes these appetizers a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Use your favorite cheese or ham varieties to customize this appetizer to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and freeze these Ham and Cheese Sticks for a convenient, ready-to-bake snack.
- Perfect for Dipping: Serve with marinara, honey mustard, or ranch for an extra layer of flavor in these appetizers.
Ingredients That Make These Ham and Cheese Sticks Shine
Each component plays a role in making this recipe foolproof and flavorful:
- Crescent roll dough – Provides a flaky, golden crust that wraps perfectly around the filling.
- Deli ham slices – Choose high-quality ham for the best texture and taste. Thick-sliced is ideal.
- Cheese sticks – Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or Swiss all work beautifully. Go for full-fat for the best melt.
- Butter glaze – A savory mix of butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds takes these over the top.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll your crescent dough onto a clean surface and press together the perforations to create rectangular sheets.
2. Add the Filling
Place a slice of ham across each dough rectangle. Lay a cheese stick at one end of the ham slice.
3. Roll It Up
Start rolling from the cheese end, wrapping the ham and dough around it. Pinch the edges to seal tightly and keep the cheese from leaking out during baking.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out for even baking.
5. Brush with Flavor
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Generously brush each roll with the mixture.
6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Keep Dough Cold: Work with cold crescent dough to ensure a flaky, crisp texture in your Recipe.
- Seal Tightly: Pinch the seams firmly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Freeze Cheese Sticks: Chill cheese sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes before assembly to minimize melting in this appetizer.
- Egg Wash Option: Brush with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking for an extra glossy finish on your recipe
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sticks rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the cheese and avoid burns.
Creative Variations for Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile in this appetizer.
- Prosciutto Twist: Replace deli ham with prosciutto for an elegant, salty upgrade to your recipe.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the butter glaze for a fragrant appetizer.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes into the glaze for a spicy Ham and Cheese Sticks variation.
- Veggie Boost: Add a thin slice of roasted red pepper or spinach inside the roll for extra flavor and color.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are versatile appetizers that shine at any event. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve warm with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, honey mustard, or ranch for a customizable appetizer experience.
- Pair with a fresh vegetable tray, fruit platter, or light garden salad for a balanced party spread.
- Offer at game day parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers alongside sliders or wings.
- Complement with a refreshing drink like a cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors of these Ham and Cheese Sticks.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze unbaked sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and freeze them. Bake straight from frozen when needed.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but Swiss, gouda, or provolone also work great.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry gives a flakier, buttery texture. Keep it chilled for best results.
Q: What can I serve with these?
Perfect with marinara, ranch, mustard dips, or as part of a larger appetizer spread.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
- Cheesy Taco Sticks – The Ultimate Appetizer
- Deviled Eggs – The Ultimate Easter Appetizer
- Caprese Skewers – A Simple Appetizer Everyone Will Love
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack fix, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are the savory, cheesy answer. Easy to prep, endlessly versatile, and always a hit, they’re the kind of appetizer that keeps people asking for the recipe. Give them a try and don’t be surprised if they steal the show at your next gathering!
Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
Dough and Fillings
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
- 1 pound deli-sliced ham
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks
Glaze
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
- ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll your crescent dough onto a clean surface and press together the perforations to create rectangular sheets.
- Add the Filling: Place a slice of ham across each dough rectangle. Lay a cheese stick at one end of the ham slice.
- Roll It Up: Start rolling from the cheese end, wrapping the ham and dough around it. Pinch the edges to seal tightly and keep the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out for even baking.
- Brush with Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Generously brush each roll with the mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Keep Dough Cold: Work with cold crescent dough to ensure a flaky, crisp texture in your Ham and Cheese Sticks.
- Seal Tightly: Pinch the seams firmly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Freeze Cheese Sticks: Chill cheese sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes before assembly to minimize melting in this appetizer.
- Egg Wash Option: Brush with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking for an extra glossy finish on your Ham and Cheese Sticks.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sticks rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the cheese and avoid burns.
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